Body Friendly

Using a liquid preparation, such as lotion, is pretty much mandatory for us humans. It is typically used to soften and moisturize our skin, or it may be used for purposes intended to help soothe an annoying itch from a possible skin condition or allergy. Unfortunately, like many other products we use on a daily basis, lotion has its flaws:

- Aluminum starch (which contains contaminants such as: arsenic, lead and heavy metals)

- Methylparaben (which has been linked as a cause of cancer)

These are just a couple of the most dangerous ingredients found in common lotions.

So how do you avoid purchasing a lotion that doesn't have a toxic ingredients list? Well, there are many natural lotions that don't contain those pesky parabens or other hazardous ingredients.

Here are 5 natural lotions that are free of chemicals known to do damage to our bodies. They may be a little bit more expensive than say, the average drugstore lotion, but what would you rather do? Shell out a couple more dollars for a safe body lotion or damage your health by slathering on a cheap lotion with equally cheap (and deadly) ingredients?

1. Anti-Body's Fairtrade Certified Lavender Moisturizer, $9.95, is an all natural fairtrade moisturizer that supports a good cause and keeps your skin soft and nourished with West-African shea butter and a lavender scent.

2. Kiss My Face Organic Moisturizer - Filthy Rich, $10.95, great for dry skin and is rich in Marshmallow, Organic Cocoa Butter, and Sunflower Oil which aids in soothing and normalizing dry skin.

3. Canus Goat's Milk Moisturizing Lotion (above), $15, for 33 oz of this super moisturizing lotion that uses fresh goat's milk to calm all skin types $15 is quite a steal.

4. Dani Organic Lotion, $14, created using a custom blend of five pure vegetable oils it hydrates like no other and comes in 6 delicious scents.

5. Burt's Bees Body Moisturizers, $10 each, Burt's Bees might be known for their lip balm but their lotions are equally as good.