I cringe how I used to be. I went through a "natural" phase. I used Dr. Bronner's head to toe and only moisturized with coconut oil 😂 my skin was screaming for help.
Same! I was even washing my hair with bronners. Ugh. I was in bad shape, and I couldn't understand why my skin and hair were so bad! After all, I was being "natural"
Dr. Bonner's is a wonderful household cleaner. A few small squirts in a spray bottle of water and you're good to go. However, I would not use it on my skin. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Dr. Dray.
Good idea, I bought a large bottle of it at Marshall's and it dried our skin out so badly I had to take it out of the bathroom. My daughter even complained about it as a hand wash. I guess I can use it to clean the toilet!
Rachael Beach, that is exactly my sentiment as well. My household cleaning is mostly baking soda, white vinegar, and Dr. Bronner's (not all in the same application). However, I would never use Bronner's on my skin, and when I clean, I use gloves because Bronner's and other cleaners dry my hands out.
Dr Dray what on earth would we ever do without your knowledge and wisdom! Thank-you so much for caring enough to spend your time to educate all of us. I for one am so grateful!!
I suspect mine is an unpopular opinion as so many people seem to love it, but I really dislike Castile soap. The single time I tried Dr bronners years ago, I found it to be horrendously drying-on the verge of irritation-and I’ve not used it again since then. That was enough for me. It’s so stripping in my opinion.
Me too! I thought it was just me. I watched so many vloggers sing praises of Dr bronners for facial and hair wash.... It just left my face so painfully dry and my hair sticky (the strands literally stuck together). The soap does make a good makeup sponge and brush cleaner though
Dr Bronners does have an unscented version that I have been using and find it to be quite pleasant on my sensitive dry skin. I only use it a couple of times a week and moisturize with coconut oil. Works for me!
Essential oils used neat are to be used with caution and not directly on the skin. I have been a soap maker for 18 years. Different oils like Olive, Coconut, Palm, Almond, etc. all have different properties that they lend to the finished product. Potassium hydroxide is for liquid soaps whereas sodium hydroxide is generally for bar soap. If someone makes their soap with just enough oils to produce the finished product, it will likely make your skin have that tight feeling after your shower or bath. If the maker "Superfats" their soap, it means there is leftover oil after the saponification and leaves the skin feeling moist rather than prunish. Especially if you use the oils that don't dry out the skin. Coconut adds lots of little bubbles but it can be drying to the skin. Castor oil can be added to give the soap large bubbles and does not tend to dry the skin. Essential oils should not be used neat on the skin but diluted as in if you wanted to make a rub with peppermint for aches and pains which I did do but there were about six other ingredients other than peppermint. Lavender is the same way. Carrier oils are very important. It's critical not to put EOs directly on the skin and even if someone isn't sensitive to fragrances, some have no business in skin care. You're a dermatologist so I'm not telling you something you don't know but as a long time soap maker, I know there is a way to make soap that doesn't strip your skin and really can have some benefits. I've witnessed it. I am very prudent about what I actually use for soapmaking, too. I wouldn't use half of the products labeled natural nor would I use bath and body works or that castille soap you were showing. This was a subject that's near and dear to my heart.
@@jaelmedaius4450 Also, any soap that is an Olive Oil only soap, without fragrance, is likely going to be your friend. I'm sorry I can't be of more help but I made all my own and didn't shop for it much to be able to give you many names. I still have enough left from when I made it for personal use but when I want to buy as a gift, I look on Etsy for organic soaps made by people who've been making it for awhile. I also read the ingredients. You can always start a conversation with any seller and be sure it is vegan, organic, or whatever your preference is. I do use some essential oils but not all. They are to be used with caution and are a fragrance so if you're sensitive to fragrances, buy unscented. That's the best I can do for you!
I am going through a "natural phase" right now and I am starting to realize that it's not always better. Thank you for reviewing this product because I currently am using this soap and was wondering why I've been breaking out so bad on my chest and back which was never a problem before. You are truly wonderful and so very helpful. I can't stop watching your videos!! I'm trying to watch them all before school starts again and I won't have time.
Other than when she bathed, my mother wore rubber gloves anytime her hands were in water. She also slathered on Norwegian Formula hand cream. She had the softest, youngest looking hands.
I've recently gone unscented and fregrence free and it's helped my skin tremendously. A friend of mine sent me this video and it is certainly even more eye opening. I do use Dr Bronner's unscented soap but I am willing to give it up for a better product. Unfortunately you didn't recommend a safer alternative. Could you please let me know of a safer alternative to Castile soaps?
Yes...I use that one in LARGE quantities. I buy like 4-5 large bottles at a time. I use it on my eczema, use it for washing my pets, spot cleaning my carpets.
See I’ve avoided soaps since training in beauty- 20 years later and fed up with waking up with new acne every morning, I’ve tried this for a few days and amazingly no new mornings breakouts. I think it’s getting a bad rep from peoples overuse of it. X
Joshua Jimenez I personally think the inclusion of essential oils ruins most of their products. I was going to maybe buy their advent calendar until I really scrutinized the ingredients.
They are so ridiculously expensive though? Even if she recommends one of them, do you really want to spend 60 dollars on something you can get for 4 $. That’s kinda the point of all her videos. Don’t waste your money. Those prices are never justified.
‘Alcohol less irritating than soap’ OMG ! Amazing how they can market a product and make us think it is all natural and therefore making us think it is safe !!! Thank you Dr Dray 💕🌲🌻🎄⛄️❄️
No, not all of them have a fragrance. The baby one doesn’t have a scent at all. That’s the one I use and it’s the only thing my face tolerates when it comes to pimples. If you want to use Dr. Bronners but don’t want a scent... get the light blue bottle!! It’s the best one!
I don’t know if this is too late, but should I be switching to a different soap even though my skin hasn’t felt irritated since using Dr. Bronner’s? I’ve felt very clean since using the hemp citrus one and I’d hate to stop using it. If I should change, what are some soaps that you’d recommend that are natural and better than Dr. Bronner’s? Thank you!
She's right that you can develop an allergic reaction to natural scents. The scent of lavender is anything but calming to me...it gives me a headache. That was so interesting about how soap affects the skin barrier....& alcohol less so. Boy, this channel is a godsend, isn't it ??
they do have an unscented version. It comes with a light blue label. As far as the essential oil issue, some people are more sensitive to them than others. As with many things, the dose makes the poison, not the thing in and of itself (properly diluted essential oils won't cause issues for many people, especially in things that get washed off).
Happy day 2! Interesting about Dr. Bronner's liquid soap. I've often wondered how one item could have so many uses and also personal care. I have tried the lavender one in the past. One thing my skin is sensitive to is menthol and peppermint although I love the smell. Even in shampoos my ezcema will flare sometimes. I like the neutrogena hand cream as well. When I worked in GYN for 30 years, I washed my hands so much, I carried hand cream all the time.
This is my new favorite channel. I want to switch from Dr. Bronners soaps now. But I just like how I can be more of a minimalist with their soaps. Is there such thing as a good head to toe body wash?? You’ve got me hooked on the CeraVe hydrating facial cleanser. I already love the CeraVe PM as a moisturizer.
I know you posed the question two years ago but no one has answered. I have been using Cetaphil body wash and it's working well. Not drying, very gentle, not soapy, unscented, doesn't trigger any sensitivity reactions in me. Leaves my skin soft and not dried out if it takes me a while to get to moisturize.
Hi Dr Dray! I would really appreciate a video on proper shaving methods, and also I have small bumps on the back of my thighs, they don't hurt they are just aesthetically unpleasing, and I kinda associate this with shaving, although I'm not entirely sure of the cause... Anyway, thanks for the videos! They're super helpful :)
Aiyana Smith I think she recommends to use face wash with salicylic acid on rough/bumpy skin on the body as well. Like the Cerave SA cleanser. For shaving, certainly make sure, your shaving cream is also for sensitive skin and fragrance free. Shaving causes micro tears in the skin (that’s why deodorant or toner often burns on freshly shaved skin)...it’s an invitation to trouble using anything even remotely irritating in that context. And of course the usual lathering on of an occlusive lotion on wet skin afterwards is important. Hope that helps a little!
Living in CO, a lot of campers and back country hikers use castile soap because it's not toxic to waterways. I can't use it on my body, it flares my nummular eczema soooo bad!
I wanted to share my experience with this Dr Bronner’s Peppermint. I had a thick crusty skin that showed up around my noise. I went to my Dermatologist and they tried everything. She scrapped a sample of the skin. Prescribed steroids and creams and nothing worked. She said the scrap didn’t show anything. I then picked up Dr Bronners and it got better. Anytime it starts to show up I use the Dr Bronners and it goes away. I agree with you about fragrances and soaps but I was desperate and it worked.
Not sure if they didn't make it at the time this video was made, but they do make an unscented one, it's called Baby Unscented and has a light blue label.
I bought dr booners because I heard it was a good natural way to wash the face plus it could clean so much more. But I found it just as stripping as the ivory soap that I just cant use. It's so drying and tight and my face itches and breaks out. But I didnt want to waste the soap. So I use it for cleaning. I use the bar soap to scent my clothes drawers, something my grandma taught me. Dr Bonner makes a nice cleaner for the house, and being scented doesnt matter as much then. It seems better to use Castile soap as a household cleaner rather than all the chemicals, bleach, ammonia, and the like. I switched to using baking soda, Castile soap, vinagar, borax, etc to clean. My mother and daughter cant breathe with bleach being used, or for hours later. Dr booners does have an unscented version.
Thanks for the Bronner's education. Question for Andrea's Mom: OK now you two have me hooked on wax melts. What brand and scent do you prefer? Am concerned about putting a lot of toxic fumes in my indoor air supply. Am I perhaps better off warming cinnamon, cloves and a couple of oranges on my stovetop like my Grandma did for seasonal cheer? Please advise. Love you ladies. 🎄
I always tell people not to use this stuff on their face, on the body is not a big issue for most people but in general soap is very bad for the face especially because of their foaming agents. Love your channel Andrea! Keep posting all this goodness we’re learning so much from you ! ❤️😍
I love Dr. Bronners for cleaning. I use the Sal Suds soap for washing floors and counters and other surfaces. Just like a half a teaspoon in a spray bottle is all you need. Very cost effective and environmentally friendly. The Baby Mild Dr. Bronners doesn’t have any essential oils in it, i don’t think. I’ve tried to use it on my body before and my skin got extremely dry, although the diluted Baby Mild in a hand soap pump has been fine as a hand soap for me. It has more olive oil in it than the others and it isn’t quite as drying.
I never thought to put moisturizer around my ankles or toes! Hmm 🤔. A product my dermatologist suggested I use on my feet, especially my heels (when cracked and very dry), is Amlactin Foot Repair. I swear by this, especially in the winter (dry indoor heat in PA) but also use it occasionally in the summer. I buy it on Amazon, of course. Would you take a look at the ingredients if you get a chance? It looks like CeraVe also makes one but I have never seen it in the store (you have turned me into a CeraVe believer! Or maybe do a section on dry, cracked, split feet/heels? I do not remember watching one on this. Thanks!!
So glad you did this on dr bronners I have a bottle an used it one time an honestly it stripped my skin so bad after one use it was a waste of my money
The appeal of Castille Soap for a lot of people is also because it's minimalist. You can use it to not only bathe your skin, but wash your hair and brush your teeth. You can use it to wash your clothes, wash your dishes, and an all purpose cleaner. And there are fragrance free ones (such as Dr Woods baby mild.) I just wish I knew if it is ok for my face and skin and hair because I can never seem to find a real answer that isn't anecdotal. This video helped, but doesn't address all my questions
@@DrDrayzday thank you ! What would you recommend for *those areas* when bathing? I remember you mentioned something about it in your shower "tour" video? Edit: for context, I mean if we avoid soap, what can we use to wash sweaty areas and otherwise?
I actually found Dr bronners really helped me with reducing cystic acne, I didn't get much help from the NHS so I am left to sort it myself and am always on the search for basic, natural skin care (but must also be vegan and cruelty free).
Dr Bronner help me with my acne also. Before i use it, i dilute it with water. I can not use any other soap. I have been using Dr Bronner soap for years.
Noooo I love that soap!Especially the sweet almond one. I dont even dilute it 😬I use it with neutrogena's salicylic acid body soap.makes my skin smooth and got rid of some hyperpigmentation.and i always moisturize afterwards.
Just bought the almond one. I was using lavender before it. I’m not stopping this. It’s my treat in the shower before bed with my gentle exfoliating body cloth. I enjoy this and it’s soothing to my mind body and soul. Also my skin gets a nice exfoliation etc. Looking forward to trying the almond one soon. If it’s not affecting you drying you out or causing any damage then continue using it
Agreed I very much enjoy my lavender scent as my treat and stress relief in the shower before bed And it’s good at washing makeup brushes And makeup off my face and neck etc
Dr. Bronner's baby unscented soap is scent free, they are in the baby care aisle. Dr. Bronner's organic magic balm is also unscented, these are my go to products.
Everyone's skin varies and somethings may work that even professionals say no to and the same can be said that what they say works doesn't...its trial and error
Dr Drey I'm still interested to have your opinion/review of the mother dirt spray and also; are glycerin soaps better for the skin barrier? As always thank you for the honest and truthful content. You have saved me so much $$$$
I am currently trying Dr. Bronner's for babies that has more olive oil and no fragrance or essential oils. Wondering what you think about that option, although after watching this video, I guess it is still soap.
Dr. BRONNER does make an unscented baby soap. It is often found in the baby section, not with the fragrance soaps. I also like the sugar pump soap, slap available in baby unscented format.
So maybe they changed the formula after bringing it back, but I tried the Norwegian hand cream this year, and I found it annoyingly sticky, and it stayed on hands--not good for driving. I wanted the cap to be easier to open and close for a car cream, too--the twist off cap isn't convenient for quick moisturizing at stop lights, and it took a surprising amount of twisting. I didn't find it super moisturizing either.
If soaps irritating to the skin, what do YOU use when showering.. not what u recommend lol I use dove body wash, never had an issue but doesn't mean it's not doing something that I cant see or feel
I’ve used Dr Bronners w/ Eucalyptus oil for the following: 1. Cleaning my entire slide-in shower (no tile) 2. Diluted in hot water to clean enamel on stovetop. I just buff any residue off w/ a cotton cloth. 3. Diluted with water to clean my car’s floor mats, using a broom. 4. Make my own garbage disposal cleaning pods using Bronners, grapefruit oil, baking soda, salt and water. You use a round tablespoon to scoop some out, scrape off excess and deposit onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet, flat side down, then air dry for a couple days out in the garage. Store in airtight jar.
Castile soap messes up my skin. It makes me look old. I'm glad that I have you. I've done so much stupid stuff to my skin. I have finally gotten my acne under control thanks to you
My mother always told me that it's not good to use soap if you have hard water because it prevents the soap from rinsing off completely. Seemed to be true, but since I've always had hard water, I never had a chance to see how it reacts in soft water.
Happy December, Dr. Dray! Awesome information! I especially hate to see long nails in health care facilities, but pretty much anywhere because of all the extra microbes that lurk underneath.
@@evelyndaisy9722 When I worked at a bank one of the customers had those nails that were so long they curved into a spiral and when she signed documents sometimes specks of dirt would fall out. SOOOO disgusting. I bet she had more than Staph and E. coli under there agggh.
I didn't realize you were supposed to dilute Dr bronners and used the unscented baby one on my skin which led me to have a full body reaction full of hives that later turned into an eczema like rash. Ughhhhhh. Luckily I found this channel during that awful bought and have since found it easier to care for my sensitive skin
For anyone with sensitive lips, also watch out for oils in lip balm, that you may not even know are there. When I was a child, I was plagued with "fever blisters/ cold sores" whatever you want to call them. They are painful and embarrassing and when I was young, they could linger for weeks. I can largely prevent them now with SPF lip balm. As an adult, when i have had recurrences I believe that I have linked them to peppermint and eucalyptus in the respective lip balms. I always had sensitive skin, so I had enough sense to avoid those things on my face, I am not sure why I did not extend that knowledge to lip care as well. In two instances, I did not even know the oils were in the product until I read the label.
Cold sores are herpes simplex 1, I don't think you can prevent an outbreak without taking an anti viral medication like valtrex. Most people don't get outbreaks after childhood, but if your immune system is compromised you can have an outbreak later in life. Just uncommon
Your mom is so cute. I appreciate your expertise as well. You are such a straight shooter. Hard to find on here! Though I love Dr. Bronners soap, you have made me take a closer look. It is strong, and I have started diluting it. Once it runs out, I will look for milder soap. I’m a new subscriber, and I have learned so much. Thanks again for doing this channel.😊
Wow at what you said about soaps are damaging! But with knowing this, what are the best cleansing methods/products/products on the skin? Also, is dove soap bad for the skin too?
Thanks a TON for this important information about what soaps do to the skin! I do have some questions about how to properly cleanse the hands after activities such as gardening, pet care, handling of certain foods, etc., all of which relate to preventing the spread of some of the nastier microbes that might be in soil, pet fecal microbes, salmonella, etc. Of course, using gardening gloves and donning gloves when washing dishes (I even put on latex or vinyl gloves from the pharmacy when handling certain foods in my kitchen) are preventive measures against skin damage as well as soiling of the skin. However, is it ever acceptable- even after taking the above-noted precautions - to use a detergent/dish soap or bar soap on the hands after certain activities? If so, what can I use to ameliorate any damage done by the soap? Should I pick one of my favorite Cerave moisturizers, for example, and keep it by the kitchen sink and apply liberally, perhaps on top of a good coating of the neutrogena hydro boost gel in hopes of restoring moisture to the skin? Any in It will be much appreciated!
Dr.bronners unscented was the last one you missed it. Its the only soap that doesnt make my skin itchy & dry. It has no fragrance. I just dont feel clean with jusy water
I completely agree with you about the essential oils. I'm a therapist. I used to do facials, massages with all those "lovely" essential oils boosted oils and creams. I needed to stop my job and move on to do laser treatments, to save my skin. I ended up with contact dermatitis on my hands until my elbows, was so painful, with blisters. Some of my colleagues had the same issues. And soon as I moved on, my symptoms stopped. I hate! essential oils, and it's true...you never know when you would develop allergic reaction to them.
edit kenesey I always kinda wondered who liked essential oils rubbed all over their back and shoulders. In my 40’s I STILL have bacne and that stuff would be the kiss of death for me.
@@happydayz7857 I know, but we therapist haven't had a choice...everyone is missinformed about this oils. I had I colleague who left her job, bc she felt that she get asthmatic issues just to inhale that stuff.
The Neutrogena Hand Cream is the best hand cream I have ever used. My new favorite body cream is Aveeno Body Yogurt (oat & vanilla). It does contain fragrance but not an overwhelming scent and so far no skin irritation. Happy Sunday evening!
I cannot use any bar soaps, even those that are meant for the face. They always make my pores seem clogged. I was going to try DrBronner's but am not going to waste my money now. Thanks Andrea.
What about stink areas. I’ve always had eczema so I don’t use soaps often but for boys and heavily sweaty kids and people water doesn’t cut the smell so what would you suggest for pits and private areas.
I enjoy watching your videos. They are so informative. I have extremely oily skin, especially my hair, face, neck and back. I honestly have never met anyone as oily as me.. water just isn't enough. Any recommendations?
Hi Dr Dray, is castor oil beneficial for any skin care issues. I was thinking of rubbing this into dry cuticles. Thanks for your great informative videos, Sue
I LOVE the Neutrogena hand cream! I’ve used it for years, and given it to so many people with dry skin. Works great on my kiddos in the cooler weather keeps eczema at bay for them. It is great on chapped lips too in a pinch if you don’t have any lip balm available. I’ve also used it after Fraxel on my face, it is the best!!
Hi Dr Dray, after two weeks drinking the Mushroom Coffee Mix by Four Sigmatic (again thanks!) I’ve noticed a slight behavioural change. Firstly I don’t drink instant coffee only espresso or what we call a flat white and I have two in the morning. After lunch at work I started drinking the mushroom coffee black, it tastes good but I found I became far more alert, able to concentrate more and a tad energised. Espresso at this time doesn’t do this. I’m aware of and consume adaptogenic foods. Have you tried drinking this without dilution of other coffee in a ‘normal’ coffee ☕️ cup? I know it’s quite normal in America to drink coffee Totoro size lol!!
i really enjoy all your content! thanks to what I have learned from watching you, my skin looks better than it has in forever. ppl have a hard time believing i just turned 50. also thanks for recognizing the first day of Hanukkah. Happy Sunday!
Tybee looked so guilty....and sorry! He didn't realize what he was doing. But such a shame it was your sweet kindergarten creation. Many thanks for your kind incredibly helpful videos. My skin is so much better now that I've cut out all the essential oils, fragranced, fruit laced lotions and potions. God bless VaniCream & CeraVe!
Thanks for the informative video! I learned something new about Dr. Bronners today :D However, for someone who wants to live a "zero waste" lifestyle, what cleanser would you recommend? I'm currently using the Dr. Bronner unscented bar soap for my face, but are there any facial cleansers that you would recommend that come with little to no packaging?
Hey Dr. Dray, I've tried the Norwegian Formula hand cream and it's definitely one of my go-to's. I recently decided to try O'Keeffe's Working Hands hand cream and I really like it too. As far as I can tell no fragrance, and it sinks right in leaving no stickiness (to me, anyway). I like that it glides over the hand too. Something I didn't like about the Norwegian Formula was that due to its unique texture, its more difficult to spread over the skin, but that is just my opinion. Dr. Bronner I believe does make a fragrance-free version, I believe its called "Baby" or something. Its a good "poor" college-kid soap because you can dilute it down to make a bottle last forever, and its multi-functional as a household cleaner/laundry detergent. Thanks for the informative video! Happy December!
