We’ve talked about chemicals in cosmetics a few times, how unpronounceable ingredients make us wonder what we are really putting on (and consequently, in) our bodies. Sometimes switching to natural versions can be intimidating – which one will give us the same results, with less impact on ourselves and the environment?

Luckily, we stumbled upon NanaEssence, a line of 100% all-natural  body care products. The developer, Nana Korolev knows hair: as a competitive swimmer, she realized that the inevitable damage from pool chemicals didn’t need more chemicals to combat the problem; instead, she found that, through many trials, what natural items were the most effective to maintaining her mane.

These ingredients – extracts of nettle, white oak, and birch – are now the core of her products, delivering results that tackle the toughest circumstances and provide zero harm on the planet, too. (Read more about their Certified Organic ingredients)

We tested her line on a few heads of hair, including those with fine, limp locks, over-dyed ‘dos and dry, brittle ends. And the verdict? We love ‘em.

Shampoo – 240mL (8oz.)
The primary ingredient of Birch tree extract delivers an invigorating formula that adds oopmh to your mundane mane. Despite the lack of chemically-driven ingredients (such as sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate) that cause foaming action, it suds up just find, leaving you with a fresh clean that makes you want to follow with her conditioner for the final flourish.

Conditioner – 240mL (8oz.)
With a fresh scent and a lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh your hair down, this mixture of herbs and extracts detangles, repairs damage, and adds shine, all while giving back to your hair. Often those with fine hair stay away from conditioner because of its heavy effects, but this was completely the opposite, delivering body and volume – with a little dab that will do just fine.

Body Wash with Rosemary or Spearmint Oil – 240mL (8oz.)
Both rosemary and spearmint give a fresh scent like no other, wrapping your body in a cleansing aroma that revitalize your skin and your senses. It left our skin feeling silky smooth, with a light lingering scent, nary of overpowering fragrances or itchy after-effects.

Deodorant – 120mL (4oz.)
Never having used a non-solid deodorant before, we were pleasantly surprised of the simple combination of ingredients that kept our freshness in focus. Quick drying, non-marking, and scent-free,  it’s a better solution to commercial varieties – especially those containing aluminum.

Increasing numbers of studies have touted the ill effects of aluminum and its association with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, however, inconclusive results have yet to result in stricter guidelines. But with these ingredients under scrutiny, deciding to stay additive-free might be our best option.

Hair Mask – 120mL (4oz.)
We’d think that NanaEssence’s Hair Mask is her most popular beauty solution, the prime combination that repairs your hair from pollutants and chemicals. All our testers had the same result – a smooth, healthy finish, with a revitalized look after just one use. She uses a superior combination of her mainstay ingredients – rosemary, nettle, birch, chamomile, and march mallow, which combat frizziness, damage, split ends, and dry scalp.

The natural extracts deliver a light scent, and the easy-to-maneuver spray bottle lets you cover your tresses with a few strategical spritzes.

After a few weeks of use, we can vouch the positive effects of NanaEssence, giving body to those with fine hair, and combating damage on our over-dyed ‘do. Oily hair stays clean, vibrant and smooth, and even the thicker manes benefit from the all natural solution – because of the concentrated ingredients with zero additives, a little goes a long way.

We also love to note when companies take the extra eco-step, and want to applaud NanaEssence on their packaging; one small box filled with a small amount of packaging material, with a recycled spec sheet makes us give them an extra point in planet-friendly awareness.

Shampoo - $24.99

Conditioner - $24.99

Body Wash - $24.99

Deodorant – $19.99

Hair Mask – $23.99

Check them out in our Shop here!
Check out the full line, details, and company information at NanaEssence

Images courtesy of NanaEssence

SubscribeRelated Articles and Favorite Reads

TIPS | Dyeing eggs chemical-free, all natural REVIEW | Style, naturally: the eco-fashionista HEALTH | Chemicals in your cosmetics LIVING GREEN | Green gowns for your big day