Healthy Options Haul: What to get OTHER than the Aztec Clay

If not for cult favorites like the Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner and the Aztec Healing Clay, Healthy Options isn’t always an obvious choice when shopping for beauty products. If you’re conscious about avoiding certain ingredients or sticking to vegan formulations though, this is the place to be!

I recently scoured the Healthy Options to find more products that are cruelty-free, vegan, and don’t contain sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate (SLS and SLES), artificial colors, or parabens. Though Healthy Options may be pricier than regular groceries (for isn't that what it is?), they also have inexpensive finds that can meet more stringent beauty standards. Can you believe that I scored this entire haul for just P1,588?

Derma E Anti-Aging Cleanser (P595 for 175ml)

Derma-E has a wide range of products with different active ingredients to address different skin concerns. This anti-aging cleanser has both vitamin A (in the form of retinyl palmitate) and glycolic acid to renew and exfoliate the skin. It lathers but isn’t drying on the skin, and has a mild, pleasant smell. It claims to remove makeup as well, but it would still be best to double cleanse beforehand with an actual makeup remover.

Nature’s Gate Shampoo (P335 for 532ml)

This is seriously the cheapest sulfate-free shampoo we’ve ever come across! At P0.63/ml, this comes out even cheaper than regular shampoos found in the supermarket, and it’s gentler for your scalp and hair. The sulfate-free formula cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils, so it doesn’t end up looking and feeling dry. The shampoo comes in ten different variants with mild scents. In my experience, the scent doesn’t linger unlike your average supermarket shampoo. Each variant also comes with a matching conditioner for the same price.

Jason Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Pure Natural Moisturizing Gel (P279 for 113g)

Aloe vera gels may be the latest skincare craze and while many brands have come out with their own formulas, this is one that truly stands out. It doesn’t contain any alcohols that can actually add to the dryness of your skin, plus the aloe vera content is certified by the International Aloe Science Council (IASC)! This means that the aloe in this product has passed high standards of quality and purity. The non-greasy gel feels cool on the skin but has an unusual smell, like a mixture of herbs and powder. It can be used as a daily moisturizer, as well as to soothe irritated skin. Jason products are Leaping Bunny-approved, considered to be the gold standard in cruelty-free brands.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Invisible Treatment Gel (P379 for 14g)

Another Leaping Bunny-approved brand, this spot treatment from Alba Botanica has a potent combination of 2% salicylic acid with willow bark extract and witch hazel to help speed up the healing of zits. It claims to make a difference in just four hours! Beware of the scent, though, as it is a bit strong.

Do you shop at Healthy Options? What are your favorite beauty finds from there?