A long hot bath is one of my absolute favorite indulgences, and my new tub of Abra Therapeutics Cellular Detox Body Scrub is a great product to have for such an occasion.

Ingredients (provided with product packaging)- “A natural mineral blend of 20% volcanic ash, sodium borate, sodium carbonate and trace minerals, organic oils of almond (prunus amygdalus), olive (olea europaea), sunflower (helianthus annuus), and jojoba (simmondsia chinensis) infused with organic dandelion root (taraxicum officinal), and burdock root (arctium lappa), essential oils of grapefruit (citrus paradisi), juniper (juniperus communis), lavender (lavendula officinalis), lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus), cedarleaf (thuja occidentalis), and fir (abies sibirica), and natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols).”

Since I couldn’t locate this product in the Cosmetics Database, I’ve linked to each ingredient individually above.  The only ingredients with hazard scores above a 3 are as follows: Sodium Borate (5-6, depending on usage) & Trace Minerals (4).

Some great things about this product:

1.It’s cruelty, paraben, sulfate, preservative and artificial fragrance/color free.

2. It contains organic ingredients.

3. The container is made from #1 plastic and can easily be recycled.

Product Description(provided at abratherapeutics.com)- “Our lives are full of exposure to daily pollutants that cling to the surface of our skin.  Cellular Detox Body Scrub is made to neutralize these free radical pollutants and shed them from your body.  Organic Dandelion and burdock combine with essences of Grapefruit and Juniper for an uplifting aromatic pleasure.”

Price- from around $7 to $16 for a 10 oz. tub.

Performance- I’ve taken three baths with this product thus far, and each was lovelier than the last. I tend to concentrate on my arms, legs, and feet, which are the least delicate and most neglected areas. Scrubbing my legs with this product before shaving results in some seriously soft legs, and my elbows feel just dreamy. Breathing in this scrub as I use it is also a real treat (see below).

Scent- It smells a lot like citrus fruit and also like a forest. I love it.

Rating- I’m subtracting 2 points for the 2 questionable ingredients, so this product receives an 8/10.

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Monday night, I made the dreamiest body scrub using a modified version of Adrianna’s recipe over at A Cozy Kitchen. It smells delicious (actually, it smells a lot like my current deodorant + some coconut), and it’s just what my dry, itchy skin needed. My knees, elbows, and feet have never felt better! I knew this scrub and I were meant to be the moment I saw the word grapefruit. My sweet neighbors across the street have given us permission to take advantage of their grapefruit tree, so we usually have a steady supply of those guys that is both free and delicious.

My recipe differs from Adrianna’s slightly in that used Olive Oil instead of Grape Seed Oil. Sadly, the latter was nowhere to be found in Lake Charles. I also halved the amount of grapefruit zest because two large grapefruits seemed like plenty (and my arm was tired after zesting the first two). Check out the full tutorial here, and please share your thoughts/suggestions if you make your own batch!

Also, pay close attention to all the sweet ingredients you’re about to encounter.

The Answer’s PMS Clear Facial Mask- I’ve yet to find anything that completely gets rid of pre-period breakouts. I guess this stuff could be the ticket.

Ingredients- French green clay, Fullers Earth clay, green tea, and papaya extract.

Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Hair Creme- I actually just ordered this hair creme, and I can’t wait to try it. Needless to say, a review is on the way.

Ingredients-Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Ethanol, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Lavender Oil, Organic Quillaja Saponaria Extract, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol.

Ennecence Clean Escape Shower Gel- This stuff looks fancier than bar soap. I’m intrigued.

Ingredients- Saponified oils of virgin coconut*, olive*, and jojoba*, glycerin, vegetable gum extract, aloe vera*, argan oil*, sweet orange*, grapefruit*, and patchouli* essential oils, and rosemary extract*. *Certified Organic

John Masters Organics Herbal Cider Hair Rinse and Clarifier- I’ve had thoroughly positive experiences with John Masters Organics shampoo and conditioner, so I’m eager to try something else of  from these guys.

Ingredients- Vinegar (apple cider),* aqua (water), chamomilla recutica (chamomile) flower extract,* calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract,* camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract,* rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf/stem extract,* urtica dioica (nettle) root extract,* potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citrus medica limonium (lemon) peel oil,* citrus aurantifolia (lime) peel oil*. *Certified Organic

Skin’s Cranberry Orange Salt Scrub- I use Skin’s Apricot Mango Eye Cream at night, and I like it.

Ingredients- Sea salt, cranberry powder*, jojoba oil*, olive oil*, mandarin essential oil*. *Certified Organic