Etsy has so much to offer shoppers — it's like a whole universe! In this Facts and Fancies series, I'll take you on a tour through Etsy's Categories. As we visit these "planets" one by one, we'll talk to sellers and experts and find some of extraordinary items on Etsy. (We'll also get some great insider tips along the way.) This is Part 2 of our tour of the Bath and Beauty Category: Hair, Skin Care, Makeup, Salves, Feminine and other health products — and even some naughty bits too!

Hair

Bedhead — all the way. But that's just me. Everyone's hair is a bit different and a lot of people want their hair to be something other than what it is.  Your hair is something innate — you're born with, and you have to nurture its strengths. So when you're shopping for hair products, you have to know what your needs are. GudonyaToo gives us some tips:

“Normal” haired people probably have it the easiest; they can get what they want for cleaning the hair, probably just shopping for scents or what form they want it in (solid, liquid or paste). Conditioning should be done only when needed, so as not to weigh hair down. If styling products are not used to excess, then this is all the hair should ever want!

“Dry” haired people should look for a gentle cleanser, which does not strip what little natural oil the hair might have. Conditioners should be used frequently, and maybe a deep oil treatment every once in a while to really give it a wonderful boost.

“Oily” haired people should have really good cleaning product (Maybe a little of the lather, rinse, and repeat) and probably stay away from conditioners except for those really, really “bad hair days!”

SLS / SLES — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / Sodium Laureth Sulfate are very inexpensive and the most common “sudsers” used today in commercial products from shampoo to toothpaste. Opinions vary greatly on how they act on skin and hair and in what concentrations.

Ingredients ending in -CONES — Refer to silicone oils used in hair conditioning products (any big word ending in ‘cone). Again, opinions vary greatly on how they act on skin and hair and in what concentrations.

"Wait, isn't that soap?" Not so! inalather, a seller who makes shampoo bars explains, "My shampoo bars are not soap. They are actually the same ingredients used in traditional shampoo products. They are a balanced blend of oils (which add elasticity and shine to hair), surfactants (the ingredients that cleanse and bubble) and nutrients like panthenol, proteins, and herbal extracts selected to strengthen hair, add shine, and promote hair health.  Carefully measured surfactants and oils are melted and mixed together.  Heat-sensitive nutrients and fragrances are added last.  Then the mixture is poured into molds. The advantages of a solid shampoo are that they are environmentally friendly and require minimal packaging. And many people have commented that they use less product and therefore less water, too. They are compact and portable, which makes them great for travel, camping, workout bags, etc."

As with any Bath and Beauty product, be very cautious about any allergies that you might have and talk to the seller if you have questions. To be safe, do a skin test, rub a little product on your arm, rinse if is a rinse-off product, and then wait overnight to see if you have a reaction.

Feminine Care & Other Health Products

You'll find lots of other useful and interesting items in the Bath and Beauty Category — so let's keep exploring. Here, we'll touch base on just a couple types of products: therapy packs and cloth sanitary pads.

Therapy Packs
theferriswheels (pictured above in her studio) started making custom therapy packs for her mom who suffered from pains and had "lived with a heat pack for years, but we couldn't find one that actually covered her neck, shoulders and upper back at the same time.  It's a tricky design!  But, through trial and error, the NSB (neck, shoulder, back) was born. Once I started offering it on Etsy, I quickly realized there was a need in the marketplace for products like these." She now offers different kinds of packs for various body parts.

theferriswheels tells us a bit about therapy packs on Etsy:

Hot and Cold Therapy Packs — "Pillows or packs" that are microwavable (to make them warm like a heating pad) or freezable (to make them cold like an ice pack). Therapy packs can be filled with rice, flax, corn, wheat berries, cherry pits or pretty much anything that holds heat well. They generally keep their heat for 30 - 45 minutes and come in many different shapes, sizes and fabrics. The advantages over traditional electric heating pads are many, including mobility (you're not tethered to an electrical cord) and customization. When used as a cold pack, therapy packs don't "sweat" like typical ice packs. Heat and cool certainly doesn't cure anything, but it can provide blessed relief and comfort.

theferriswheels uses rice and flax in her hot/cold packs because of the pleasant weight and feel of the packs with these ingredients.  "When looking for the appropriate therapy pack, a buyer should look for a well constructed pack (double stitched is best) that suits their own particular ache or pain." Some sellers, such as geschichtenvonkat, who made the eye pack pictured above, also offer aromatic herbs in their packs which gives an added, soothing sensory experience.

Cloth Pads
NaturallyHip, a seller who makes cloth pads, explains why she stands behind this product:
Stacked neatly in Etsy’s top drawer are a dedicated group of artists devoted to providing women with a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced disposable sanitary pads. Cloth pads are a controversial topic with strong and varying opinions on both sides of the debate. Referred to by some as “THE” place to buy cloth pads, Etsy has many sellers offering a wide variety of products.

Cloth pads provide a healthier alternative by reducing exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine and dioxin (often used in the processing of disposable pads and tampons). Many users report less irritation and shorter and less painful periods. Without the use of adhesives and plastic top-sheets, cloth pads are breathable, soft, and comfortable, like your favorite jammies!

My own cloth pad adventure started about three years ago while researching cloth diapering options for my first child. It was something I’d never heard of before. After a couple months of template making, sewing, and trial and error I came up with a handful of successful designs and started offering them for sale online. I continue to be inspired by my amazing customers who motivate me to continually improve my products and come up with new designs.

A glimpse of my basement sewing studio: many hours have been spent here creating over a thousand pads and counting!

Over the past century, disposable pads and tampons have become so mainstream that the idea of a reusable menstrual product is foreign to many women. However, we have come a very long way from Grandma’s (or Great-Grandma’s) rags…today’s products come in a wide selection of materials, colors, and designs to suit every need.

Fabrics vary from one pad to another. Cotton flannel is very popular, as are quilter’s cotton, terry, velour, and microfleece. Organically grown fibres such as bamboo, cotton, and hemp are becoming widely available as well. Today’s pads come winged, wingless, with or without a waterproof barrier. The sizes, shapes, and absorbency options are limitless. Many pad makers offer custom items so you can build the perfect pad to suit your needs.

Organic Cotton Pantyliner by phreakyboutique.

The environmental benefits are excellent as well. Landfill waste is greatly reduced, as is the impact of the manufacturing processes associated with disposable products. By purchasing cloth pads you are usually supporting a small business and investing in handmade items created with love, one at a time! There is definitely an initial investment, but since washable pads are made to last several years, they actually cost less in the long run.

JazzyPads by tamarack.

Perceived lack of convenience is one of the top reasons women avoid trying cloth pads. Thankfully, using them is not inconvenient, just different. Waterproof "wet bags" can be used out and about, and washing is really (truly!) no big deal. The wonderful pad makers here on Etsy are always happy to share their tips and advice on care and washing.  Etsy member and cloth pad enthusiast tamarindball talks about her experience:

“Using cloth pads has helped me cut down immensely in two areas of great concern to me: my monthly spending, and my ecological footprint. Finding Etsy shops like NaturallyHip and BatikBags gives me the further pleasure of buying pads that are pretty as well as functional, and I am never going back to the commercial sort!” Go ahead and give them a try. You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain!

Makeup

pinkquartzminerals started making her own mineral makeup after frustrations with store-bought makeup. She recently helped a shopper whose sensitive skin had prevented her from wearing eye shadow for 17 years! Mineral makeup, which pinkquartzminerals specializes in, is known for being very easy on the body. But "shoppers should know that all mineral makeup is not the same. First and foremost when buying makeup of any kind, a buyer needs to check the ingredients. Mineral makeup is makeup that contains minerals in it. This can come in any form; cream, liquid, powder — but the purest is always a powder as the creams, liquids, and powders that contain organic products need a preservative of some kind to prevent bacterial growth. Makeup with organics should ideally have an expiration date on them."

Just some of pinkquartzminerals's supplies.

There are a few terms that are mineral makeup specific. pinkquartzminerals explains:

Kabuki brush — This is NOT a regular brush! Other types of brushes are not dense enough to evenly distribute my foundation on the skin, regular brushes leave a streaky and uneven look.

Grams — The measurement used by most of the companies in the mineral makeup field. 1 gram = 0.035 ounces, so you see why grams are used! Most mineral companies use sifter pots or jars for packaging. The jars are sized by how many liquid grams of something will fit, so when you see a phrase "1 gram in a 5 gram jar" what you want to pay attention to is the "1 gram" part which is how much powder makeup you are getting.

Even though mineral makeup is supposed to be so good for your skin (you can sleep in it), you still need to wash your face once in a while! EcoKate makes these very cute (and reusable!) cloth face pads.

Skin Care

ArtSpot, a Bath and Beauty seller, is very knowledgeable about getting your skin to be as radiant as can be. Here are some of her tips.

Skin care is an art form unto itself.  If you don’t already, take a few moments each day to work on your most important artist endeavor, creating healthy, radiant skin! It is important to remember, there are no magic potions. Your wrinkles, spots and blemishes did not appear overnight nor will they vanish as quickly. A few basic steps can make your skin look younger, feel more glowing and healthier than ever before. Skin self-regenerates when properly pampered, so start your regimen today.

Cleansers and Face Wash — Skin is the body’s largest organ and should be cleansed twice daily, no matter what your skin type. This step in your regimen is not optional. Daily living covers our skin’s surface with dirt, sweat, oil, make-up and various other pollutants. When choosing a facial cleanser keep your skin type in mind — oily, dry, normal, combo and acne prone. Once you have chosen your cleanser, take advantage of your 'me time’ to gently massage your skin while applying it. Massage increases circulation to add a rosy glow. SpaGoddess offers several skin cleansers specializing in different skin types and needs. Her organic Facial Cleanser Sample Pack contains three different cleansers to help you choose your favorite.

Toner — A facial toner is used after you cleanse, but before you apply your moisturizer.  It can have a variety of purposed including minimizing the appearance of pores or making your skin tighter and firmer —  a nice finishing touch.

Wynndrew’s Detox in a Box is an uber cool gift set including tea tree soap, tea tree toner and a lip balm. Natural Tea Tree Oil is an antibacterial disinfectant that fights fungus, bacteria, and virus, some of the leading causes of acne, abscess, oily skin, and athlete's foot, making it the perfect addition to this toner soap combo.

Moisturizer — Skin loses its moisture for a number of reasons: cold winter air, drying detergents in commercial soaps, drugs, perfumes, powders, certain health issues. Replenishing moisture is a mandatory step for any and all skin care routines and types. To apply moisturizer, dot a small amount onto your face and neck, massage your skin gently with your fingertips in upward and outwards strokes. Again, a good massage is key. Moisturizers take many forms including night creams, light lotions, sunscreens/block or tinted.  ayelet17’s Hydrating-Day Facial Cream with Fruits Extracts and Antioxidants is a beautiful choice for moisture.

Hydration — Another one of those steps we tend to forget. For a little extra hydration on the go, grab a really great facial mist like this one from backofthemoondayspa scented Rose and Jasmine Aromatic Facial Mist with an aloe vera base.

Exfoliating — Have you lost your youthful glow? Is your skin rough, dry, dull or flaky? Looks like you could use a good exfoliating scrub! Your skin is constantly shedding and needs to be removed to prevent build-up. Removing dead skin about once a week will reveal your naturally smooth, luminous complexion. SkinJourney’s Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub contains shea butter, alpha hydroxy acids to renew old skin cells.


Masks — Your skin could benefit from using a facial mask once a week. And what better excuse to lock yourself in the bathroom for a little extra ‘me time'? Facial mask fall into two categories, clay and gel or peel off masks.

Clay masks are generally created to absorb oils, minimize pores and dry acne-prone skin.  BJRussell has a wonderful example of an All Natural Dead Sea Mud Mask with Moor Mud and Rhassoul Clay.

Gel masks tend to offer more moisture than a clay mask.  ScoopBeauty has a wonderful Lavender Gel Masque in a base of organic aloe. Aloe has long been know for its soothing and moisturizing properties while lavender is best know for promoting relaxation. Lavender and aloe making this a winning treatment for both body and spirit.

Perhaps my favorite mask is wildroot's Honey Rose Facial Mask. Honey contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it my favorite beauty aid, smoothing everything it comes in contact with. Don’t believe me? Squirt some into your next bath and see how silky you feel!

So no matter what your skin type, remember to cleanse and moisturize daily. Choose an additional one, two, or possibly three additional beauty treatments to pamper yourself weekly. Before long, and with a little practice — like any new artistic medium — you will be the picture of health and beauty.

Edibles & Sensual Oils

Here's ArtSpot to tell you a bit about the naughty side of Bath & Beauty:

OK, so you don’t really sit down with a bowl and spoon when the UPS guys delivers your edible bath and body items. Edible simply means ‘flavored’ and safe for consumption. Edible Bath and Beauty items are made from food grade ingredients such as oils, butter, honey, starches and flavors. They can be sprayed, sprinkled, dusted or painted on and nibbled, licked or otherwise removed. With a little creative searching you can uncover exotic edibles on Etsy made by an array of talented artists.

SobeBotanicals makes a hot and sexy warming massage oil — caress it on and lick it off in 15 tempting flavors like Mojito, Cotton Candy and Birthday Cake (what a celebration!). rawbeauty offers a flavored romantic body spray to tempt your lover with sweet kisses!

And… for those of you who can’t decide which is better, chocolate or sex, you just might die of pleasure with Chocolate Body Paint from  themuddymoose!

Salves

What could be more nostalgic than a wonderful hand blended salve? Salves boast a rich history involving ‘secret recipes’ lovingly passed down from one generation to the next.

Tea Tree Salve by Nickileigh.

What exactly is a salve? A salve is an ointment or butter used to soothe the body, mind, spirit or all three in union. The four basic ingredients in a salve are oils, wax, herbs and preservative. Oils are chosen for their unique properties while wax is added as a thickener to add substance. Herbs, botanicals and essential oils are chosen for their soothing properties. Why add a preservative? Because salves are commonly used on cuts, wounds, and burns, they need to remain free from bacteria.

How do salves work? Salves are applied topically. They quickly and gently penetrate the skin, infusing it with herbs and oils chosen for their specific properties. Many of the ‘secret recipe’ salves available on Etsy your great-grandmother may have smeared all over your parents and grandparents.

Herbal Properties — The fun, not to mention fascinating, part of herbs is learning about the various herbal properties. One of my favorite salve herbs to include is Chamomile. 

Wild Crafted — A term often used in the world of salves, as well as other herbal products is wild crafted. The term, put simply, means the herbs were harvested in their natural environment, not farmed. Great Grandma would have walk out into the woods and climbed mountainsides in search of the perfect ingredients, gathering mugwort, lavender and calendula along the way. flyingbirdbotanicals describes her wild crafted salve in much the same way. “This batch has yarrow I harvested in a beautiful meadow in Montana with my family at a friend's wedding and the cedar was harvested from an old growth forest here in Washington. The cottonwood buds were harvested from a big beautiful native cottonwood tree on our property as was the hypericum.”

Organic — Another common term in the world of herbs is organic. For an herb to be certified organic the following requirements must be met and registered: avoidance of most synthetic chemicals, grown on farmland that has been free from chemicals for a number of years, detailed written production, sales records and regular site inspections. So keep in mind that there's a difference between "organic" and "certified organic" and talk to the seller if you have any questions.

Fair Trade — Fair trade is another term seen quite a bit on Etsy. Fair trade is an organized social movement intended to empower developing countries. It advocates fair pay as well as social and environmental standards related to working and living conditions. It focuses on exports from developing countries, mostly in the areas of handicrafts and farming.  greensprings0 acknowledges the use of fair trade ingredients in her items.

As with any bath, beauty or medical product there should be a disclaimer. As a buyer, your seller should always make available to you the ‘need to know’ information about herbs and all other product ingredients, which may, or may not, effect you. Always look for and read disclaimers.

The fine print: herbs should not take the place of medical attention or advice. Consult your doctor about how herbs may benefit your particular condition.

Bath and Beauty Showcase | Bath and Beauty Category

More Bath and Beauty Posts | Facts and Fancies Series

Further Resources:

Etsy Teams

• The Soap Artisan Friends of Etsy (SAFEteam) is a group of soapers and Bath & Body sellers who are committed to quality and safe products. They're also friends who like to laugh a lot!
• The Soaper Stars is another team full of wonderful and incredibly talented soapers, and they are affiliated with the Dish forum – one of the best resources on the web for soapmaking and B&B information. 
• The Green & Clean Guild - EGCG is a group of Etsy sellers who specialize in all things Bath & Body. Together we try to help educate the public about the merits of well crafted products from small businesses who care about their customers, as well as promoting Etsy in general. We also serve as advocates for Truth in Advertising and full ingredient disclosure for bath & beauty makers. Our blog can be found here: http://egcgswag.blogspot.com/

Feminine Care

• The Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health 
• Donate Cloth Pads to Girls in Africa 
• Excellent cloth pad discussions on the Etsy forums 

Salves

• Pioneer Thinking
• Natural Herbal Beauty
• Annie's Remedy

Skin Care

• Cleaning Up Cosmetic Confusion
  
• Pioneer Thinking
• DermaTalk