Life
20 Bizarre But Amazing Products That Solve Common Hygiene Problems
Amazon
Hygiene is as lax as it's ever been, and that's an amazing thing. Stuff like deodorant and hair removal finally is (and forevermore should be) totally optional, and as someone who's all about the body doing its natural thing, I'm psyched. For that reason, weird but effective hygiene products are my jam.
I'm not going to put something on my skin if it's dangerous or laden with toxic chemicals, and I'm sure as hell not going to put my health at risk just to live up to the outdated beauty standards that are thankfully on their way out the window. As a result, I tend to stick with natural products that are a little bit unconventional, but surprisingly effective for solving everyday concerns like funky breath, sweaty feet, and dry skin.
If you like your body the way it is, sans-shower and all, I'm 100 percent behind that. It's got its own natural cleansing functions in place, and a lot of so-called hygiene products are actually disrupting that by killing essential healthy bacteria and stopping natural detoxification. However, if you're looking to smell fresh and tackle some common hygiene problems the easy and natural way, check out these bizarre but amazing products that people can't seem to get enough of.
1. Keep Your Mouth Clean With Activated Charcoal Powder
Smile Angel Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitener, $22, Amazon
It might seem counterintuitive to smear a bunch of black soot on your teeth for the purpose of freshening them, but this activated charcoal teeth whitener has people raving. It uses super-absorbent activated charcoal to soak up odors and stains on your teeth and around your gums, leaving your breath fresh, your smile white, and your mouth happy.
2. This Weird Natural Paste Deodorant That Totally Works
AC NATURE Deodorant, $17, Amazon
Even though it comes in a weird natural paste form, AC NATURE Deodorant is extremely effective when it comes to keeping you dry, clean, and most important, healthy. It absorbs sweat and fights bacteria with organic ingredients, and it's especially great for people who want to avoid aluminum or have particularly sensitive skin.
"I have tried almost every deodorant that there is," says one reviewer, who "was just mind blown by how long [they] could go without body odor" with this one.
3. Balance Your Mouth With Probiotics For Perpetual Fresh Breath
I Clean Your Teeth Mouthwash, $20, Amazon
This weird but genius I Clean Your Teeth mouthwash doesn't use alcohol and harsh ingredients to kill bacteria. Instead it's infused with probiotics, which replenish the good bacteria in your mouth so that they can heal, balance, and support great breath. It's got an awesome taste and keeps your mouth feeling fresher long-term. "This stuff really works," one buyer says. "After a week my mouth hasn't felt cleaner."
4. Tea Tree And Thyme Oils To Overcome Foot Odor
TriNova Natural Shoe Deodorizer, $14, Amazon
With amazing essential oils like thyme and tea tree, TriNova natural shoe deodorizer attack the root of foot odor -- bacteria. It's made to use in your shoes or gym equipment, but because it's totally natural, it's not a problem if it gets on your skin. "Nice fragrance. Easy to use. What's not to love?" says one reviewer.
5. This Spray To Balance Your Scalp And Freshen Your Hair Between Washes
Dollylocks Rosemary Peppermint Dreadlock Refreshening Spray, $16, Amazon
This Dollylocks dreadlock refreshening spray is made with coconut water and natural essential oils to give hair a quick cleansing in between washes, and is intended especially for dreadlocks. It's hypoallergenic and helps to balance the pH of the scalp, so hair looks and feels way cleaner, and people have awesome things to say about it.
"Definitely gives the hair a nice essence and helps with a bit of moisture," says one happy customer. "This stuff is essential, especially in damp climates where the hair gets wet frequently. I'm pretty sure this is residue free, as well, which makes it tops."
6. Like A Rose Perfume That Fights Bacteria
Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant, $11, Amazon
People are loving Weleda Wild Rose deodorant, which is a long-lasting and effective spray made with essential oils that naturally target odor-causing bacteria. It doesn't disrupt the body's natural detoxification system, and it can be used anywhere for a fresh organic rose scent that keeps you clean.
7. Keep Feet Hydrated So They Stay Fresh
NatraCure 5-Toe Moisturizing Gel Socks, $10, Amazon
Smooth skin on your feet means fewer places where bacteria can live, and people are loving these NatraCure 5-toe moisturizing gel socks to get healthy, hydrated heels and toes. They have a premium gel lining that slowly releases oils, botanicals, and vitamins to soften and moisturize the skin, and they're washable and hypoallergenic. This pair fits most feet up to women's size 11.
8. Freshen Breath Naturally With Vegan Floss Packets
RADIUS Vegan Floss Sachets, $4, Amazon
If you've always wanted to spice up your flossing regimen, the RADIUS Vegan floss satchets naturally do an awesome job at cleaning, whitening, and freshening your teeth using natural xylitol. They're a great way to get clean breath, especially when you're on-the-go, and reviewers love how organic they are.
9. This Natural Salt Rock That Blocks All Odors For Days
Le Naturel Rock Deodorant, $12, Amazon
Wet this Le Naturel Rock Deodorant and rub it anywhere on your body to smell fresh and clean all day long. It uses 100 percent natural mineral salts which coat your skin, stopping odor-causing bacteria from producing smells, and it's amazingly effective — especially under the arms.
"I bought this while in the military," says one satisfied buyer. "Long weeks in the field, Iraq, and on missions with no showers meant I had to find a solution...and fast! I also am a very active person and now can enjoy week long trips of hiking and kayaking without worrying about smelling disgusting."
10. Minimize Foot Odor By Removing Calluses
Rechargeable Foot File Callus Remover, $20, Amazon
Calluses on your feet are ultimately harmless, but the dead skin there can collect odor-causing bacteria at a much quicker rate. This rechargeable foot file callus remover has a high-quality motor that buffs away old skin without cutting or irritating your skin. The best part? It's totally rechargeable and easy to clean, and reviewers say it works way better than typical pumice stones.
11. Remove Facial Hair By The Root With This Epic Tool
Braun Mini-Facial Electric Epilator, $83, Amazon
The Braun Mini-Facial electric epilator is basically your tweezer on steroids. It's got a slim precision head to remove facial hair from the root for up to four weeks of smooth, hairless skin. It also runs on batteries for easy travel, comes with a cleansing brush attachment as well, and can be used on the lip, eyebrows, or chin.
12. Wash Your Hair Without Any Water
Essential Effects Shampoo Wipes, $20, Amazon
If oily hair is a common problem, but you don't have the time to wash it, these Essential Effects shampoo wipes are a great thing to have on hand. They remove excess dirt and oil from the scalp without requiring any water whatsoever, and they're free of sulfates, parabens, and animal cruelty (hooray!).
13. One Of The Most Versatile Beauty Staples You Could Own
Village Shea Butter, $14, Amazon
This hunk of Village shea butter might just be one of the most versatile beauty and hygiene products in your bathroom cabinet. In addition to moisturizing and protecting skin, it's also great for soothing razor burn, stretch marks, eczema, and cracked skin, and can even be used in your own DIY deodorant or shaving lotion. It's also totally natural, unrefined, and organic.
14. Balance Oily Skin With Ash From A Volcano
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $14, Amazon
The not-so-secret "secret ingredient" to the Innisfree Super volcanic pore clay mask is genuine volcanic ash, but it's actually an awesome way to balance oily skin, exfoliate dead cells, and tighten pores to reduce blackheads.
"This is the best face mask I have ever purchased," says one happy reviewer. "I was originally interested in it for its claims of cleansing naturally yet gently, but my favorite thing is how it tightens the pores! I had one large pore on my nose, and after using this (even just once) there was a very noticeable size difference."
15. Silky Smooth Skin After Shaving Or Waxing
Kerah Lane Organic Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Formula, $17, Amazon
Made with weird but super effective natural ingredients like witch hazel and aloe, this Kerah Lane organic formula is boss at preventing ingrown hairs and soothing razor bumps. You use it after shaving anywhere on the body for a non-irritating antibacterial balm that makes your skin smooth, clean, and pain-free.
16. Quick, Easy, And Painless Hair Removal Near The Nose
Professional Water Resistant Nose Trimmer, $18, Amazon
My facial epilator isn't too great at grabbing the small hairs up by the nose, and tweezing there hurts like holy hell. Cue the professional nose and ear hair trimmer, which is durable, water-resistant, easy to clean, has a built-in LED light, and does not hurt at all. Basically, best purchase all year if you're looking for quick, easy, and painless hair removal.
17. This Genius Spray To Tackle Smells In The Bathroom
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, $12, Amazon
People are totally flipping over Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go toilet spray, which is made from all natural essential oils. Simply spray the water in the bowl before you go, creating an odor-protected shield that keeps smells under the surface. Then flush it all away, and no one is the wiser. It also comes in a convenient travel spray bottle so you can keep it in your bag.
18. Wax Anywhere Without Strips Or Chemicals
Wax Necessities Film Hard Wax Beads, $22, Amazon
These Wax Necessities Film hard wax beads are an ultra easy way to wax thick or fine hair alike without mess, strips, or hassle. Just melt the wax beads, apply to the skin, wait for them to form a dry layer, and quickly pull it off. Reviewers are calling it the "best wax ever" because it's totally natural and really effective all over the body, including the face.
19. For Vaginal Itching And Dryness
Medicine Mama's Apothecary Vmagic, $21, Amazon
Another one that uses the magic of probiotics, Medicine Mama's Apothecary Vmagic promises to help with everything from burning and itching to dryness and redness. It's got all-natural ingredients that won't upset the balance of this delicate area, and it's especially popular among those going through menopause.
20. Skin Probiotics For Everything From Blemishes To Blackheads
Inside Out Probiotics Natural Skin Toner, $35, Amazon
For everything from blemishes to blackheads, the Inside Out probiotics natural skin toner has you covered. It's got all natural ingredients (including the antimicrobial action of probiotics) to balance, hydrate, and heal your skin, and reviewers love that it's mild, non-irritating, and seriously effective.
"The acne serum has been great in clearing up any breakouts fast," says one reviewer. "It is so wonderful using a product that works and doesn’t dry out your skin. The serum is smooth, non sticky, and non drying."
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