Environmental Toxins

Mascara is often filled with harmful chemicals, such as parabens, and potential carcinogens such as petroleum and tar. These toxic ingredients have adverse effects on not only your eyelashes, but also your overall health (studies have linked these chemicals to cancer and birth defects). In mascara, these chemicals can also have negative beauty effects by hindering lash growth and causing lashes to fall out!

Fortunately, using these toxins aren’t necessary to achieve the beauty results you want. At Nine Naturals, we only believe in using all-natural and organic ingredients, instead of harmful chemicals, to enhance your natural beauty and our new addition to the Covet Shop--Honeybee Gardens' Truly Natural Mascara--is no exception. Here are some of the all-natural and non-toxic ingredients that make this mascara a moisturizing, nourishing, and water-resistant must-have in your makeup routine!

SAW PALMETTO: The oil obtained by cold extraction of Saw Palmetto berries is used to promote hair growth. In Truly Natural Mascara, this ingredient nourishes eyelashes while helping them grow long and lusciously, giving you naturally mesmerizing lashes!

CARNAUBA WAX: Almost completely exclusive to Brazil, the oil extracted from Carnauba Palm leaves is dried into a wax that is used in the Truly Natural Mascara. It is a natural thickener that doesn't clog pores, ensuring a smooth application for silky lashes. But it gets better! This mascara also softens lashes at the same time, leaving your eyelashes voluminous and clump-free!

AVOCADO BUTTER: Rich in vitamins, proteins, and fats, avocado butter is the perfect ingredient for natural mascara. This holy grail moisturizer is high in powerful antioxidants that not only hydrate lashes but also keeps them soft even after makeup removal. That’s why we also put avocado oil in our Nine Naturals Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash.

In the case of Honeybee Gardens’ Truly Natural Mascara, quality is not sacrificed for purity. All-natural cosmetics not only keep your body healthier for you and your baby, they also effectively nourish lashes to help you look your best before, during, and after application. So embrace it--all-day silky eyelashes with natural volume and length!

When it comes to product choices, sudsing up is serious business. Your skin is a wonderful and protective barrier for your body, keeping germs and other harmful substances out. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals hidden in soaps and shampoos can be easily absorbed by the skin and, from there, make their way into your bloodstream. Knowing which ingredients to avoid in the shower will help keep you healthy and clean, inside and out. Here are our top offenders:

Avoid: Sulfates

Why: Most commonly appearing as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate, these synthetic detergents show up in everything from foaming soaps and shampoos to toothpaste and make-up. Sulfates are skin membrane irritants; they dry out impair the natural protective qualities of skin and hair. They also commonly combine with other ingredients to produce carcinogenic and nervous-system-disrupting by-products. Luckily for us, though, these little nasties are totally unnecessary when it comes to getting clean.

Avoid: Parabens

Why: Used in everything from all shower products, cosmetics, shaving creams to deodorants, parabens are man-made preservatives used in products to prevent the growth of molds, bacteria and yeasts. They mimic estrogens in the body and have been linked with breast and skin cancers.

Avoid: Phthalates

Why: These chemicals are found in hundreds of products, including plastics, cosmetics and personal care products. They’ve been linked with cancer and reproductive problems, and may be especially dangerous to babies and young children, whose are more sensitive to chemicals.

Avoid: Fragrance

Why: On an ingredient list, “fragrance” most often means some combination of synthetic, carcinogenic, hormone-disrupting chemicals you definitely do not want in your system. Because they aren’t individually listed on labels, they fly under the radar, but are nonetheless present in almost all shampoos, deodorants, skin creams, and other personal care products.

What’s a Mom to Do? We know you love your shower time. Lucky for you, all Nine Naturals’ products -- from luxurious shampoos to body butters to deodorants and more -- are free of the above-listed toxins and pregnancy-safe!

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At Nine Naturals, we believe that not only is it important to use sunscreen year round, but it's also important to make sure that you are using the right sunscreen that's all natural and safe for you and your family. We couldn't be more excited to have our Natural Sunscreen SPF 32 receive the highest safety rating by the Environmental Working Group's Sunscreen Guide! Check out Nine Naturals on EWG's website and read more about how to stay safe in the sun.

Whether you’re a mom-to-be or a mom of three, keeping your home free of harmful chemicals is a top priority. Even if you’ve switched to organic produce, natural cleaning products, and BPA-free plastics, there could be toxins hiding in unexpected places. Don’t worry, Nine Naturals is here to help you keep your family happy and healthy. We’ve compiled a list of things to watch out for next time you’re at the store. Be sure to read labels closely, and keep an eye out for these ingredients.

Sulfates In Toothpaste: You may have heard of sulfates in your shampoo, but did you know sulfates can also be found in your toothpaste? Sulfates, such as Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are the ingredients that cause toothpaste to foam while you brush. They may reduce the amount of fluoride absorbed into tooth enamel, not to mention, they are carcinogenic, and have been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental concerns, and seriously pollute the environment. Opt for sulfate-free toothpaste, like Tom's Clean & Gentle Toothpaste and brush easy!

Flame Retardants In Furniture: In theory, flame-retardants are meant delay the production of flames. Until the 1970s, TDCPP was the primary chemical used as a flame retardant in children’s clothing. While TDCPP can no longer be used in clothing, it is currently used in a variety of goods, including household furniture and children’s cribs. Several studies suggest that TDCPP may be carcinogenic, as well as a disruptor of early development. Review product labels carefully before purchasing products known to contain flame retardants. If you are unsure, reach out to the brand directly!

Triclosan In Soap: We use antibacterial soaps, gels and wipes multiple times of day, especially during the winter. However, triclosan, an ingredient added to many soaps to prevent bacteria, may be harmful. Exposure to this synthetic pesticide has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and other health problems. Switch to a regular or all-natural soap, like Nine Naturals Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash and make sure to wash as often as possible. When washing your hands, 20 seconds of scrubbing is the most effective way to keep you and your family healthy!

Parabens In Food: Before you indulge in that Sunday morning pancake breakfast or reach for that snack bar, take a closer look at the ingredients! Certain foods such as maple syrups, soft drinks, and frozen dairy products may contain parabens, which are synthetic, chemical preservatives used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in products. You can locate them in the ingredient list, sneakily labeled under one of the following names: methyl-, ethyl-, and propyl-parabens. Studies have shown that parabens are hormone disruptors. They behave like estrogen in the body, thus, interfering with normal hormone functions, which can lead to developmental and reproductive complications. Reading labels carefully in the supermarket is the easiest way to eliminate parabens from your pantry.

Parabens In Sunscreen: Speaking of parabens, don’t forget to look for them in your sun protection! While lathering up and protecting everyone from UVA/UVB rays is important, you should be using a natural sunscreen. However, not all sunscreens labeled “natural” or “free” are paraben-free. Navigate the complicated ingredient list by referring to the Environmental Working Group’s guide to sunscreen. The site grades the best and worst options available and provides an simple breakdown of all the ingredients listed. Try Nine Naturals SPF 32 Natural Sunscreen for a paraben-free option, fortified with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. For more information on how to stay safe in the sun, check out Nine Naturals Busting Sunscreen Myths: Staying Safe Under UV Rays.

Navigating a market full of toxins can be challenging and we need to take extra care to eliminate any harmful chemicals in our homes, but in the long run, it will keep everyone feeling their very best.

When pregnant, there are so many lifestyle changes you have to make in order to avoid toxins. Luckily, giving up your weekly mani-pedi isn’t one of them! We have the hottest Spring 2015 nail trends that you can try out with our favorite 7-free, safe-for-pregnancy polish Trust Fund Beauty!

CLASSIC CRIMSON: Nothing says sassy and in-charge like a classic bold red! Try the trend with this pregnancy-safe Trust Fund Beauty Shade: Rich Bitch

BLUSHED PINK: When you’re feeling feminine and flirty...or just found out you’re having a baby girl! Try the trend with this pregnancy-safe Trust Fund Beauty Shade: Money Buys Happiness

LILAC: We are loving this one! When you’re feeling trendy but classy, Lilac is the way to go! Try the trend with this pregnancy-safe Trust Fund Beauty Shade: Put A Ring On It

POWDERED BLUE: Just found out you're having a baby boy? Or just can't get enough of pastels? Powdered Blue is the perfect way to play with cool, soft colors this season! Try the trend with this pregnancy-safe Trust Fund Beauty Shade: What's A Budget

RED HOT PINK: Just like Classic Crimson, Red Hot Pink makes a fabulous statement for power mamas! Try the trend with this pregnancy-safe Trust Fund Beauty Shade: Career Socialite

DON'T FORGET: The most important part of a mani-pedi is using pregnancy-safe base coat and top coat to keep your nails looking gorgeous for much longer!

Finding nursing bras that make breastfeeding easy and don't compromise on comfort can feel impossible to find, but Au Lait has you covered! We sat down with Au Lait founder Emily Hsu and discussed the inspiration behind her line of unique nursing wear. The Au Lait line provides privacy, comfort and support through design and materials that are safe for you and your baby – which is why we’re so excited to have them as our newest addition to The Covet Shop!

1) What inspired you to start Au Lait?

I had a really hard time trying to sustain my breastfeeding efforts while traveling for work. I was not comfortable with exposing myself especially while I was on business flights and conferences. Au Lait's styles are made for the nursing mothers on the go, while providing 360 degrees of privacy.

2) How are your clothes different from other nursingwear brands?

Au Lait combines timeless style with a focus on fabric and feeding technology so that breastfeeding moms are not restricted to nursing tops that are overly casual.

3) Tell us more about the nursing bra. How did you design it? Why is it special?

I suffered from repeated bouts of mastitis while I was breastfeeding Avery. The doctor told me to not wear a nursing bra to help prevent future occurrences but as any nursing mom knows, not wearing a bra is not really an option unless I just stayed home all day and even then, I wouldn't want to be in a wet shirt all day!

So while designing a new nursing bra, I had two goals in mind. I need a bra that grew and shrank with me throughout the day (and especially nights) and also, a bottom band that provided support but did not "pinch" my milk ducts as my doctor told me was one of the possible causes of mastitis.

Our Seamless Lounge Nursing Bra utilizes an ultra fine spandex spun just for our bottom band so that it sits against your rib cage but does not restrict or roll. The bra has a crossover design on both the front and back so it truly expands and shrinks with your every change.

I added special pockets to hold removable cups because I personally can use the shaping help and also, I was so sick of dropping and picking up my reusable nursing pad everywhere. So you can tuck your reusable nursing pads into the special pockets to keep them in place as you go about your day with your little one.

4) You don't have a white bra. What is the reasoning behind your color selections?

The process of making a garment white involves both bleaching and the application of optical whiteners. Synthetic fabrics that are widely popular these days due to their more technical nature (good stretch, and wicking) requires 2 processes in order to achieve a true white. The kind of white that I know your brand new baby reminds you of: pure, untainted, cloud-like cleanliness.

Due to the fact that reductive bleaching and optical whiteners both use fluorescents to achieve the clean white that we so love, I had to make the call and err on the side of caution as I slept in my nursing bras.

In fact, except for when I was showering, I lived in my nursing bras 24/7 for as long as I nursed Avery. I am sure that 99% of the chemical traces are washed off eventually and I know even our laundry detergents have traces of fluorescents in it to make "our whites white and our brights brighter!"

However, I had to think about the tired, desperate, first-time mom with aching boobs, who just wants to pull on the bra right out of the package. I have to think about her and what is best for her and her baby.

5) What's your favorite Nine Naturals product?

I have been using the Natural Pregnancy Belly Oil religiously since its launch! It is so luxurious and easy to spread around my belly. I use it twice a day and I haven't gotten the belly itches yet and I'm due this week!

Born into a family dedicated to designing and creating the highest end performance textile products, Emily H. has spent over a decade in crafting fit, design, and production for the performance sports industry and working with the world's most innovative brands in textiles and garment construction technology.

While breastfeeding her daughter Avery, Emily was constantly frustrated and shocked at the lack of clothing options for breastfeeding women. Although comfort is very important, it should not be a hindrance to pursuing style and functionality. Utilizing her knowledge in fabrics and garment construction, Emily decided to solve the two biggest issues with nursing and breastfeeding tops: privacy for the nursing mother and designs that avoid the drab look that nursing tops feature today.

We are so excited to introduce Trust Fund Beauty as our first curated addition to The Covet Shop. We sat down with the founder of TFB, Samara Granofsky and learned what inspired her to create a high-quality line of fun nail polishes that are safe for you and those you love. With Trust Fund Beauty, you can look fabulous without compromising your health.

1) What inspired you to start TFB?

My mother was going through chemotherapy and wanted a safe, non-toxic nail polish. The non-toxic nail polishes she found had limited colors and weren't fun or didn't have cool names. Inspired by my mother, years later I put her want and our joint sense of humor into creating Trust Fund Beauty, a luxury line of high-end, collection-themed, toxin free polishes.

2) We (and I'm sure other women as well!) love the playful nature of the names of your polishes. What inspired these names?

The names were inspired by my life and the pop culture we all live in. Every name has a meaning behind it - for example, the story behind the Rich Bitch nail polish is "Self-explanatory. You get what you want, because you can. And you do it with style."

3) What are the chemicals you want to avoid in nail polishes? Why are they harmful?

We formulate our nail polishes in accordance to FDA regulations and David Sazuki Foundation guidelines, in order to eliminate the chemicals that are deemed toxic while still producing a quick drying, durable and long wearing polish (thank you science!).

4) Tell us more about TFB formulations. What makes them unique to other brands?

Our nail polishes are actually 7-free (meaning free of parabens, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, xylene, camphor, formaldehyde and resin), but we do not use it in our marketing because the term hasn't caught on just yet. The polishes are still quick drying, long wearing and super pigmented. It just goes to show that you don't need chemicals to have a great product!

The polishes are also cruelty free to both humans and animals (no part of our product is made in a country with questionable human rights records or labor laws).

5) What's your favorite/go-to TFB nail color?

It depends on my mood, but I love Rich Bitch. For me, it's the perfect red! And sometimes I break a nail and have to file the rest down short to match and it also looks good on both long and short nails.

As a lover of the finest things life has to offer, Samara Granofsky created Trust Fund Beauty out of a desire to bring out the rich bitch in everyone. A skilled shopper who never denies herself the pleasure of “one in every colour”, Samara is a self-proclaimed polish addict so the idea to start a 7-free luxury line of high-end, collection-themed polishes was a no-brainer!

The Covet Shop is a curated collection of beauty and lifestyle products to help you discover the brands we Love + Trust + Covet.

You may have heard that it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even in the winter... but is this really true? In a word: Yes!

Ultraviolet, or UV, rays from the sun damage your skin year-round, accelerating the aging process, harming the immune system and causing cellular damage that can lead to scary things like skin cancer. And believe it or not, the winter months, when the ozone is at its thinnest and the Earth -- contrary to popular belief -- is actually closer to the sun, are some of the year’s worst offenders. Factor in reflective glare from snow and ice, and your skin is up against a serious seasonal challenge. Even gray days don’t let you off the hook; 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays make their way through clouds, so although you might not need your summertime shades, you definitely do still need to wear sunscreen.

Unfortunately, most common sunscreens contain harmful ingredients like oxybenxone and avovenzone. They’re hard to pronounce... and even harder on your body. These toxic substances can cause allergic skin reactions, disrupt hormone balances, and even release free radicals (that’s right -- cancer-causing molecules) when exposed to UV rays. What’s worse, these toxins penetrate the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream, thereby negatively affecting the entire body. For this reason, it’s important for everyone, but especially pregnant women, to avoid these harmful chemicals, especially in products that are intended to be protective.

So what’s a mama-to-be to do? Here’s the good news: Nine Naturals Natural Sunscreen SPF 32 contains just eight natural, luxurious ingredients. They’re all perfectly easy to pronounce, and, more importantly, they’ll protect -- and nourish -- your skin, keeping you (and your baby!) protected on the daily.

• Non-Nano Zinc Oxide offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
• Vitamin E works as an antioxidant while conditioning skin.
• Jojoba Seed Oil and creamy Shea Butter keep skin moist and healthy, so its natural protective properties can function at their best.

And because our sunscreen is sulfate-, paraben-, phthalate-, BPA-, triclosan-, DEA-, and petrochemical-free, with no artificial chemicals, dyes or synthetic fragrances, it’s a worry-free winner for every member of the family. So get on out there, mama, and enjoy that winter sun.

A new year has begun! We turn over a new leaf and welcome another opportunity to break old habits and make real improvements in our lives. Many of us spent 2014 contemplating the switch to a green lifestyle, but didn't know the best way to start.

Our list of 2015 green resolution tips will help you get started! Follow one, two, or all of our tips, and you'll notice a great change in the New Year.

1. Rely on Nine Naturals for a beautifully clean 2015! We are proud to carry all-natural, plant-based products that designed to help pregnant women feel beautiful without compromise. Every Nine Naturals product, from our rich Moisturizing Body Cream to our Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, will spoil you and keep you, your baby and our environment safe. Check out our luxurious line today!
2. Opt for chemical-free cleaning products. Did you know that using traditional cleaning chemicals can create indoor air that is two to three times more polluted than the air outside? In 2014, many organizations around the country, including the state of California, began pushing for regulation on chemicals in common household products. Find a list of eco-friendly cleaning alternatives (some of them right in your kitchen cabinet) in our Greening Your “Clean” Routine article.
3. Get in on the green nursery trend. In 2015, expect a boom in the number of new parents considering a green sanctuary for their newborn. But as our popular article makes clear, green nurseries are much more than a trend. From the mattress to the crib to the cleaning products to the air filter, they provide an excellent way to secure a baby's health during her important formative years.
4. Vow to steer clear of chemicals at the hair salon. Chemical-heavy treatments like hair dyeing and chemical straightening can expose you to damaging chemicals and even carcinogens. We've published several articles on great alternatives to these harsh treatments.
5. Line-dry your laundry. Take advantage of sunny days to let the heat dry your clothes naturally, which can seriously save on both energy and money. Find more tips on greening your laundry with our blogpost here.
6. Don't let product labels intimidate you! At first glance, they're just so darn difficult to read. But toxic chemicals are a reality in any number of commonly used household and cosmetic products and it's crucial to arm yourself with the knowledge to avoid them. Trust us - you can become a fast expert on deciphering an ingredient list! Check out How to Read a Label to get you started!
7. Eat organic whenever possible. This resolution can significantly reduce how much you expose your body to harmful chemicals and pesticides through what you eat. But you don't always have to make the organic choice. The Dirty Dozen are the foods you should always eat organic (like apples and peaches), while the Clean Fifteen (eggplant, kiwi) are fine to eat conventionally. The Environmental Working Group provides a handy list for both.
8. Ditch the plastic water bottles. This might be the hardest resolution to keep, since plastic bottles are so convenient and widespread. But these bottles often harbor harmful chemicals like bisphenol-A and phthalates and are an albatross on global environmental health.
9. Instead, choose stainless steel and glass over plastic. These materials do not include the toxic chemicals that plastic containers can. Have no choice but to use plastic, though? Remember this rhyme for your safety: "4, 5, and 2 -- all the rest are bad for you!"
10. Increase your environmental shopping consciousness. Lastly, do what you can to augment your mindfulness of Mother Earth whenever you shop. Examples of how to do it: buy in bulk, and choose the farmer's market over the grocery store. Bone up on the many ways you can be a greener shopper with the help of our Green Tip article.

Naturally thick, lustrous locks are one of pregnancy’s best perks! Get the most out of your fabulous pregnancy hair by cleaning it properly. Here’s how:

• Start With Warm Water: Wet hair thoroughly with warm -- not hot -- water. Hot water can dry hair out and will make it more susceptible to breakage.

• Choose An All-Natural Shampoo: Avoiding toxins in personal care products is always important, but it becomes especially crucial during pregnancy, when chemicals can potentially harm your growing baby. Nine Naturals’ Citrus + Mint Nourishing Shampoo is not only plant-based, it also smells divine. You’ll enjoy the uplifting, all-natural scents of lemon, lime and peppermint while organic jojoba seed oil and shea butter boost shine and lock in moisture, and Vitamin B5 strengthens strands, keeping split ends at bay. Our formula is gentle enough for all hair types, and, most importantly, safe for everyday use before, during and after pregnancy.

• Think Quarter-Sized. Chances are you’ve been using too much shampoo. You want to get your hair clean, removing excess dirt, oil and everyday pollutants, without stripping all of its natural lipids and oils, which help to protect hair from environmental damage and dryness. Use about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo, and you’ll be right in that sweet spot.

• Go gently. You don’t have to get all karate-kid on your locks; lathering too aggressively can damage its strands. Instead, spread the shampoo (remember, just a quarter-sized dallop!) between your hands and then gently massage your scalp. Next, run your hands down the length of your hair, gently and evenly distributing the remaining shampoo over its strands.

• Rinse. (And Keep Rinsing.): Rinse with warm water for at least one minute.

• Finish With Conditioner: Simply squeeze excess water out of your hair, and then smooth conditioner evenly over the length of your locks. Leave it in for at least one minute before rinsing thoroughly with warm water. As with your shampoo, remember to use an all-natural conditioner. Our Citrus + Mint Nourishing Conditioner perfectly complements our Citrus + Mint Nourishing shampoo. Organic sweet almond oil and shea butter stimulate hair growth and leave locks smooth and full of natural shine, while flax seed oil and vitamin B5 strengthen hair so it can hold up to the changes it’ll undergo during pregnancy. Lightweight enough for everyday use, it’s also toxin-free and safe for mamas (as well as for babies-on-board).

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