I have left an e-mail at the Ivory soap web site but I'm getting desperate!

Most of you know that I am severely allergic. The only "bought" shampoo and conditioner I could use without severely breaking out my head was Ivory Shampoo and Ivory conditioner. About two years ago Wal-Mart quit carrying it as did all the grocery stores that we've contacted in north Alabama.

I'm using Ivory dishwashing liquid right now and my head is breaking out awful!

Can any of you check and see if these two items are in your stores???? suzy in bama

-- Suzy in Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), May 03, 2002

Answers

I've never even heard of such a product. One thing you might try is grating up a bar of true castile (olive oil only, no other oils) soap (Kiss My Face is one brand, available in health food stores) or you can make it yourself, and mixing equal parts soap with water. Rinse with apple cider vinegar (about a teaspoon or two to a cup of water) to correct the Ph.

If you can get hold of Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold- Bond there may be some other shampoo alternatives in there as well--the book contains a lot of nontoxic recipes. Hope this helps.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), May 03, 2002.

I was getting in Canada .I will check next time I go.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), May 03, 2002.

Suzy - I used to buy the Ivory shampoo & conditioner here at the Wal- Mart, but haven't in the last couple months, so don't know if it is still available. I will try to check for you this weekend. If not available can you grate the ivory bar soap, mix with hot water, and stir til melted? I KNOW we have that here. Shipping might be more than the product. I'll let you know as soon as possible. If available how much would you want?

-- Debbie in IL (debbie@fli-soft.com), May 03, 2002.

The toll free Ivory consumer services hot line is at 1-800-633-9758. They should be able to tell you where their products are distributed.

-- Notforprint (Not@thekeyboard.com), May 03, 2002.

It was dicontinued in (99

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), May 03, 2002.

I can't use most store bought shampoo either. I found some people who make shampoo bars and shaving bars that don't contain a lot of extras and they work for me. Just a thought.

-- Trisha-MN (coldguinea@netscape.net), May 03, 2002.

Be careful what Ivory products you use. My Mother was very alergic to Ivory soap. Both the floating bar and the laundry flakes.

-- corky wolf (corkywolf@hotmail.com), May 03, 2002.

I would encourage you to try making your own soap. I took a soapmaking class this week and was surprised at how easy it was. The lady who taught us said that if we substitute castor oil for part of the olive oil, it was good for shampoo.

-- Mona in OK (modoc@ipa.net), May 03, 2002.

There's a book on natural soap making in the Countryside Bookstore. You can make a nice shampoo with a spoonful of liquid castile soap, a pint of water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Or, instead of water, brew up some rosemary or sage or chamomile tea, strain it, and use that in your shampoo. Lavender essential oil in your shampoo would heal your scalp and make your hair smell nice.

Make a rinse with a tablespoonful of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water, massage it in, and leave it on. If you want, you can warm up the vinegar and water and add one of the herbs listed above. Let it steep for ten minutes and you have a hair rinse!

Your skin is reacting to the chemicals in the products that you are using. You need something that is chemical free, made with nourishing herbs and good oils, and pure castile soap.

-- Christine Baillie (towanda515@yahoo.com), May 04, 2002.

Suzy, While I haven't used the Ivory brand (not one I've seen here) I do have the same problem (not just my head either) and am VERY careful with what I use on and in my body. I am able to use a shampoo and styling spray made by Aubrey Organics. I use their Camomile version and love the wonderful fragrance of natural camomile on my hair. I can also use their Primrose conditioning and detangling spray. If you have a good natural food or supplement store near you you might check out the list of ingredients to see if any of these are ones you know cause problems for you. It is not cheap but it is worth it not to have your skin causing problems (and for me not feeling clean, neat or attractive.) Good luck in your search. I do know that just because something is natural or organic doesn't mean I/you/someone won't have a reaction to it (poison oak is an example) but it is worth checking it out. betty

-- betty modin (betty_m9@yahoo.com), May 04, 2002.

Suzy, here is a good site if you can't get the Ivory. I haven't tried this yet, but I will very soon, since I'm now only able to use baking soda for shampoo because of chemical sensitivities. kim

-- kim in CO (kimk61252@hotmail.com), May 04, 2002.

I've done a lot of searching for good, wholesome products to use on skin and hair, and Aubrey is one of the few that doesn't have anything bad in their products.I've been using their stuff for years. Beauty Without Cruelty is another one. I'm working on making my own products now. It's fun! And what a difference it makes to use botanicals, good oils, and natural ingredients! It makes your skin and hair look so much nicer, so healthy. Because whatever you put on your skin soaks in, the rule of thumb is that anything you use should be edible.

-- Christine in California (towanda515@yahoo.com), May 08, 2002.