The PrimaFoodie Guide to the Best Clean Sunscreens

For the past several years, the team at PrimaFoodie has been vetting clean sunscreens to deliver you the best options for optimal protection. By "clean," we mean the solution contains minerals to block UVA and UVA rays and includes zero artificial fragrance, parabens, emulsifiers, or additional indigents linked to health concerns. 

We vet these yearly for several reasons: solutions change, which means efficacy and purity may also change, and researchers consistently reveal new data on ingredient safety. This year proved to be a big one in terms of news. The Environmental Working Group showed that approximately 75 percent of the 1,700 sun protection products its team evaluated “did not provide adequate sun protection” and contained "ingredients that could pose health risks."

Sunscreen and 'sunblock, ' terms used interchangeably, generally work one of two ways: Blocking the sun's rays with minerals, such as zinc oxide, or filtering and absorbing the rays with chemicals. Research has linked some of the most common chemical sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, to pose health risks to marine and surrounding environmental life, thus presenting the possibility that these chemicals could impact human health. What's alarming about these two ingredients, along with other common sunscreen ingredients, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone, is that they are absorbed through human skin and, subsequently, other organs.

In a news alert about its findings, the EWG stated the need for consumers to consider their sun protection wisely. "And some ingredients commonly found in sunscreens have been linked to both human and environmental concerns. But they're still widely used in hundreds of products, even though they have not been tested adequately for safety," said Emily Spilman, an EWG program manager for Healthy Living Science, in the news release. "It's outrageous that shoppers may be slathering these potentially harmful chemicals on their skin every day without the reassurance of those safety tests," 

The EWG has warned the public about sunscreen ingredients since it launched its first Guide to Sunscreens in 2007 and has been urging the FDA to review chemical sunscreen ingredients ever since. 

This year, we found that most of our favorites from our 2023 PrimaFoodie Sunscreen Guide still met our strict standards—and we added a few new ones to the mix. Here, you'll find mineral solutions that we believe to be clean and efficacious. But we urge you to always do your due diligence when choosing a sunscreen (or any personal care product): check your labels, know your ingredients, and listen to your gut. 

PrimaFoodie-Approved Clean Sunscreens for 2024

ALL GOOD: SPF 50+ SUNSCREEN BUTTER

All Good is committed to creating products that are  good for our skin and for the environment. This butter is thick, hydrating, fragrance-free, and excellent for the face and body. The compact tin makes it easy to toss into your backpack or purse. The company claims it is "very water resistant,"  but we still suggest ample applications if you're swimming.

KARI GRAN ESSENTIAL SPF 30 

As equally hydrating and protective as it gets, this super hydrating oil serum-type sunscreen feels like a supple serum. A raspberry seed and plum oils base gives the skin a hydrating quench with zero residue.

SOLARA SUNSCARE GO! DAILY DEFENSE MINERAL FACE SUNSCREEN

This lightweight SPF 30 recently came onto our radars. EWG-certified, it is blendable and silky. Founded by a mother who started vetting her personal care products after battling Lyme Disease and also seeing her children react to various sunscreen, the company promotes clean, minimal-ingredients responsible skincare

BADGER ACTIVE MINERAL SUNSCREEN CREAM

A simple, clean, universal SPF 30 cream made by a small, family-run New England company. Containing only five ingredients, one of which being super nourishing sea buckthorn oil, this is a great option for long days outside. It's a bit sticky and needs extra elbow grease to rub in. 

RAW ELEMENTS SUNSCREEN SPF 30+ FACE & BODY

This super thick mineral sunscreen paste goes a long way when you're outside for hours. Considering its thick consistency, it rubs in surprisingly well and leaves only a slight light white cast. This is a great pick for hiking and all-day summer outdoor exploring.

URSA MAJOR FORCE FIELD DAILY DEFENSE LOTION 

Ursa Major continues to be a pioneer in clean, effective skincare. Their unscented, lightweight moisturizer is great for the face, neck, chest, and arms. It absorbs almost immediately without leaving any residue. The aloe vera, jojoba, and shea butter are super moisturizing. 

VIVE SANA DAILY PROTEZIONE SPF 30

This is an easily spreadable, hydrating, tinted sunscreen for the face, neck, and décolletage we've loved for years. Vive Sana's products are mostly made of organic ingredients and are free of chemicals and artificial additives. The Daily Protezione SPF 30 offers the physical protection of zinc oxide with no stickiness or pastiness. 

KINFIELD DAILY DEW SPF 35 

We've long loved Kinfield's products, and this all-day SPF is a winner. It has a silkier texture, which results in a dewy, glowy finish. We love how the aloe and sea kelp add a dose of hydration and antioxidants. 

KIDS

ALL GOOD: SPF 30 KIDS SUNSCREEN LOTION

This fragrance-free lotion is rather light, which makes applying it to little ones' skin quick and easy. We found that a little goes a long way, and it leaves minimal to no residue. It also claims to be water—and sweat-resistant for up to eighty minutes.

BABO: CLEAR ZINC SUNSCREEN SPF 30

Babo is a thick, mineral all-over sunscreen lotion for babies, children, and adults. It's EWG-certified, free of any concerning chemicals, fragrances, or nanoparticles, and deemed hypoallergenic. We especially like how it doesn't run in the eyes. It's supposed to be waterproof for up to eighty minutes, making it great for long days on the beach.

TINTED

IRIS & ROMEO BEST SKIN DAYS

This serum-moisturizer-SPF, which doubles as a light daily foundation with SPF 25 protection, is buttery, silky, and moisturizing. It goes on smoothly and quickly settles into the complexion. We love that it also protects from blue light and contains hydrating rose and moringa oils.

ILIA C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40

Touted for its "encapsulation technology," this foundation-like sunscreen delivers phytonutrients and vitamin C. It's a clean, light, dewy face product that covers many skin tones daily.

SUNTEGRITY 5-IN-1 TINTED SUNSCREEN MOISTURIZER

This light, tinted SPF 30 comes in four shades. It's sheer, goes on smoothly, and blends in rather quickly, but it does require reapplications throughout the day. We wish the company offered a wider range of shades to include dark complexions.

SAINT JANE LUXURY SUN RITUAL PORE SMOOTHING SPF 30

This natural mineral sunscreen has been a PrimaFoodie favorite for the second year in a row. Rich in botanical antioxidants, including green tea, and hydrating ingredients, it doubles as a protective face moisturizer. We love how sheer it is, with the perfect amount of tint that results in no white cast from the zinc oxide, only a dewy finish. It is quite thin, so reapplication throughout the day is necessary.

SAIE SUNVISOR

We keep returning to Saie products, some of today's most hydrating and gorgeously textured clean makeup items. The 'Sunvisor' is super light and hydrating, with a tinted blend of aloe, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and zinc oxide, offering great light coverage all day. It sinks it and leaves no white cast. 

TRUE BOTANICALS SKIN BARRIER SUN SHIELD SPF 30

Part sun filter, part tinted moisturizer, this mineral-based lightweight face lotion sinks in quickly. Given its thin texture, we find it best used as a daily moisturizer, but it doesn't fit the bill for a day at the beach. 

PrimaFoodie Ingredient Spotlight: Potassium Bromate

Additives in food are as ubiquitous as they are nebulous. In our PrimaFoodie Ingredients Spotlight, we investigate common food additives to discover their origin, use, and purpose. Because just because something is edible doesn’t mean it’s healthy—or necessary.

What Is Potassium Bromate?

Potassium bromate is a white crystal chemical food additive. As its name suggests, it is a bromate of potassium—a bromate is a salt or ester of bromic acid that contains an ion that works as an oxidizer. 

Why Is Potassium Bromate Used?

Widely used in the baking industry, potassium bromate catches the eyes of mass manufacturers for its ability to enhance the texture of bread and other baked goods. Its oxidizing qualities cause the bread—and cakes, rolls, muffins, and other goods—to rise and feel fluffy.  

Historical accounts show that veterinarians used potassium bromate to treat animals with epilepsy, dating back to the 19th century.  

Where Is It Found?

This additive has genuinely been everywhere for decades. As mentioned, manufacturers have been adding it to mass-produced and packaged bread items, including:

• Pizza dough

• Bread

• Dinner and sandwich rolls

• Donuts, muffins, and other pastries

• English muffins

• Pretzels

• Crackers

• Cookies

What are the risks of potassium bromate?

California has been warning its residents about potassium bromate for years. In April 2023, the state's Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials approved a bill to ban potassium bromate in foods, along with four other chemicals. The state underscores its concern with studies, some of which date back decades, that show the chemical additive to be potentially toxic and carcinogenic.

Furthermore, the Environmental Working Group states that concerns around potassium bromate are widespread in other countries. The EWG says, "In 1999, the International Agency for Research on Cancer determined that potassium bromate is a possible human carcinogen. It is not allowed for use or is banned as a food additive in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union."

Additionally, research also shows potassium bromate to be harmful when inhaled. 

The PrimaFoodie Take

California's bill to ban potassium bromate will go into effect in 2027. Until then, the state requires all manufacturers to post a warning label on their packaging when it includes the additive, which is part of the Proposition 65 food safety initiative.

Considering the research and banning of this additive, we avoid potassium bromate. Read your labels. If a bread or other product contains it, choose an alternative. Doing so supports our health and lowers the demand for this unnecessary and toxic additive. 

PrimaFoodie Ingredient Spotlight: Propylene Glycol

Additives in food are as ubiquitous as they are nebulous. In our PrimaFoodie Ingredients Spotlight, we investigate common food additives to discover their origin, use, and purpose. Because just because something is edible doesn’t mean it’s healthy—or necessary.

What Is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol is a clear, odorless synthetic liquid used as an additive in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. It’s made by treating propylene oxide, a byproduct of refined petroleum, with chlorinated water. Some manufacturers create a slightly different form of propylene glycol by extracting it from glycerol, which comes from biodiesel production, for use in antifreeze and plastics.

What Is Propylene Glycol Used For?

Touted by manufacturers for its water-absorbing capabilities, propylene generally aids in emulsifying and preserving foods and enhancing the conditioning aspects of shampoos, lotions, face creams, and other topical products. But a closer look reveals the myriad of different ways it lands in food and products. These include:

• As a solvent for helping food ingredients mix 

• As a food and personal care product preservative (propylene glycol has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent molds and bacteria)

• As a thickener for sauces and personal care products

• As a moisture-preserver in foods and a humectant and emollient in cosmetics and lotions

• As a flavor enhancer

Propylene glycol is also the main component of the artificial “smoke” from e-cigarettes and vape pens. 

Where Is It Found?

Given the long list of uses for propylene glycol in foods and products, this additive is everywhere. It’s safe to say that most conventional processed foods contain it in some form. 

Some of the most common propylene glycol-containing products include:

FOOD:

• Dried and canned soups

• Gravies

• Packaged meals

• Dried and canned vegetables

• Fast foods

• Packaged cheeses

• Alcohol

• Packaged snack foods

• Bottle teas and juices

• Sodas

• Ice creams

• Salad dressings

• Condiments

PERSONAL CARE:

• Face creams, lotions, and serums

• Body lotions

• Shampoos and conditioners

• Face washes and toners

• Deodorants

Is Propylene Glycol Bad?

The FDA approves the use of propylene glycol in food, cosmetics, and other products, deeming it safe within certain limits for certain items (outlined here). Google propylene glycol and mixed information regarding its allowance in Europe will show when, in fact, the EU does allow its use but in stricter variances. 

Studies have shown potential health risks associated with propylene glycol when consumed in high concentrations. Some research shows the additive can impact the nervous system, dermis, eyes, and kidneys and can potentially cause headaches and dizziness.

The PrimaFoodie Take on Propylene Glycol

Sure, this additive may be FDA approved and deemed safe—but to what end? Sadly, we know the FDA does not have our best health in mind, so we must second guess any additive the federal organization approves. And even if something is deemed safe, when we consistently consume something artificial, this can lead to its accumulation in our bodies, which can have grave effects. 

Our take? We avoid propylene glycol. The fact that it’s widely used in plastic, anti-freeze, and food makes us shiver. It’s artificial, derived partially from petroleum, and a total chemical additive mainly created to make food last longer on the shelves and seem more palatable. 

What are your thoughts or questions about propylene glycol? We’d love to know, so send a note to empowered@primafoodie.com. 

Be Your Own Wellness Advocate: 6 Pieces of Inspiring Advice on How to Eat Better and Live Healthier—Today

Ask any expert in our PrimaFoodie orbit what the key to living healthier is, and they’ll likely answer the same: It starts with real whole foods. What we eat fundamentally impacts how we feel, think, and live. Food is life. 

One step beyond that is how we eat our food and the ways we source it. Becoming a more critical consumer (and eater) is by far the most important way to impact our health and that of our loved ones, communities, and the planet. We can change the world by being empowered advocates for better food.

Here are six motivating and enlightening thoughts on becoming a more mindful and critical eater from our community of experts. We hope their insights honor the power of eating better—and inspire you always to see the power in you and on your plate.

#1: H.J. Schaible: Eat Meat More Mindfully

“We encourage people to have a more mindful approach to buyin and how much, and also to consider how much vegetables or starches they're eating with it. Instead of putting the whole slab of meat on a plate, we inform people that you're going to be spending a premium price for grass-fed locally raised meat, so respect it.”

#2: Dr. Tania Dempsey: Avoid Artificial Food Dyes and Additives When Possible

“Organic food will be healthier and less likely to contain artificial food dyes. Choose organic oranges instead of non-organic, as an example.  Choose packaged products that contain fewer ingredients and avoid packaged foods with bright colors.  Cutting back on packaged products and eating a more whole food based diet will be healthier and will avoid additional colorings or flavorings. Some products that are marketed as healthier, like fruit gummies, use natural dyes, but still carry their own set of side effects. They may be less toxic but they can still cause hypersensitivity reactions in some people and contain excessive amounts of carbohydrates and sugars.  Staying away from foods that are colored may be difficult but there are plenty of options out there.”

#3: Melinda Hemmelgarn: Be an Empowered Advocate

“It used to be that I was the only one going into the supermarket and asking the manager to have more organic produce. Now, the stores are happy to carry organic produce because so many consumers are asking for it. To get pesticides banned, it is going to take pressure on Congress and joining with organizations that are actively involved and watching the legislation. That’s how we have the most power.”

#4: Lisa Cipkar: See the Healing Power of Food

“The number two thing is that we need to look at food as medicine. We still often eat to satisfy and that's it. There is so much within the nutrition world that could change the game for us, especially in North America. There’s a reason why there are other parts of the world that are doing a whole lot better statistically with their healthcare systems and the status of chronic symptoms and diseases.”

#5: Will Cole: Everything We Put In and On Our Bodies Makes an Impact

“We aren't just what we eat. And we aren't just what we supplement with. We are what we absorb, too. So many people are even trying to do the right things and eating better foods or supplementing with things, but they're still deficient. We have to work on gut health and absorption and digestion as well to make good use of these things.”

#6: Haley Scheich: Find the Foods that Work for You

“Once you see the changes, by learning for yourself, this food works for me, this food doesn't work for me, it’s incredible.”

It’s Summer Reading Time: Here Are the Most Informative and Enjoyable New Wellness Books to Read this Season

Groundbreaking science, food advocacy, wellness at any age: These are some of the critical topics in our summer 2023 book roundup. It’s a tight list but an impactful one. Each of these books we find profoundly compelling and edifying at PrimaFoodie. 

And while you’re reading through our list, we’d love to know yours. What are your go-to books on nutrition, wellness, and health? Please send us a note at empowered@primafoodie.com or a DM at @primafoodie!

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD

Peter Attia, MD, is a former surgeon and hugely popular podcast host who believes that better health can start this minute. How so? With what we eat, how we move, and our mindset. Of course, there’s a lot more to Dr. Attia’s approach, which he outlines in Outlive, but it’s his honest and accessible take that makes these pages captivating. He believes the word “longevity” evokes extreme views and the idea that we need a magic pill. The truth is quite the opposite. We hold the reins for a longer, healthier, more vibrant life. In his riveting bestseller, Dr. Attia shows us how to have more vital cognitive, physical, and emotional health and all that encompasses. 

Whole Woman Health: A Guide to Creating Wellness for Any Age and Stage by Carrie Levine

Certified midwife, nurse, and functional medical practitioner Carrie Levine offers this thorough guide to functional medicine catered to biological women. The book is dense but readable, looking at how stress, diets, and the environment play a huge role in overall wellness. Weaving in stories from women, many of whom who’ve been roadblocked by the Western healthcare system, Levin’s insights get to the roots of issues, revealing a deeper look at the whys of disease and natural approaches to healing.

Food for Life: The New Science of Eating Well by Tim Spector

As one of the leading food scientists, epidemiologist Tim Spector offers us one of the most profound and insightful looks at how critical nutrition is to our well-being. Spector debunks diet myths to open a new path to understanding why certain foods interfere with our gut microbiome. His writing is witty and quick, making this health book a page-turner (a hard feat!). 

The Healing Plate: Harnessing the Power of Food for Balance and Wellness by Laura Trenaman

Part recipe book, part holistic health guide, The Healing Plate focuses on how food impacts mood, blood sugar, and mental health. We love how author Laura Trenaman tailored the book around accessible health goals. She thoroughly examines why vitamins and minerals matter, the mind-body connection, and how mindful eating is just as important as healthy eating. This book makes eating well attainable and inspiring. 

Well-Rested Every Day: 365 Rituals, Recipes, and Reflections for Radical Peace and Renewal by Jolene Hart

We know how critical rest is, but how do we get enough of it in this hectic world? Integrative health coach and former beauty editor Jolene Hart takes a comprehensive look at rest—not merely sleep, but deep rest—today and how we can start incorporating it into our lives. She weaves in recipes, tips, and restoring rituals that help to ease the nervous system and encourage the body to reset and heal.  

6 PrimaFoodie-Approved Clean Deodorants

Synthetic preservatives. Binding agents. Antibacterial chemicals. Aluminum. Putting these substances onto our bodies repeatedly would cause anyone to pause. Yet these are ingredients commonly found in conventional deodorants and antiperspirants. And while the research investigating the link between cancer and deodorants and antiperspirants is (still) lacking, there is evidence that these ingredients are known endocrine disruptors.   

That leaves us with finding something better: a product that helps to keep odor and excessive sweat at bay. But a truly clean deodorant—one made without endocrine disruptors and other toxic additives—that works is hard to come by. Thankfully, we've done the work and found several that mainly check the boxes. 

We say "mainly" because finding a clean deodorant can be tricky. Our body chemistry shifts throughout the days and months, depending on what we're going through, eating, and more. All of this can impact the efficacy of a product. Our advice is to go with it. Switching to and sticking to clean deodorants can take some trial and error—but it's a change worth making.

Humble Rosemary & Mint Aluminum-Free Deodorant

This is Nichole’s new favorite. Uplifting and refreshing, it glides on smoothly. What’s notable beyond Humble’s super clean ingredients is that it’s alcohol-free, which makes it gentle enough for super sensitive skin. 

Agent Nateur holi (rose) N4 Deodorant

Each deodorant in this collection is super clean and smells divine. This holie (rose) version, made in partnership with Shiva Rose, has a scent of sandalwood and rose. It isn’t as effective for Nichole, which is why we think it’s best for lighter, non-workout days.

PiperWai Natural Deodorant Cream

This is one of Nichole’s favorites. It’s a simple cream packed with moisturizing shea butter and coconut oil that relies on activated charcoal to neutralize odors and absorb moisture.

Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant

The aloe allows this to smooth on easily, while the eucalyptus and peppermint leave a cooling sensation. This is a staple that has (so far) worked consistently for us.

Tallowderm Natural Deodorant Balm

This brand uses beef tallow, which is rendered beef fat that is naturally antimicrobial and high in vitamins and moisturizing properties. Nichole has found that the key here is to go light. A single thin layer does the trick. Applying too much and it could stay damp, or cause you to sweat more.

Simply Divine Botanicals Keeping Abreast of It Deodorant

Formulated with odor-zapping silver, zinc, and mineral salts, this light deodorant sprays on easily and leaves a light note of citrus.

Schmidt’s Geranium Flower Deodorant

Since 2010, Schmidt’s has been at the forefront of the clean deodorant game, so they really know how to make a clean stick that works. Each of their myriad of scents, from Rose + Vanilla to Fig + Yuzu, are all stellar, but the Geranium gets our pick. It’s super light, leaves a hint of lemony floral, and is good for more sensitive skin

BeautyCounter The Clean Deo

We fully trust BeautyCounter. Every product from this clean company that we’ve tried gets an excellent rating from the Environmental Working Group and our thumbs up. This deodorant comes in a refillable case and works well—really well—in keeping away sweat and odor.

Cleo + Coco Great Expectations Charcoal Deodorant

This is one of the best working natural antiperspirants. The magic is in the natural clay and charcoal, which work together to zap bacteria and wick away moisture. It works so well, it makes us wonder why aluminum is still a contender. 

A Health Practitioner on One of the Most Critical and Accessible Pieces to Better Health

Joy is an elusive thing. We tend to think of it as ephemeral and fleeting, or something hard to cultivate. But the truth is, we all hold the capacity to experience joy, even during trying times. Even more compelling is that joy can be a key to better health.

This belief underscores the work of Lisa Cipkar. As an integrative health coach, Cipkar works with people dealing with chronic illness—from Lyme Disease to biotoxin illness to cancer recovery. She sees clients in the throes of healing. Often, what they need most isn’t in medication or a supplement. “People will wonder what the secret is,” Cipkar tells us, “I do think the secret is finding that joy.” 

We found Cipkar’s approach fascinating and accessible, so we spoke to her to learn more. Cipkar tells us why joy is so critical in giving us the fortitude not only to heal but to lead healthy, vibrant, satisfying lives. 

A Conversation with Lisa Cipkar, IHP

You believe that joy is a critical part of one’s healing prescription. Why is this?

It was one of the biggest lessons I learned in my journey with chronic illness. The longer I’ve worked in this space, the more I realize that the people who get better see a reason to get better. It’s like they’ve unlocked something that not everybody seems to be able to arrive at. It’s that hope. It’s about living the life you want to live.

Recently I've been challenging myself as a practitioner to make sure we're covering every possible piece we can when we're trying to support someone through their healing journey. My protocol has started to look different in that I tell clients to go play more. I tell them to go do things to keep their brain busy in a positive way. Through conversations and reflecting on how long I've been working in this space versus being the patient in this space, I’ve found the people who get better are those who set goals, pick up a new hobby, discover something that they completely fall in love with—and all that is what keeps their brain busy. So they start feeling better and that creates momentum. It’s really about that joy and that purpose.

For someone who doesn’t know where to begin to start cultivating more joy, what's your advice for where to start?

The number one thing I ask is: What did life look like before you got sick or before you started on this healing journey? What did life look like? What were their goals? Sometimes just moving towards those general memories can help them kind of wake up and think, I used to love to write or travel or cook and I've kind of lost that over time.

Of course, there will be some people who can't ever remember feeling well, and that will take extra support. But for many, it’s about sparking that memory of what used to give them joy. Sometimes that little nudge is just all that they need.

So much of your work focuses on people dealing with chronic illness, but you also work with people who are looking to simply get healthier overall. How does joy help someone who is seeking better general health?

Our life, even when we’re not facing chronic illness, is often about suppressing, suppressing, suppressing. We’re just trying to get through the day. We're either trying to survive or trying to achieve. And often, we’re taking care of everybody else, or our to-do list, or our obligations before we're taking care of ourselves. It’s so rare for people to take their full weekends anymore to rest, relax, and recoup. So no matter what, playing and having fun should have an equal amount of time on our schedule as working towards our health goals, building our future, and all those things.

Considering that you take a holistic approach to your work, meaning you consider emotional, mental, and nutritional care in tandem with physical care. In terms of how our society approaches wellness, overall, what is one key thing we’re missing or depriving ourselves of?

I like this question. I would say the number one thing for women is that we are not eating enough. We’re in starvation mode. We take care of everybody else and it might be lunchtime or dinner time before we realize we haven't eaten all day. About 95 percent of people that come into the clinic are not eating enough at all. And it’s no wonder they can't get over their symptoms or get healthy. We need those nutrients. We live in a culture where properly nourishing our bodies is very misinformed. It isn’t common knowledge how we should be eating to support ourselves, especially if we're talking about prevention.

The number two thing is that we need to look at food as medicine. We still often eat to satisfy and that's it. There is so much within the nutrition world that could change the game for us, especially in North America. There’s a reason why there are other parts of the world that are doing a whole lot better statistically with their healthcare systems and the status of chronic symptoms and diseases.

So we need to see our food as medicine, which is right in front of us. But it’s also not right in front of us for many, with food deserts, which is a whole other issue we need to change. But with that said, we need proper nourishment, proper sleep, and to see food as medicine.

Lisa Cipkar is an integrative health practitioner (IHP) and founder of Abundant Life and Wellness. She currently holds nine certifications and countless extra credentials on brain health, blood chemistry, healing from chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, and more. Learn more at lisacipkar.com.  

This Annual Natural Products Expo Compels Us Every Year. Still, Were Surprised at What We Found and Learned This Year

Of all our efforts to reveal the health hazards in our food system, our most recent eye-opening education came from an unexpected place: Natural Products Expo West. 

If you’re not familiar, Expo West is an annual gathering in Anaheim, California that attracts manufacturers, distributors, practitioners, media, and educators in the business of natural and organic lifestyle products. (There’s also a yearly sister event, ‘Expo East’ that happens in Philadelphia.) A giant exhibition, it’s a rush of discovery and connection. Brands from all over come to tout their health-focused foods, vitamins, and personal care items. They wax poetic about innovations in the industry, from newly revealed super ingredients or sustainable ways to package. 

In many ways, Expo West is a place we tap into our energy. So many people here are our people—those who’ve built smaller brands dedicated to providing a clean, just, equitable way to provide better, more wholesome products. But in truth, there’s still a lot that lives between the lines here. This crush of creators, marketers, and information—as exciting as it all is—demanded our most discerning hats. The following are some of the biggest things we learned this year.

#1: Small Brands Have It Hard

As Nichole and Adrienne walked the aisles, they talked to many smaller food brands. Some brands were more established, others new to the industry. The drive fueling these companies was infectious: Their goal was to create high-quality, healthy food products for the masses. Yet they all faced a challenge: How to grow in a sea of corporate food giants without compromising their values. 

The consensus among these brands is that it’s hard to keep up in a market dominated by giant companies that put profits over health. This shows us mostly in ingredients. Let’s say a small brand starts by using a high-quality natural alternative to sugar, such as dates. They market this choice as a healthier option, which it is. But dates are expensive, and when a company needs to scale beyond a niche audience, they may choose to nix the dates for less costly sugar. This is especially true if a brand wants to get shelf space in a mass-market grocery store. 

So what gives? We don’t have the answer here. In many ways, we’d rather see a brand make some concessions if it’s still providing a better alternative to the conventional mass-produced options. On the other hand, it’s unfortunate how steep a hill many values-aligned food brands must climb. 

#2: We Need to Continue to Read Our Ingredients

Let’s stay on the topic of small brands scaling. We were thrilled to see so many boutique companies striving to reach a broader audience, whether this means selling to larger markets or scaling their manufacturing to meet demands. But as we’ve mentioned, many end up altering their ingredients to keep up. This may mean swapping one ingredient for a less expensive one. But it also includes incorporating additives that bolster a product’s shelf life or enrich its consistency. For instance, we saw brands incorporating guar gum for shelf stabilization when they didn’t include this ingredient last year. (We also found loads of sugar and erythritol in certain products.) This is part of the business cycle, as these brands need to grow and reach a broader market. 

The onus is on us to keep learning and reading our ingredients. Our takeaway: Never take a product’s ingredient list for granted. One brand may start with a limited and clean ingredients list when selling at a farmer’s market, but once they reach a broader consumer base, they start to weave in things that may or may not be healthy. We must stay educated and know our ingredients.  It’s a hard truth: Most food companies don't exist for our health. They exist to sell their product. So keep picking up and turning over every product.

#4: Every Choice—Big or Small—Matters

It can be overwhelming to always stay positive and joyful in the face of wellness. (Note: We’ll be exploring this topic in an upcoming feature!) At PrimaFoodie, we lean into clean, healthy food every day, and still, we recognize how it can be a slog at times. Especially when a supposed clean brand starts including subpar ingredients. What? Does this bar have erythritol in it? But here’s what we want to say: Small decisions matter. Tiny steps make a difference. For instance, it may be impossible to completely rid packaged foods from your diet right now. But by swapping out conventional crackers for ones made by a smaller brand that uses cleaner ingredients, you’re choosing your health that you can build on. You’re also supporting the companies who are fighting the good fight in a giant and still corrupt food system.

This sentiment underscores why we love to offer you recipes. Starting by cooking one more meal at home than you usually do can lead to a giant difference. This creates momentum for more healthy decisions. 

We call these the small wins—and they’re one of the best things we can do for our health, hands down.  

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the most popular kitchen staples. “In most of our pantries is a bottle of olive oil, “says Alison Carroll, founder of the California-based olive oil company Wonder Valley. Still, like so many staples, this golden liquid is a mystery. We might douse it on our salads and in our pans, but how much do we know about where it comes from and—most importantly—how to spot a high-quality one? Here, we break it all down.

Olive Oil 101

Olive oil is the bright, often golden, sometimes green liquid that comes from pressing the olive fruit. It’s deemed oil and used and treated as such, but olive oil is technically a fruit juice. Used for centuries as a means of cooking, dressing, and adding depth and flavor to dishes (some historical records date its use to 2000 BC), olive oil is beloved for its fruity taste and abundant healthy unsaturated fats.

What are the different types of olive oil?

Extra virgin, light, cold-pressed—there are various types or “grades” of olive oil. Mostly, these modifiers are linked to when the olives are harvested and how the juice is extracted and handled. But there’s so much more here, including incredible flavor, smell, and feel. 

A quick note on acid: Olives naturally have fatty acids. One of the main types is called oleic acid, which makes up the majority (70 to 80 percent) of olive oil. A true extra virgin olive oil has a lower acidity than other olive oils, generally below 2 percent.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The gold standard for olive oil, extra virgin is touted as the tastiest, purest form. When oil is deemed extra virgin, it means it’s the first pressing from the olives (sometimes olives are pressed several times to extract the most juice), and the juice has been extracted using a cold-pressed method—a chemical and heat-free process. Once extracted, the juice is then kept pure, and never heated, pasteurized, or refined. Extra virgin olive oil is usually the fruitiest, most peppery olive oil with the lowest natural acidity. A true high-quality olive oil has no defects, such as poor taste or “fustiness,” fermentation that happens from a lack of oxygen.

*PrimaNote: Extra virgin olive oil is the only type we choose. Still, quality can vary when it comes to extra virgin olive oil. That’s because there are no regulated standards for stating an oil is such. As Carroll says, lab analysis and a professional taste panel determine quality. “And because of this subjective science, many oils can unjustly label a defective/ lower quality oil as extra virgin.” 

Olio Nuevo

This is a type of extra virgin olive oil that comes from the very first olive harvest of the year. These olives are super young and green, giving olio nuevo varieties a bright green color and a strong peppery taste. This is touted to have the highest levels of nutrients, including polyphenols.

Virgin olive Oil

Virgin olive oil is still supposed to be high quality from the first pressing of an olive. It’s also unrefined. The difference from an extra virgin is that a virgin oil often has some defects.  

Light Olive Oil

This is oil that’s been refined and treated to rid any impurities. Usually from a second or third extraction, it lacks in color and taste, and even in nutrients. The “light” here can be misleading because olive oil is fat, so it can’t be light, in any sense. While some may like this variety because of its lighter taste, we recommend opting for another neutral oil if that’s the case. (Simply put, we avoid this type of olive oil at all costs.)

Pure Olive Oil

In theory, all olive oils should be pure, so this word is a red flag. Essentially, pure or light olive oils are refined options that are a blend of various types, such as virgin and refined. 

Shopping for Olive Oil: What to Look For

Now that we’ve outlined the different types, we’re going to strictly refer to extra virgin olive oil from here on out.

Finding a great, high-quality, real extra virgin olive oil can be hard. Countless companies claim to offer a true option when they’re mislabeling, mixing, or offering stale or fake oils. Here’s what to look out for to make sure you grab a stellar bottle:

Harvest Date

A harvest date is one of the most critical things to look for—NOT an expiration date, which can mean nothing. A harvest date tells you when the olives were crushed. And given that olive oil doesn’t have a long shelf life—a great oil should be consumed within a year, ideally six months—it’s best to aim for the freshest oil possible. 

For context, here’s what Alison Carroll has to say: “The harvest date is the most essential component on the bottle. Expiration dates can be arbitrary and overgenerous. When you see a harvest date, what you are buying is something that is freshly pressed and doesn’t have a long shelf life.”

Sustainable Packaging

Aim for oil that’s packaged in a sustainable material like aluminum, stainless steel, or dark glass. Each of these blocks UV rays, which can break down the oil, and don’t leach chemicals into the juice. 

A List of the Types of Olive Varieties

If a company is offering a high-quality oil, they’ll spell out the olive varietals that have been pressed—i.e. if they’re olives from Italy, Spain, Portugal, California, or elsewhere. This level of transparency usually means the company cares. 

But let’s dig deeper: We encourage skepticism over inexpensive oils labeled “Product of Greece” for instance without listing the varietals. It can be quite likely that the olives weren’t grown or pressed in that country, but rather they were just bottled in that country. This is a tactic many companies use to buy cheap oil from around the world, blend them, then call them a “Product of Greece” when they’re a product of several countries, and of poor quality. As Carroll says, “Read the fine print on the label. The front label could say, for example, ‘Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Tuscany’ but on the back label you see ‘product of Tunisia, Italy, Spain, Greece.’ This is common for cheap olive oils.”

In general, aim to buy olive oil that derives all from one place.

How to store your olive oil

This is key: Place your oil away from heat and light (even when it’s packaged in a proper container). And use it up! We love what Carroll says about using high-quality olive oil: Enjoy it! Experience it! “A lot of our context with olive oil is that it’s this ubiquitous condiment and usually next to vinegar (which ages wonderfully),” she says. “Don’t be precious with it and let it sit and collect dust. Store it away from direct heat or sunlight, not next to a sunny window or stove. A pantry is great.”

A Few PrimaFavorite Extra Virgin Olive Oil Companies
These are some oils derived from a single source and produced by companies who care. 

McEvoy Ranch
Wonder Valley
Brightland
Nuvo Olive Oil
Fat Gold
Kosterina Everyday Olive Oil 

Curious to learn more about cooking with olive oil? Check out our Guide to Cooking with Oils and Fats. 

Chile Is Touting the Food and Wellness Advice We All Need to Hear

One of the most critical facts about our health is that it’s a communal affair. We each need to make individual efforts to eat well and take care of ourselves, but our solo choices around the foods we consume and the products we support impacts those around us. What and how we eat has a domino effect. 

We were thrilled to see this truth underscoring Chile’s new Dietary Guidelines. The South American nation rewrote its health and food suggestions for its citizens—the first update it’s made since 2013—to include accessible tips to complement people’s habits and lifestyles, and to consider the wellbeing of the planet. It’s all-encompassing, and it’s exactly what we need here in the US. 

As Chilean doctor and Minister of Health Ximena Aguilera says, the guidelines reflect the collaboration of doctors, governmental officials, suppliers, and producers. It highlights the importance of “sharing the table, hygiene in food, sharing kitchen tasks and protecting the planet—because with our eating habits, consuming seasonal, fresh food and avoiding waste, we also help the health of the planet.”

What’s even more inspiring, is how tangible the report actually is. Our guidelines in the US span a whopping 164 pages. But Chile created succinct, easy-to-follow 20-minute videos to break down the main components. As Nichole points out, “they actually want its citizens to watch and understand.”

Below are our three biggest takeaways from the new Dietary Guidelines for Chile—all of which we’re determined to advocate for in the US:

#1: The guidelines are accessible.
The new Food Guidelines for Chile present 10 suggestions for people to incorporate into their routines, offering citizens concise and actionable ways to eat. A few of these include:

• Consume fresh, seasonal food from fairs and established markets over processed food. (This is groundbreaking, as the US never warns against processed foods because of a fear of lobby groups.)

• Add color and flavor by choosing more fruits and vegetables.

• Consume legumes in stews and salads as often as possible.

• Avoid ultra-processed products and with "HIGH IN" stamps.

• Drink water—not juice—throughout the day.

One note: Chile does include the suggestions to “consume dairy at all stages of life” and to “increase the consumption of fish, shellfish, or algae from authorized sources,” both of which give us pause and make us wonder if there are ulterior industry objectives behind these.

#2: Community plays an important role in our wellness
Food is more than sustenance. It’s also a means to be with others and to enjoy the present. We applaud Chile’s following actions that speak to this:

• Share kitchen tasks and look to cook new and traditional meals.

• Enjoy your food at the table and eat with others, when possible, without phones or other distractions.

• Respect food cultures and appreciate the importance of making food at home.

#3: Chile considers social, biological, and environmental concerns
While the overarching goal of the guidelines is to better the wellbeing of its citizens, a subsequent benefit is that it aims to “empower sustainable food systems.” Eve Crowley, a representative with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Chile, says the scope of the new guidelines go beyond nutrition to include facts that reflect the entire food system, from the health of fisheries and farms to how we manage food waste. “For us, it follows the state of the art of dietary guidelines very well,” Crowley adds. “It is something very accessible to the public.”

Here at PrimaFoodie, we applaud Chile. Echoing Marion Nestle, these new standards certainly have “much to teach us.” Now it’s up to us to advocate for this on our own soil. 

The PrimaFoodie Podcast

Since early 2022, we’ve invited you to join us in a movement to change the way we eat for the better. As a loyal community, we are in joint advocacy for an equitable and transparent food system and accessibility to clean foods for all—and this begins in conversation, at home, and in community.

Therefore, we are so excited to launch our new venture, The PrimaFoodie Podcast.

More than a year in the making, The PrimaFoodie Podcast is a raw, fun, and unfiltered series concentrating on what and how we eat, and the ways we can collectively improve our food system and well-being. Hosted by our founder, Nichole, the series features loud, talented voices in science, agriculture, nutrition, integrative health, and other fields.

In each episode, Nichole and her guest pull back the curtain on the nutrition, health, and food wisdom that is still hard to come by yet deserved by all to know. Their talks break barriers. They also may make some mad (hint: the FDA). There’s no holding back here. Because we believe the way we can create the change we need is to shout the truth as loud as we can. As Nichole says, “We can’t wait for the next generation. The time is now.”

Change starts with honest words. Talking openly was the impetus for PrimaFoodie. Sharing ideas, spreading knowledge, and supporting small makers by word-of-mouth are what drives us and a better world.

We hope you join in this conversation with an open heart and mind. Let’s always keep talking.

Click over to our PrimaFoodie Podcast and you can directly subscribe from there.
**copy and paste the URL from the address bar into the podcast app of your choice.

Editor’s Note: The PrimaFoodie Podcast is for inspirational and informational purposes only. We feature the insight of medical physicians and health care and wellness practitioners, but this is in no way intended to be a substitute for any professional diagnosis or medical advice. All views the interview subjects express in this podcast are their own.

5 New Books on Regeneration and Wellness that Prove a Healthier and More Sustainable World Is Possible

We’re living at a critical time for the health of ourselves and our environment. While climate change proves to be one of—if not the—most crucial issue, we’re also experiencing record-breaking instances of illness and disease. But just when it might feel all too much, we hear from experts in the fields of environmentalism, functional medicine, and science who prove to us that it’s not. We can fight back toward better health and a more regenerative future, and these five new brilliant books show us how. They are some of the most informative hopeful reads we’ve come across this year.  

A Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet & Disease.
Most of us are walking around inflamed and it’s a chronic issue that concerns Shilpa Ravella, MD, a gastroenterologist. She believes that low-level inflammation is tied to most of our modern-day ailments, from heart disease, diabetes, and cancer to auto-immune conditions and certain neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Ravella discusses why inflammation threatens our well-being in her new book, A Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet & Disease. Backed by rigorous research, this book is a roadmap to understanding how low-level inflammation happens and the lifestyle and diet changes we can all make to keep inflammation in check. 

Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet
We’ve discussed regenerative farming—an agricultural method that aims to honor the earth and rebuild soil and biodiversity while growing and cultivating foods—at great length. That’s because it is one of the most critical ways to save our planet and health, as conventional farming is one of the most destructive and depleting practices today. British environmental writer Georg Monbiot covers this truth in great depth in his vast book, Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet. By incorporating wisdom from farmers and experts who are revolutionizing our understanding of fertility, Monbiot has written an insightful guide for creating a truly sustainable way to live—and it’s a must for every one of us to read. 

How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink
Food touches every part of our lives, from our culture to our politics to our health. Paco Underhill, an author and expert in consumer habits, looks at the intersection of how our food defines how we live (and vice versa) in his new book, How We Eat. Underhill explores new food technology, advances in urban farming, the marketing of vast supermarkets, and more. This book offers a new way of thinking about not only the nutrients of food but the business practices that fuel our current food industry and the changes that will make it more inclusive, sustainable, and just. 

Better Broths and Healing Tonics: 75 Bone Broth and Vegetarian Broth-Based Recipes for Everyone
Functional medical practitioner Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and certified nutritionist Jill Sheppard Davenport offer this comprehensive guide and cookbook anchored in the healing properties of bone and vegetarian broths. The two specialists share a similar viewpoint with us: Broths are more than a means to making soups. They provide a nutritious foundational base for flavorful meals. This book reads like a conversational tutorial on how to increase your nutrient density. 

Thriving: The Breakthrough Movement to Regenerate Nature, Society, and the Economy 
“We are navigating extraordinary global crises that could result in either the collapse or the thriving of nature, society, and the economy,” writes Wayne Visser, an author and Cambridge University professor. Visser is choosing the latter, and he’s proving how we can all be a part of this in his new book aptly named, Thriving. He posits that every aspect of life is regenerative. When we focus on this and remain both hopeful and proactive, we can shift our way of living and the state of the planet to one that is truly sustainable and healthy. With actionable and accessible tips for individuals and businesses, this book is a roadmap to a bright future. 

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Eating Clean in Miami

Miami has lured for ages. A flashy and vibrant party town, this east coast city pulls in people near and afar for its stellar nightlife, cultural, and arts scenes. But that is only a fraction of what’s on offer here. Miami has a world-class food world, a strong portion of which is focused on local, clean, sustainable fare. These following PrimaFoodie-approved eateries make up for our short list of the top places to get a nutrient-dense meal to keep you fueled for a long, humid, fun-filled night ahead. 

Editors’ Note: Our hearts go out to those in Florida who have been gravely impacted by Hurricane Ian. 

Natura Eatery

Natura was founded by two Miami locals who are obsessed with health and supporting local farmers. Everything here is made with organic fruits and vegetables, sustainably sourced seafood, and free-range organic meats. A perfect Natura breakfast includes the Mixed Berry and Almond Butter Toast (served on homemade GF bread), fresh green juice, and a side of wild Salmon. 

Marion

Because Marion is owned by the Mr. Hospitality group, one of the city’s most successful founders of restaurants and clubs, it’s a happening spot. Still, anchoring the buzzy scene is a menu focused on sustainable seafood caught that day, organic produce, and local meats. The food is hearty and healthy with an inventive Asian spin on everything. 

Planta

We love organic and sustainably farmed meats at PrimaFoodie, so when an entirely plant-based restaurant comes our way, it must be excellent. Planta is. Located in South Beach (there are sister locations throughout the region), this vegetarian restaurant whips up some very satisfying sushi, soups, and house-made kombucha. The menu is extensive and great, but it’s important to be mindful if you have a gluten allergy as the GF options are a bit harder to scope out. 

OTL

OTL has New York food scene roots—which means it’s got the power to draw a crowd. Known for their coffee and stellar Market Grain Bowl (which is gluten-free), OTL’s breakfast and sandwich offerings are some of the city’s best for a hearty-yet-nutritious meal. The Overnight Oats here deserve applause. For one, they're gluten-free (still a rarity when it comes to café oatmeal). But these oats also have no added sugar and are topped with organic blueberries and super seeds. Perfection. 

Miami Juice

Although it’s been around for a while, Miami Juice has catapulted in popularity over the last few years. Located in Sunny Isles, this is a laid-back market-meets-café that serves some of the city’s best smoothies, salads, gluten-free specialties, and organic turkey burgers. The market part here is key, as its generous inventory of all-organic produce and other nutrient-dense foods makes grabbing groceries after lunch a breeze. 

Pura Vida

This bright and airy chain of health-centered restaurants makes grabbing an organic lunch so easy. What started as a small-scale family-owned café has morphed into a Miami mainstay with 12 locations. Come here for fresh smoothies, vegetable bowls made with organic produce, free-range chicken, and fresh shots of cold-press vegetable juice. Gluten-free options abound on this menu. 

Lilikoi Organic Living

As its name suggests, Lilikoi Organic Living focuses on incorporating clean and organic practices. Founded and run by a health-focused couple from Hawaii, this South Beach all-day café offers smoothies, Hawaiian-style poke bowls, fresh-caught fish, and more. We haven’t had their gluten-free pizzas, but a close PrimaFoodie friend says it’s a must. We applaud this delicious café for its strict adherence to local and organic fruits and vegetables and antibiotic- and hormone-free meats.

What We’re Reading, Watching, and Listening to this September

We love integrating new ideas and practices into our everyday lives—ultimately so we continue to feel inspired and healthy. So much of our discovery starts with an insightful article, compelling documentary, or heartfelt podcast. To that end, here’s what we’ve been reading, watching, and listening to as of late. 

These lessons are a cue to always be discerning and keep learning. Got something to recommend? Send us a DM! 

What We’re Watching

 Buck
“There is a real-life horse whisperer and his name is Buck Brannaman. This insightful and sensitive documentary tells the story of Brannaman, a revered horse trainer, and how he overcame trauma to become one of the most compassionate and leading people in his field. You don’t have to love horses to appreciate this story but learning about Brannanman’s approach will make you a better human being.” —Nichole

 
What We’re Listening To

 The Dhru Purohit Podcast: “How to Build Muscle and Live Longer”
“Muscle is the organ of longevity.” These words by Gabrielle Lyon, DO, are critical in how we view obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. In this interview, Dr. Lyon argues we are “under-muscled,” which leads to a host of health problems. This podcast (which you can also watch on Youtube) offers an entirely new way to look at some of the most widespread health issues today. This is another gem of a conversation hosted by Dhru Purohit” —Nichole

What We’re Reading

 The Brockovich Report
“For several years, water has been at the forefront of my mind. How clean is my tap water? Will there be enough clean, drinkable water for us all in 10 years? Just how old is our municipal water infrastructure? This is just a sampling of the questions I obsess over. More recently, after having the honor to chat with Erin Brockovich, I’ve become even more obsessed with this critical topic. Brockovich unpacks what we need to know about our water—from policy updates to corrupt oversight—in her newsletter, The Brockovich Report. It’s a scary must-read.” —Stacey

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. 
“This platform offers wisdom for everyday life. It helps me become more level-headed, consistent, and effective, while it also pushes me to live in alignment with my values.” —Nichole

“Why Is Corn Syrup in So Many American Infant Formulas?” from The Undark
“Research shows that about half of all baby formulas produced for the US market contain… corn syrup. That’s right. Corn syrup. The EU does not allow corn syrup in its formulas. This article unpacks why so many formulas contain this cheap and fast sugar ingredient—and what we need to know about its impact on babies’ health.” —Stacey  

Best Snack Bars for Better Blood Sugar by Levels Health
“Levels is always publishing thorough and needed information on health, blood sugar, and longevity. This piece unpacks snack bars, from what we should avoid to the ingredients to look for.” —Nichole

August Reading List

Here’s a roundup of what’s been in front of our eyes and on our minds, as of late. In the sea of I information we live in, we’ve found each of these articles to be a worthwhile and informative read.

Got any recs? Send us a note at @primafoodie

How to Help Your Child Build a Healthy Relationship with Food

How to get fussy eaters to eat vegetables.? “With a sprinkle of creativity,” writes holistic nutritionist Edie Horstman.

L-Citrulline Is an Amino Acid Known to Boost Brain Performance and Heart Health

 And it’s found in this one “unicorn” fruit…

What Are Processed Foods—and Why Are They So Bad?

 Those packaged crackers really do have a negative impact. Here’s why.

Why You Should Buy the ‘Ugliest’ Watermelon

‘Tis the season of one of the most beloved fruits of all time. These tips will ensure you’re picking the best of the bunch.

The PrimaFoodie Guide to Clean Laundry Detergent

For many of us, laundry is a household chore we do on autopilot. At some point in our lives, we learned a technique and stuck with it. But like any method, the way we do our laundry is worth re-evaluating from time to time. This is to ensure we’re doing it most efficiently and in the healthiest way for our bodies and planet. The best place to start is cleaning up your laundry detergent. 

A solution meant to clean our clothes of toxins, grime, body odors, and pollutants, detergents can cause more harm than good in the long run when they’re laden with potentially harmful chemicals. Common additives linked to health concerns, such as sulfates and fragrances, can break down clothing, seep into our pores, irritate the skin, and pollute the earth.

Here, our PrimaFoodie Laundry Detergent Guide clarifies why it’s important to choose a clean detergent and the main toxic culprits to avoid. Plus, we rounded up our top picks for the cleanest detergents available today. 

Toxic Detergent: Why It’s Important to Clean Your Clean

Perhaps you’ve chosen to use clean skin care products. Maybe you’ve rid your pantry of plastics. But what’s lurking in your laundry room? Our detergent seems to be a final frontier when we’re aiming to reduce our toxic load—and it makes sense why: We don’t apply this directly to our skin like we do other products, so the harm detergents can cause may seem a more distant threat. But a deeper look reveals the harm these solutions can cause. 

Most conventional laundry detergents (think: Tide, Arm & Hammer) contain surfactants (also called emulsifiers) that strengthen a solution’s foaming power and emulsification. These are linked to human health and environmental concerns. The Environmental Working Group, a third-party independent organization that fastidiously researches ingredients, finds certain anionic surfactants used to remove grease to be linked to severe skin irritation, eye rashes, and pervasive environmental pollution. The European Union Ecolabel organization shows certain emulsifiers to be “chronically” harmful to aquatic life. (In the early 90s, a federal ban on the use of laundry detergent phosphates, another popular emulsifier, took place in the US. Sadly, phosphates are still allowed in dish soaps and other products.)

Laundry detergents are also ground zero for fragrance. The fresh scent associated with a clean load can harbor toxins that are downright terrible. As in any personal care product, when you read “fragrance” or “natural fragrance,” it is most likely a cryptic umbrella term a company is using to include various additives without having to disclose what they are. As the EWG has long stated, think of “fragrance” as “hidden chemicals”: “A major loophole in FDA's federal law lets manufacturers of products like shampoo, lotion, and body wash include nearly any ingredient in their products under the name "fragrance" without actually listing the chemical,” states EWG. 

Dirty on Clean: Common Laundry Detergents Additives to Look Out for

Individually, each ingredient in a detergent can potentially cause harm to you or the planet. When combined with others, your cleaning solutions suddenly become harmful pollutants. Here are the main culprits to avoid:

Fragrance or Natural Fragrance

As mentioned, this is an umbrella term that hides many potentially harmful chemicals. 

Parabens

A group of chemicals used as artificial preservatives in household and personal care products since the 1920s. Most commonly called: Butylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, and isopropylparaben

Ammonia

An inorganic gas that has a harsh odor, ammonia is used to break down grime. Studies link ammonia to having a corrosive effect and can lead to respiratory, kidney, and liver issues.  

Chlorine Bleach

This classic cleaner is used to kill bacteria, mold, odors, and fungus, and to eradicate dirt. Researchers have found the cumulative use of chlorine bleach to be toxic to the lungs, liver, and kidneys. 

Phthalates

A group of common chemicals used in personal care and household products, phthalates are synthetic compounds used to make things softer. (Phthalates are commonly added to plastics to make them more pliable.) Study after study deems various phthalates as endocrine disruptors that are detrimental to our health. Common names include: diethyl phthalate, DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) DEP (diethyl phthalate), DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), BzBP (benzyl butyl phthalate), DMP (dimethyl phthalate)

Dyes

There is no need to have dyes in detergent, just as there is no need to have it in foods. 

Choosing a Clean Detergent

The key in finding a laundry detergent is to read the ingredients list, which should be short and transparent. Beware of falling for marketing claims on labels such as “natural” or “organic,” as these can trick you into thinking the solution is cleaner than it is. 

The following is a short list of six clean laundry detergents we stand behind. Each one boasts an EWG score of EWG Verified, which means it meets the organization’s strictest standards for health and transparency, or EWG A, which means there are very few or no known suspected hazards in the ingredients. (We vetted each and chose those rated EWG A to have the least ingredients, all of which are free of known suspected hazards.)

To avoid any hidden scented additives, we suggest always choosing a detergent that is fragrance-free, which these are. Some clean detergents available do scent their solutions with pure essential oils, but we still opt out of those to ensure we’re grabbing the most limited-ingredient, pure solution there is. 

Editor’s Note: We only stand behind the mentioned product and not the entire brand or company’s collection, as offerings vary in terms of ingredients. As always, be sure to vet and test each product yourself. Your susceptibility to a product or ingredient is paramount and can only be verified by your and/or a medical expert. 

Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder

EWG Rating: A

Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pods, Unscented

EWG Rating: A

Hello Bello Organic Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Unscented

EWG Rating: A

** While this solution is excellent, we are regretful it comes in a plastic bottle.

Nellie’s Laundry Soda

EWG Rating: A

Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent – Free and Clear

EWG Rating: Verified

Blueland Laundry Tablets, Fragrance Free

EWG Rating: Verified

Why You Need an Insect Repellent—Plus 6 PrimaFoodie-Approved Bug Sprays

Protecting ourselves against insect bites is not an easy feat. Bugs are small. They annoyingly fly into small spaces and crawl between clothing layers. Taking precautions such as wearing protective clothing layers, particularly in high-density brush areas, is important. 

The same goes for spritzing bug sprays to amplify protection. But many common repellents contain potentially toxic and irritating chemicals, such as preservatives and fragrance. We’ve scoured the shelves to find the cleanest options out there. Here are our top picks for botanical DEET-free bug repellents void of any harmful additives. (And if you’re curious to learn more about DEET, read on.)

What Is Bug Spray Important?

First, let’s talk about why we need protection. The issue with bugs is the harm their bites can cause. Itching, swelling, and inflammation are three common responses to a mosquito or spider bite. Illness is another issue—and one that’s serious. The CDC states that in North America, residents are at risk of numerous “vector-borne” diseases. including Lyme, dengue fever, West Nile, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and more. For this reason, taking precautions to avoid getting bitten or stung means reducing the risk of contracting a disease.

Why Is DEET Avoided?

DEET, diethyltoluamide, is a colorless oily substance that has been proven effective in warding off bugs. Yet this ingredient is controversial. Some experts suggest applying a solution with a low concentration of DEET, particularly when traveling to areas that are at high risk for disease-infesting bug bites. The Environmental Working Group states that a solution that contains DEET at a maximum of 20 percent (10 percent for children) is safe. EWG also states the ingredients Picaridin and IR3535 to “have low safety concerns and offer a high level of protection from a variety of biting insects and ticks.” 

We do not include DEET-containing repellents in this guide. Why? This ingredient is notorious for causing rashes and other side effects. Simply put: We avoid it—but we still take bug-bite precautions seriously. Choosing a bug repellent is personal. There isn’t one solution that is 100 percent effective for preventing disease-disseminating bug bites. That’s why it’s always important to consider where you’re going and your health concerns and needs.

What Natural Bug Sprays Are Best?

The following are PrimaFoodie-Approved solutions that contain only botanical ingredients and no added fillers, colors, or toxic preservatives. Again, we can’t guarantee that these will ward off all pests, but we’ve found these coupled with ample protective clothing and other precautions to work well.

Primally Pure Bug Spray
This spray contains citronella, a star natural ingredient that bugs loathe, with the added repellant benefits of rosemary and peppermint.

Erin’s Faces Deet-Free Mosquito & Tick Repellent
Citronella pairs with essential oils of geranium and lemongrass in this totally clean spray made by a small-batch, woman-founded company.

Good Flower Farm Into the Woods Bugspray
Another small-batch woman-founded option. We love how the essence of lavender gently reduces the intensity of the citronella.

Kinfield Golden Hour Deet-Free Repellent
A PrimaFavorite. A unique strain of Indonesian citronella, which this company says is more effective than other common citronella strains, complements the clove, citronella, and vanilla. 

Jao Patio Oil
A clean, uber-moisturizing oil that works as a moisturizer and natural repellant. The natural blends lends a mild lemony scent to skin.

Badger Balm Anti-Bug Shake & Spray
Lemongrass and citronella are the star ingredients in this New England-made clean spray.

Composting: Why Is It So Important?

In early 2022, a law passed in California requiring residents to compost their food waste. The law, which is part of the state’s aggressive plan to reduce food waste and up recycling efforts, doesn’t require residents to do their own composting at home per se. Rather the charge mandates that every person or household must separate their tossed food from their trash and then dump those scraps into the city- and state-provided composting bins outside.

The idea behind California’s progressive effort is to get a handle on the amount of perishable food waste that ends up in landfills. (Food waste is the largest category of matter that fills landfills.) When food is tossed, it breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and climate change contributor. Experts see this as both a detrimental habit and a lost opportunity: Trashed food emits gas and adds to landfill bulk when instead its nutrients could be benefitting soil and crops.

What Are the Benefits of Composting?

With its composting law, California is looking to mirror the work of the natural world: In nature, an uneaten piece of fruit decomposes on the ground before getting digested by microorganisms and fungi and then converted into nutrients that nurture new plant growth. Composting, essentially, does this in contained settings within our communities and cities—all the while reducing reliance on landfills. It is a win-win.

Two more reasons why composting is beneficial on a municipal and individual level include:

It enables sustainable and healthy agriculture. A challenge of modern-day farming is a depleting topsoil layer. Research shows that land degradation is happening at a rapid rate. Roughly 25 percent of the total land area in the world has been degraded, according to the Global Environment Facility: “When land is degraded, soil carbon and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere, making land degradation one of the most important contributors to climate change,” as stated on GEF’s site. Composting helps to replenish soil’s lost nutrients, aiding in restoring land fertility for agriculture. 

Composting supports cleaner agricultural practices.

The United States’s reliance on toxic and potentially carcinogenic pesticides and herbicides is grave. The Environmental Working Group states more than 70 percent of non-organic fruits and vegetables have residue of potentially harmful pesticides. This is serious given how these chemicals have been linked to negative health and environmental effects. Experts say that replacing pesticides with composted matter naturally emboldens the soil, thus reducing the need for pesticides. 

How Do You Start Composting in Your City?

Ideally, we would all compost our scraps at home. This isn’t too hefty of a feat, given how the marketplace for chic and easy composting bins has grown. We’d all live in cities and states that mirror California’s compost mandate. Thankfully, a growing number of cities, including Boston, are making composting easy by providing compost waste drop-off sites. To find out if your city offers this, look to the following:

1. Your city’s waste removal department. Reach out to our local City Hall or city government headquarters for a contact in the waste removal department. This contact will inform you if your town, city, or county offers compost removal services or drop-off locations. If they do not, push and ask why. (The pressing questions of residents often spark new city ordinances.)

2. Your local recycling or trash service. Your town or city may have resident waste removed by an outside non-municipal organization—something that is quite common. The name and contact can be found via your local government, homeowners association, or landlord.

3. Your local schools. More schools are developing unused land into working community and educational gardens to teach children about growing and cultivating produce. 

4. Your local farmers’ market. This is always a win for any sustainably-founded question. Chances are the local farmers and purveyors in your region have a composting system in place. Ask to see if they would accept your scraps or refer you to a service they use.

To learn more about composting visit the National Resources Defense Council. 

Getting Real about Food Dyes: A Conversation with Dr. Tania Dempsey

Artificial food coloring is everywhere. In our food, our pharmaceuticals, even our mouthwash. Pick up a conventional or processed product from the shelves and you’re likely to find one of the nine FDA-approved artificial dyes listed in the ingredients.

The question then is: Why—and what harm does this cause to our health? To answer this, we reached out to Dr. Tania Dempsey, a Board-Certified physician specializing in internal medicine and integrative and holistic medicine. As Dr. Dempsey illuminates, food coloring represents the even larger issue of all the additives that go into what we eat.

Let’s start with how common food dyes are today. What are the main culprits?

Food coloring is pervasive throughout the food, drug, and cosmetic industries. 

The foods that most commonly contain artificial dyes are in the processed food category.  Breakfast cereal, chips, candies, cookies and other baked goods frequently have color added to them for appearance and to make them look more inviting.  Other packaged food, such as flavored oatmeal and macaroni and cheese,  often have food dyes listed in their ingredient list. Beverages like sports drinks, fruit juice and soda can also contain food dyes.  However, the really shocking thing is the number of foods that would not necessarily be considered “junk” food that contain dyes.

Many pharmaceutical pills, over the counter or prescription strength, whether they are capsules, tablets, contain some kind of coloring in the outer coating of their pills or capsules.

Liquid preparations, particularly for pediatric use like medications for fever or colds, often contain food dye.  The coloring probably serves as a way to distinguish the pills for the company, the pharmacist and the patient.  It also looks more attractive to the patient.   Hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash are usually found in various colors, with various food dyes added.   

These dyes are also found in unexpected places. What are those?

Some brands of pickles contain a yellow dye to make the pickles look brighter.  Non-organic oranges can be sprayed with a dye to give them a more vibrant orange color.  As mentioned previously, dyes are found in pharmaceuticals, even in infant and children’s products, as well as cosmetics, like face washes and creams, and personal care products like toothpaste and mouthwash. 

What are the main artificial food dyes to look out for? And what hazards or health concerns are they linked to?

There are nine FDA approved artificial dyes: Blue 1, Blue 2, Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Studies have shown that all have some associated health risks. The literature has been extensively reviewed by several organizations and researchers. A summary of the dangers of each is outlined in a document published by The Center for Science in Public Interest.  

More than half of the approved artificial food dyes have carcinogenic potential and have been linked to tumor growths and cancer. Red 3, also known as Erythrosine, was shown to increase thyroid tumors in animal studies.  Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 contain a chemical called benzidine, which is a carcinogen that can cause cancer.  Several dyes, notably Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, have been shown to cause hypersensitivity reactions, with symptoms that can include: itching, hives, face swelling, headaches, dizziness, trouble breathing, and even anaphylaxis.  Yellow 5 has the potential for being genotoxic, which means that it can damage DNA, potentially affecting future generations of children.

Many of the dyes have been shown through various studies and meta-analyses to cause behavioral issues in children, including ADHD, which is concerning especially since children are the predominant consumers of food products that contain food coloring. *

We’ve read that some dyes are made of unappealing—and appalling—ingredients. Would you talk about this?  

Most of the artificial dyes are made from petroleum. FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake is made from aluminum, which is a toxic metal.

There are natural dyes that contain insects, like carmine, which is a red coloring made from crushed cochineal bugs.  But many of the natural dyes come from fruits and vegetables, like beets, spinach, cabbage, or pomegranates.

What is the psychology behind using food coloring? Is it necessary?

From a health perspective, food coloring is certainly not necessary.  However, from a business and marketing perspective, food coloring sells.  Consumers, including children, are attracted to the colors, which make them excited about eating the food or taking the pill or swallowing the liquid medication, for instance. It is more enticing to eat something bright in color rather than something beige and bland. Food coloring has no purpose in any product other than aesthetics- it doesn’t make the food taste better or make the medication work better.   

What are some healthier swaps?

Generally speaking, organic food will be healthier and less likely to contain artificial food dyes. Choose organic oranges instead of non-organic, as an example.  Choose packaged products that contain fewer ingredients and avoid foods with bright colors.  Cutting back on packaged products and eating a more whole food based diet will be healthier and will avoid additional colorings or flavorings. Some products that are marketed as healthier, like fruit gummies, use natural dyes, but still carry their own set of side effects.  They may be less toxic but they can still cause hypersensitivity reactions in some people and contain excessive amounts of carbohydrates and sugars.  Staying away from foods that are colored may be difficult but there are plenty of options out there.  

Food dyes are just one example of a larger problem of copious food additives. What else is critical to know?

Beyond the issue with food dyes, we should also consider artificial or even natural flavors used in packaged food that might also be problematic.  Many products not only have color added for the visual effects but also contain flavors to make them appeal to the palate.  Artificial and natural flavorings may contain chemicals and solvents that can be toxic and can cause a variety of reactions.

Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, ABIHM is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received her MD degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and her BS degree from Cornell University. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at New York University Medical Center. She is currently a community staff member of Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, CT.

In 2011, she founded Armonk Integrative Medicine (AIM) which has evolved into the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, a destination practice in Purchase, NY, focusing on complex, multi-system diseases. Dr. Dempsey is an expert in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Dysautonomia, ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Tick-Borne Infections and Autoimmunity. She is a member of the U.S. ME/CFS Clinician Coalition and is actively involved in their Infection Workgroup subcommittee. She is the co-author of the chapter on “Urogynecology and Hypermobility” in the 2020 book, Disjointed Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. She has recently published several ground-breaking articles in the medical literature, including the review article “Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global "consensus-2" published in Diagnosis in April 2020 and the newly published case series from January 2022 titled: “Post-HPV-Vaccination Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Possible Vaccine-Triggered Escalation of Undiagnosed Pre-Existing Mast Cell Disease?” To learn more about Dr. Dempsey visit aimcentrepm.com.

* Additional reference:  Kobylewski S, Jacobson MF. Toxicology of food dyes. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2012 Jul-Sep;18(3):220-46. doi: 10.1179/1077352512Z.00000000034. PMID: 23026007.

What Is “Inclusive Beauty”? Meet the Iconoclastic Beauty Founder Fighting for Greater Ethics and Kindness in the World of Self Care

A new wave of beauty pioneers are fighting back. They’re challenging the toxic and exclusive pillars that have forever pervaded the beauty industry and, instead, creating products that encourage a more mindful, clean, inclusive approach to self-care.

One such pioneer is Jennifer Norman. Founder of Humanist Beauty, a B Corporation Certified skincare collection focused on breaking the conventional beauty standards, and The Human Beauty Movement, a positivity-focused social impact effort, Norman wants to encourage a new wellness and self-care industry—one that invites every individual to define beauty for themselves. Norman and her team call this “inclusive beauty.”

Before we investigate what inclusive beauty is, we’ll first take a look at what it is not. Household makeup and skincare brands have long used tactics that reinform ageism, binary gender expectations, racism, sexism, and ableism. Expectations around what someone should look like have sold billions upon billions worth of products. Yet, these arbitrary beauty standards have led to wide swaths of consumers falling victim to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and other mental and emotional health issues. 

In tandem with these issues is the continued widespread inclusion of harmful chemicals in makeup and personal care items. A 2021 study found high levels of hazardous industrial compounds—all of which linked to grave health conditions—present in more than half of the cosmetics sold in the US.  

In short, the things created to make us feel beautiful have excluded, marginalized, and sickened consumers. Norman, along with her team behind Humanist Beauty, is flipping this script. Her focus is on ingredient purity, supply chain ethics, and care for every stakeholder involved, from her employees to consumers to the planet. “I wanted to develop a brand that went above and beyond to appreciate kindness, diversity, and well-being,” the founder says. 

When we asked how she is doing this, and what exactly she means by “inclusive beauty,” Norman is incredibly forthright. “Inclusive beauty is so much more than showing tokenistic images of women with different skin tones and hair types,” she tells us. “It extends to understanding the thoughts, feelings, frustrations, and opportunities of those who have previously been marginalized and under-represented in society. It is letting people know that we see them, hear them, and care about them deeply.”

A Conversation with Jennifer Norman

Let’s start off with the genesis of your company, Humanist Beauty. 

When I started developing the Humanist Beauty brand, I reflected on my own life experiences of being an adopted Asian American girl, and also on being the single mom of a mixed-race child living with chronic illness and disability. I wanted to develop a brand that went above and beyond to appreciate kindness, diversity, and well-being. 

How do you honor “inclusive beauty” via your brand?

Humanist Beauty stands for all races, backgrounds, skin tones, ages, abilities, gender identities, and beliefs. It lets all people know that they have value, and they matter. Some of the ways Humanist Beauty honors that is by working with diverse talent like trans model Gracie Cartier, prosthetic queer dancer Kima Dima, and unconventional curvy beauty Leah Abramson. We also support those with visual impairment or blindness by offering braille ID bands for our skincare products, Herban Wisdom Facial Oil and Herban Wisdom Eye Cream. We will continue innovating for ways to serve the abilities community even more going forward. 

What changes in the skincare and beauty industry are you most dedicated to seeing and being part of? 

More and more, beauty is being defined as wellness. It’s so much more than skin-deep. It’s about living truthfully, healthfully, and connected to everyone else in a positive way. The organization that I founded, The Human Beauty Movement, is all about embracing an ethos of beauty positivity. It’s about every human being coming to know their own true self and embracing the beauty that lives within. That way, they can then manifest that beauty out into the world as they desire rather than worrying about anyone else’s definition of beauty. 

I [recently] attended Natural Products Expo West, and I was blown away by the spirit of community and togetherness that was pervasive throughout the show. There is an enhanced focus on well-being across all categories, which is a likely response to living through an isolating pandemic such as we all did. 

Humanist has obtained B Corp status, which means you must prioritize the wellbeing of your employees, customers, and of the Planet. It’s worth noting that this is not an easy certification to obtain and maintain. Will you walk us through how Humanist makes this a priority?

I absolutely founded my business knowing that B Corp Certification was a priority, and I’m proud to say that The Human Beauty Movement was certified after 1 year of being in business. 

Being a B Corp is the gold standard of proving social and environmental impact. Given that ‘clean beauty’ means a lot of things to a lot of different people (and to some, it means nothing at all), having third-party validation such as B Corp Certification elevates brands in the marketplace as representing the best for people and the planet. Rather than putting all focus on shareholder value, which prioritizes profits, we put all our focus on stakeholder value, which is the positive benefit we’re creating for the entire ecosystem which encompasses our employees, suppliers, customers, communities, governance, and the environment. We put programs, policies, and procedures in place to ask questions like, “Do our suppliers exemplify diversity and fair wages? Are we supporting a regenerative economy? Do our products deliver holistic wellness through organic content, safety, and quality testing? How are we prioritizing community engagement and transparency?” And so on. 

B Corp Certification goes far beyond the realm of just being “clean.” It helps us assess and track our progress as a benefit company and hold ourselves accountable for living out our purpose-driven values. 

Ingredients are a critical part of your brand. How do you ensure the ingredients you use and the sources you tap into are ethical, pure, and conscious? Are there practices that a consumer can follow for vetting their own products? 

The truth of the matter is that consumers love to research ingredients yet doing so can be time-consuming. And there is a whole lot of contradictory information out there. That’s why it’s good to know there are brands, retailers, and organizations that help do the vetting for them. Clean retailer Credo Beauty allows you to click on any product’s ingredients to learn about their definitions. The EWG Skin Deep database is a good source for ingredient information. While not perfect, it’s perhaps the most comprehensive source for product safety data, and the EWG Verified seal is the strongest third-party indicator of best-in-class safety. 

I have extremely high standards when it comes to the ingredients that go into Humanist Beauty formulas. Not only do I screen for cleanliness, but I also do background checks on suppliers to vet their harvesting, processing, and manufacturing processes. I also require test results to ensure all raw bulk is clean and safe. 

[We] maintain an Ingredient Glossary where anyone can research any ingredient in our formulas to learn more about its function and safety. Transparency is an important aspect of our core values. 

To learn more about Norman and her inclusive beauty approach, visit humanistbeauty.com and the-hbm.com. 

—By Stacey Lindsay