RIW -- A whitening alternative to bleach

Awhile back, ecoSTORE USA sent me two products to review. The first was a Honey and Almond shampoo which I loved. I loved it so much that I strayed from my no poo routine for the summer.

The second product was their Pure Oxygen Whitener, a safe alternative to bleach. It is made from mineral salts and plant-based ingredients derived from citrus and coconut. Sounds good already, right? The purpose of this enzyme-free product is to whiten whites and brighten colors without any harsh chemicals. After dissolving in water, it releases pure oxygen which goes to work eliminating stains without doing any damage to the color or strength of fabrics. Of course, the same cannot be said about chlorine bleach!

With ecoSTORE USA's Pure Oxygen Whitener, there are NO NASTY CHEMICALS! Just this bunch of eco-friendly ingredients: Carbonates (simple mineral salts), Sodium percarbonate (oxygen producing whitener), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Citrates (from citrus), Highly biodegradable surfactant, Natural citrus oil.

Of course, something can look good on the label, but be a total disappointment once it's put to use. So what are my thoughts on this product, and would I buy it?

For the most part, I really like the whitener. I experimented the first time I used it by washing one white bath towel and then hanging it up beside another white bath towel. The difference was noticeable. Since then, I've used it numerous times with my whites and some light colored laundry. The power dissolves easily in the washer. While my husband doesn't seem to see any difference in the laundry since using this product, I continue to see one. It's not dramatic, but it is enough to make me want to continue to use it. At only $7.95 for a 35 oz. container, I think it is a good deal.

When discussing it with my husband today, he did suggest that the product might be more effective if we actually followed the directions to allow the clothing to soak overnight, rather than running the load all the way through. I am sure he's right.

For me, the bottom line is how environmentally-friendly a product is, provided it works. I think the Pure Oxygen Whitener works well enough to give it my two green thumbs up. Indeed, it is not as effective as chlorine bleach, but using it is not going to fill your lungs with toxins! Pretty sure that makes it worth it. Don't you think?

Reviewing it for you,

Hana

Review it Wednesday -- spoken into the blogisphere

Last week, I offered my take on a vegan shampoo and conditioner I wasn't overly fond of. I mentioned that I prefer shampoos with honey in them. Well, be careful what you speak into the blogisphere! Guess what I'm reviewing today? A sulfate free shampoo that contains honey! I'm so happy!

ecoSTORE USA sent me this wonderful Honey and Almond Shampoo to review (at no charge to me). So, while I was already off my no pooing routine, I readily embraced the opportunity. This time, when I hopped into the shower, I had a totally different experience than what I described last week, starting with the delightful fragrance of honey and almond (one of my favorites). I also liked the consistency of the shampoo and the ease with which I was able to work it into my hair. Let me tell you, I was a happy camper! The shampoo rinsed out easily, and I was able to comb through my wet hair without using a conditioner or creme rinse. The end result? Shiny hair with more volume than I've had in a long time. I've used the shampoo 5 times now, and the result is always the same. And there is no flaky residue left behind.

One of the things about this review is something you don't always see. Often, the products I review have a somewhat hefty price tag. They're organic, after all, and tend to be costlier than your run-of-the-mill products on the store shelves. However, the shampoos sold by ecoSTORE USA are reasonably priced! A 13.5 oz. bottle costs just $6.50 (Introductory price)! If that's not enough incentive to buy a bottle or two, consider this:

• 3 in 1 -- the shampoos and conditioners are moisturizing, volumizing and color safe
• they are plant and mineral-based with select natural oils
• they are designed to gently cleanse, soften and replenish your hair without removing its natural protective oils
• sulfate free
• paraben free
• 1,4 dioxane free
• NO artificial dyes
• NO artificial fragrances
• Available in Cucumber, Pear, and (I'm ecstatic) Honey and Almond

NO NASTY CHEMICALS!

Am I happy with the ecoSTORE USA Honey and Almond Shampoo? No. I'm thrilled  with it. If I'm going to use shampoo, this is the one I'd reach for. 

However, I am a pretty diehard no pooing fan. Where does that leave me? For now, I'm going to use this shampoo. Knowing it's safe for me and for the environment, I figure I have nothing to lose. Plus, since I didn't pay for it, for now it's even cheaper than no pooing. There are some things I miss about my no pooing experience, though. For one thing, my hair dries much quicker when I no poo. Secondly, I don't have to wash my hair as frequently when I'm using baking soda and vinegar. 

But, like I said, for now, I'll stick to this shampoo. My hair feels and looks healthy and I'm happy about that.

Visit the ecoSTORE USA website to check out their hair care products and more ... and keep watching for another review about one of their products, as they were generous enough to send me an additional product. I just need a little bit more time to evaluate that one.

Reviewing it for you,

Hana