Questions We’ve Answered Lately…
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January 10, 2025
A: Same, we live on Kerrygold. I still trust Organic Valley more than Horizon, despite my desperate wish that Mamavations results were the reverse! I tell myself that 1) PFAS are in freaking everything and 2) the amount of a stick of butter that is actually touching the wrapper is actually tiny compared to the whole stick.
A: The water bottle is also Good Stuff! I actually want one myself.
A: Scratched stainless steel cookware is still safe. But if you want to replace, yes, I like 360! Any untreated (as in, not non-stick) stainless steel is safe.
A: It really depends how deeply scratched–like are they chips or just scratches? You might be able to get WS to replace it (even now) if it was not supposed to scratch like this!
January 3, 2025
A: Citric acid is controversial as inflammatory based on a few reports, but I still have a hard time really worrying about this. Maltodextrin doesn’t really concern me either, and I think if you enjoy LMNT, you should keep drinking it.
On the other hand, I don’t think LMNT is the cleanest hydration powder out there (for the ingredients you mentioned). Needed’s doesn’t contain natural flavors, so you could see if you find it as tasty?
FWIW, I also think the water-drinking craze is over the top, and we don’t need as much water as “they” want you to believe😉.
A: Nope. My understanding is that anything glyphosate free are good. No controversy here, as far as I know!
A: Saaame. It’s a drag too because I wanted to believe that you peel them and then don’t worry about the fruit inside but last year EWG did a study of just the peeled fruit and still found residue. I say buy them organic when you can and otherwise don’t worry about it. If you’re eating organic berries and lettuce you’re reducing your exposure a TON.
A: Hahah I’ve def had this thought but have decided that no it’s just not enough fruit to matter (we also mostly drink lemon but recently I’ve gotten into the peach strawberry which is a double dose of Dirty Dozen!!).
December 27, 2024
A: It’s such a small amount that no, I don’t worry about it. My kids actually like the less sticky ones better!
A: There are two versions of Apeel, one for organic produce and one for conventional. Unsurprisingly, the organic one is better, and is made mostly of citric acid but also contains mono- and diglycerides. These aren’t concerning ingredients, really, but they are processed–you’d expect to find them in organic snacks or ice cream, maybe, but not on fresh whole fruits. It’s annoying and overall lacks transparency. One thing, though: it seems like for now it’s really only used on apples. (I still buy organic apples at WF, for what it’s worth!).
A: It’s a natural wax–I’m not at all worried about it:).
A: It’s a coconut-based oil and evidence suggests it’s totally healthy. I’ve not found any reason to avoid it in the studies I’ve read.
December 20, 2024
A: I like (and use) Rael products, and trust that they are doing their best to keep PFAS out of their stuff. I am most worried, generally, about brands that intentionally add PFAS, versus the accidental contamination that can occur in so many products (for a variety of reasons). Rael definitely doesn’t do the former, and is doing their best to avoid the latter. Their statement here is reassuring.
A: There is actually some pretty good science supporting magnesium supplementation (check out this cool study on depression). My go-to brands don’t make a separate magnesium supplement, but people I know in the wellness space (functional MDs and such) seem to like Pure.
A: In my opinion, all microwaves are safe. In the U.S., the FDA regulates microwave ovens to ensure they emit far less than the maximum permissible radiation level.
A: So far, there are no concerns about stevia (in other words, there are no studies showing it’s harmful). But I admit I am sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop on this, because all artificial sweeteners have come under fire for being harmful, and the same is now true for erythritol. Will we eventually learn that stevia is harmful, too? I hope not. Bottom line: I think it’s okay to eat in moderation and hopefully it’ll turn out to be totally safe, which is how it’s looking now!
December 13, 2024
A: I do not have the mental energy to think about switching back and forth but yes, in theory if it turns out that EMFs are dangerous than 4G would emit less than 5G…But probably more important would be your proximity the towers themselves–again, IF it turns out there is real danger, which remains unclear. For now I think it makes sense to hedge and use some protection devices but not worry too much about it otherwise.
A: We are big fans of tallow in cleaning products and in skincare. As for cooking, I do think tallow can be a healthy fat source, yes. Like all animal fats, it’s high in saturated fat so I wouldn’t go crazy with it (even though saturated fat isn’t the devil they thought it was, I don’t think it’s necessarily healthy in unlimited quantities!).
A: It depends—if it’s a fleece that’s just made from organic cotton but the garment itself isn’t organic, it could be treated with PFAS. Even organic certification on clothing only forbids certain PFAS, but that’s better than nothing! In any case, Rawganique specifies that it’s all PFAS-free, so they are a great option!
A: I love that tea kettle and a version of it is in our gift guide this year:). The only thing theoretically better is a glass one, but I had one and it was expensive and then dropped in the sink and shattered so I think these are better, honestly.
December 6, 2024
A: Yes, unfortunately every supplement and most whole foods have some level of heavy metal contamination, and what’s important is that it’s far below that Prop 65 level, which Needed’s continues to be. The bottom line is that they are doing as much as they can—and as much as any other supplement company—to keep the levels as low as possible. The only option would be to not take a supplement—I don’t think multivitamins are strictly necessary so just skipping that is an option?
In theory, yes, algae could have similar issues to seaweed in terms of absorbing metals. Needed’s vegan omega doesn’t have a Prop 65 warning on the label does it? It’s my understanding that Needed’s whole line comes in under the amount of any contaminant that would trigger that warning. It’s also Clean Label certified. Is there a reason you’re taking the vegan version? I take their fish oil, which I just intuitively believe will be better for me (based on no hard evidence!).
A: Like lead, cadmium can be naturally occurring in food due to its presence in soil and water, but industrial and agricultural practices can increase the levels found in food sources. Just like what happens with lead, mining, smelting, and the application of some pesticides, etc., can release cadmium into the environment.
A: It’s SO hard with kids because the whole idea of eating a wide variety of different foods is kind of antithetical to being a child, lol. I am jealous that your kids will eat the Skout bars! As you know, Skout does have to add the Prop 65 label on their foods because of the levels of naturally-occurring metals in their ingredients. So, the risk is really the same as if your son were eating a lot of spinach or sweet potato. Is one bar a day a problem? I don’t personally think so, but the Once Upon a Farm doesn’t have a Prop 65 label—although it doesn’t look like their bars have Clean Label certification (yet anyway). Their pouches do, though. Would he be interested in mixing it up with those on some days?
A: It’s not like alcohol at all in the sense that there seems to be literally zero benefit to drinking (boo!)–besides of course enjoying one’s life, which shouldn’t be discounted! Coffee is absolutely good for you, and other than possible disrupted sleep I don’t think there are any major downsides. That said–you can get the same benefits from drinking tea (especially green) so I don’t think you need to start drinking coffee for health reasons. And yes, mushrooms are clearly super good for you. I just started adding the Roots Apothecary one to my smoothies. (And of course, I think the best coffee in the world is ours!)
November 29, 2024
A: So…LVP now is all pretty much phthalate-free. The problem is that they’ve simply replaced the phthalates with a different plasticizer that we don’t know much about. Basically, there are no scary studies yet about those newer plasticizers, but I am dubious about their safety. I will say that LVP DOES seem to be pretty low in terms of off-gassing from what I have read, although from an environmental standpoint it’s all really bad. Also, straight up sheet vinyl, like the kind in a roll and not called “luxury,” is extremely toxic by all standards.
A: I think I would almost ALWAYS choose an older house (unless it’s, like, full of peeling lead paint or asbestos, lol). New houses, unless they are very specifically–and expensively!–designed/built with human health in mind, tend to have some of the worst indoor air quality. And, the fact that they are airtight makes this worse (although it’s of course great for energy efficiency). So the toxins in a new house are definitely worse IMHO than the gross scented laundry products that it sounds like are haunting your home haha. Run those air filters!
A: You have it exactly right–I’d use a Ruggable rug no problem, but in a perfect world I would pair it with a real rubber gripper.
A: House plants likely contain vinyl in most cases (although a negligible amount). I like The Sill for online plants and you can filter to shop for just the ones that are pet safe. I think it doesn’t hurt to fill your home with plants, but the idea that they meaningfully reduce toxins in most homes has been somewhat debunked.
November 22, 2024
A: The MAIN downside I’ve heard of is that studies don’t consistently show the same benefit from taking a supplement as they do from eating actual fish. Meaning, it maybe/probably just doesn’t work as well. You’ll hear chatter about fish oil supplements being contaminated with mercury or PCBs, but studies don’t show this to be the case (the oil for supplements comes from small fish, rather than the big species where heavy metals become an issue). I take Needed’s fish oil on the days I don’t eat actual fish.
A: Yes, fleece has PFAS, and yes it’s made of plastic so microplastics are a concern–more from the ingesting than transdermal absorption. I do love that Patagonia is phasing out PFAS and vows to not use them at all by 2025, but that doesn’t do us much good in the meantime. My kids also love their fleece blankets. I know I am a broken record…but it’s just one exposure out of many so…pick your poison, I guess! (Official answer here: do as I say not as I do and avoid fleece!)
A: I am not really worried about bamboo fabric being harmful to the wearer, but it’s pretty Sneaky–the bamboo plant itself is renewable and grows well without pesticides, but it is turned into rayon or viscose through a chemical process that involves carbon disulfide (among other chemicals), which is toxic for sure and very bad for the environment.
November 15, 2024
A: Ogee is legit natural and organic. I was actually surprised, but I think it’s a great option. Also-Beautycounter is available right now! (Unclear for how long.) And finally, I wrote a post with some suggestions for Beautycounter replacement products.
A: Here is a brand I love for kids makeup.
A: Hydroxyapatite is definitely a great alternative to fluoride–some studies even suggest it may be MORE effective at tooth remineralization and sensitivity prevention. There is, however, ongoing discussions about potential concerns regarding the use of nano hydroxyapatite specifically. The key concern with nano-sized particles in general is that, due to their tiny size (less than 100 nanometers), they can potentially penetrate deeper into tissues and enter the bloodstream. However, in the case of n-HAp, there isn’t really evidence to suggest that it poses a significant risk in the amounts used in oral care products. Research so far indicates that it does not easily penetrate the soft tissues of the mouth or the digestive system after swallowing small amounts while brushing. Also, when it comes to nano particles of hydroxyapatite, the shape can influence their potential safety. Some studies suggest that rod-shaped n-HAp might have better bioactivity and remineralization potential than other shapes. Needle-shaped particles, on the other hand, raise potential concerns about tissue irritation or toxicity if they interact in unintended ways (because of the pointed shape). Spherical particles generally have the lowest cellular uptake compared to rod-shaped or needle-shaped nanoparticles. Studies in dental applications so far indicate that n-HAp in rod or spherical forms is unlikely to penetrate deeply into oral tissues or cause harm in the quantities used for dental care. I know this is a lot of complicated info, so for now the bottom line is to get a toothpaste with n-HAp that you know is cone or spherical in shape, to err on the side of caution. I know that Risewell and Boka fit the bill on this!
A: I don’t have a retainer cleaning machine, although I always consider getting one! For now, these are the safest cleaning tabs I have found—they have a few ingredients I don’t LOVE, but I rinse the retainer before putting it in my mouth, and frankly, the plastic retainer itself is a bigger concern to me! (And they do work very well for keeping it clean.).
November 8, 2024
A: There is some evidence that a CQ10 supplement can help reduce the frequency of migraine (which is what I call my headaches even though I’ve not really been officially diagnosed). For that I like the one by Needed. Magnesium is the other natural supplement I’ve heard about for migraine. This random ice cap from Amazon works really well for me. And do you know about Genexa for a cleaner version of acetaminophen?
A: My dentist always really pushes them, and I’ve had a bunch recently because of my Invisalign (which has me gnawing on plastic all day but anywhoooo). I push back because they never seem to find much in the x-rays if they don’t see anything in the exam, but I probably do them once every other year because I just end up caving to the pressure!
A: I think benefits outweigh the risks and I take Needed’s but not on the days that I actually eat fish. The MAIN downside I’ve heard of is that studies don’t consistently show the same benefit from taking a supplement as they do from eating actual fish. You’ll hear chatter about fish oil supplements being contaminated with mercury or PCBs, but studies don’t show this to be the case (the oil for supplements comes from small fish, rather than the big species where heavy metals become an issue).
A: I think this is just a recipe for anxiety, and I’ve heard a lot of doctors (even integrative ones) speak out against it.
November 1, 2024
A: I would go with this one from Mary Ruth’s. It’s affordable and Clean Label Project Certified.
A: It’s Good Stuff!
A: Skout addresses this on their site and there is nothing dodgy about their explanation – I agree with their take on the issue and will continue to eat Skout bars.
A: The benefits of dry sauna and infrared sauna are pretty similar (if you are looking at the most robust evidence). Mainly, they both offer benefits to the cardiovascular system as well as a benefit for athletes looking to improve exercise performance. There is evidence that sauna use can provide better immune function, too. Red light therapy, on the other hand, uses lights that get to near infrared (NIR), but not actual infrared, and the benefits are more related to skin issues (wrinkles, discoloration), and also bruises, scars, muscle/joint pain. I definitely believe in the benefits of both! Because I am in it for vanity versus cardio or immune benefits, I use red light.
October 18, 2024
A: No. Unfortunately, they use a bunch of junk fragrances. None of the brands they work with even claim to be non-toxic!
A: It’s Okay Stuff. They don’t have the third-party testing we like, but have ommitted some problematic ingredients and tested low for PFAS. And I just really love how it performs so I do use this brand sometimes.
A: The WellBel supplement uses only synthetic vitamin A and we like to see a blend of synthetic and natural (which is better absorbed by more people). Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with the ingredients but they don’t give info (that I can find) about 3rd party testing
October 11, 2024
A. My favorite for kids is the Badger because it’s super clean and face but also and creamy and comes in a chunky tube that’s easier for little hands to hold.
A: Any cotton curtain is of course non-toxic (or non-toxic enough, lol). If you’re looking for blinds, you can search for GreenGuard certified ones, which means they are checked for various emissions. I quickly found this site that actually lets you sort to see only the GreenGuard brands. I’m sure there are more out there too.
A: Nope, no issues. I think it’s such a small area that it’s not worth worrying about. Yes, there might be minute PFAS in that label (or the ink from a stamp) but far less than your kid will probably get from a glass of water in a restaurant that doesn’t have a filter (sadly!).
A: For the time being, Greenguard Gold certification is the best we can do for any composite wood products–this means that at least the VOCs come in under a threshold. I don’t know why it still smells, but likely because it is not made of solid wood. Our Oeuf one does, too.
A: I’ve heard this too and I know a mom who makes a spray to put on her kids after they swim in the public pool in Vermont. I’ve tried to find studies on this and while it’s definitely true that it “neutralizes” chlorine, what I’ve read (beyond the info coming from people selling a spray) is that the main benefit is that it makes the water safer for aquatic life. Does spraying down with it after you’ve been soaking in for hours in the pool meaningfully reduce the amount that’s absorbed into your skin? I don’t know. If it’s easy enough to toss the tablet in the bath, then certainly there is no harm in doing so.
October 4, 2024
A. Totally safe ingredients, and I have never heard of them. Thank you; I’m going to order these!
Ingredients:
Active Ingredients:
SODIUM PERCARBONATE: Decontaminates the machine
SODIUM CARBONATE: Helps remove stains
Inactive Ingredients:
ZEOLITE: A volcanic mineral that absorbs odors
SODIUM SULFATE: Helps to form the tablet
SODIUM BICARBONATE: Neutralizes odors as well as disinfects
CITRIC ACID: Descales hardwater
A: I do Botox a few times a year. I haven’t found any studies that suggest it’s harmful, and it’s been around for a long time. I mean, botulism is a natural toxin? LOL. Seriously, we are all swimming in a toxic soup and I just don’t think Botox is likely to be a big risk factor for disease relative to everything else.
A: Nope, no issues. This is Good Stuff.
A: Castor oil is worth a shot (some evidence that it works)–isopropyl cloprostenate is the ingredient that definitely works (I’ve used Grande serums), but it’s not without some controversy. We are looking into some alternative ingredients ingredients in products that we want to carry in our store, so stay tuned on this!
A: Meh, I am not actually worried about that ingredient in tiny quantities, and while you’re right that TT isn’t my favorite in general, I think this product is fine especially if it’s really working which can be a huge challenge.
September 20, 2024
A. This is what we’ve had since our wedding and there is no rust at all.
A: This looks great but I have not heard anything from their team about heavy metal testing. I did see that Bobby posted something in his IG stories about their testing, so I will definitely update the guide when/if we can get ahold of them!
A: I am pretty sure the reason Cerave is working so well for you when nothing else does is BECAUSE of the petroleum-based ingredient. I’ve had a number of clients go through this, and there simply is not a natural alternative that works as well for a lot of people. Are you using this one? If so, I think it’s really not so bad. I would avoid some of their “lotions” (versus “creams”) because they still contain parabens.
A: They are compromises but only if you’re pickier than I am, lol. And shampoo in particular is suuuuch a hard product to make completely clean. These are actually the brands I use myself, mostly. The one truly natural brand I have tried that performs well is Pure Haven’s SuperGreens line.
A: Yes, what you’re smelling is rubber – which totally has a strong kind of chemically smell but which is safe (and natural).
September 13, 2024
A. I never allowed sealants to be applied to Felix’s molars, because they contain a compound that can turn into BPA when it comes in contact with saliva (!) and he didn’t really have cavities. On the other hand, dental composites (which they now use for fillings instead of mercury) are made of a similar substance, so the risk there may be the same. After Wolfie’s second tooth had to be pulled because of decay, I opted to have his four molars with the deepest grooves sealed.
A: The case was dismissed, likely because the allegations were based on a single test sample. Risewell has tested every batch of their toothpaste for PFAS contamination over the past three years, and have not found evidence of PFAS. If you have a tube of Risewell and want to see the lab results for your specific batch, you can email them at hi@risewell.com. For these reasons still consider Risewell toothpaste to be Best Stuff.
A: The stainless steel/silicone versions of all of those brands are Good Stuff 🙂
A: Yes, this is really a bummer–I wear the Oasys dailies myself and have for decades. I HATE hanging onto contacts for weeks but might go back to it. Unfortunately, I read a study that showed that contact lens wearers DO have higher blood serum levels of PFAS, so it’s not likely that it’s not absorbed through the eye as I was hoping (and women contact-wearers had higher levels than men in the study). Of course, there are a ton of other exposures to PFAS (food and water among them), but I am having a hard time knowingly putting them in my eyeball every single day. And so far J&J hasn’t issued any reassuring statement—despite, as you say, claiming that they don’t add PFAS. I’m sorry I don’t have a good answer here!
September 6, 2024
A. The ingredients in the FlavCity protein powders are definitely clean—but they only make vague claims about “rigorous testing” so they didn’t make it into our guide. However, we just saw a social media post where Bobby pulls up testing results for their powders–so it seems very likely that it’s Best Stuff! (Will update the guide once we hear back from FlavCity.)
A: I have and they are totally safe—just not convinced they’d really provide long-term results!
A: I usually just do the unflavored, which means they taste like nothing. I can’t tolerate stevia or monk fruit which is in a lot of the good brands and which other people don’t seem to mind. If I want a flavored protein I go for one with coconut sugar – top pick is Puori chocolate or vanilla. Code GIMMETHEGOODSTUFF will get you 20% off if you want to try it.
A: Unfortunately, I have to agree with your stylist—I have not found a truly non-toxic brand of hair dye beyond Hairprint, which I agree is a huge pain. FWIW, I go to a conventional hair salon for conventional highlights—I just do it twice a year and I did stop during pregnancy.
A: We have not done a Top Two multivitamin brands for men, yet! But this is my top pick.
August 23, 2024
A. I only know of two options, neither of which is great.
1. Distill your own!
2. This company: https://virtudistilledwater.com/
A: Non-dairy ice cream is harder to make healthy, as to get that creamy texture brands often add carrageenan, sunflower oil, and other gums/fillers. But overall, I think Van Leeuwen’s is pretty good. There’s also one called Wildgood (from Vermont!) that is really clean but I’m not sure where you can buy it.
A: Yes, we love Patch!
A: Hi! Yes, I love Primally Pure! There deodorant is one of my favorites. We actually have a code for 10% off with them–GIMMETHEGOODSTUF10.
August 16, 2024
A. I actually JUST posted a comparison of facial sunscreens. The TLDR is that this one is the best (I think I actually like it more than the Beautycounter one, which I never in a million years thought I would hear myself say.)
A: Yes, I just learned about this brand and after learning more about the ingredients (especially re “fragrance”– it’s all natural essential oils), confirmed that it is Good Stuff! I just ordered some products and can’t wait to try them–people have left rave reviews.
A: Andalou is one of those brands that runs the gamut from Sneaky Stuff to Good Stuff. For the specific product you’re asking about, I’d feel find using it. The fragrance is naturally-sourced and while the ingredients list is long, nothing is really of concern. I don’t love sodium benzoate as a preservative, but this isn’t a product for a baby so I think it’s fine as a daily sunscreen if you like how it performs!
A: Yes, I love this one. It’s got a squeaky clean, natural ingredients list and uses zinc for sun protection rather than chemical sunblock ingredients.
August 9, 2024
A. My understanding is that they will be back eventually (not before 2025) and that they will have the same mission and standards, but not necessarily all the same products. In the meanwhile, here is where we listed some good alternatives.
A: I trust everything from Hiya. They really are doing it right with third-party testing, ingredient selection, etc.
A: I don’t know why Babo continues to list “fragrance” on their labels, and I have spoken with the founder about it several times, partially because Babo products smell so good! (Almost too good to be truly natural, right?). She’s assured me it’s all natural fragrance, their website says the same, and many of the scented products are EWG-verified. So, yes, for now, all of Babo is Good Stuff or at least Okay Stuff!
A: I in fact did buy these silicone patches but I have yet to actually use them! I feel fine about their safety, and their research (and marketing) convinced me to buy them—but I remain kind of dubious that I will see any dramatic results. But your question has reminded/inspired me to try them!
A: The entire waxhead line is super safe (we just added it to the Best Stuff in our sunscreen guide)–but I have yet to try any of them so I can’t speak to efficacy.
August 2, 2024
A. Birch is certainly doing a lot right, but they don’t have GOLS certification for their latex mattresses, so they wouldn’t make our Best Stuff designation. Brentwood is not as good as Birch—they use memory foam and have very little in the way certifications.
A: All Clearly Filtered products are Good Stuff! I actually have one of these pitchers.
A: Hi! Great question. If you’re willing to try one more mineral-based facial sunscreen, the thinnest/lightest I’ve found is this one from Pure Haven.
If you want to avoid mineral facial sunscreens all together because they do tend to have that slightly thicker, whiter feeling (from the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), then you’ll want to look for ones that that use avobenzone, octisalate, and/or octocrylene as these are the least toxic chemical ingredients (the ones to for sure avoid are homosalate and oxybenzone). And then of course you don’t want a facial sunscreen that has phthalates or other well known endocrine disruptors that have nothing to do with SPF!
Coola actually has a range of facial SPF products—most of them are Bad Stuff, (because of homosalate). There are three that rely on only the better chemical sunscreens mentioned above:
It’s worth noting that Supergoop! makes a ton of facial sunscreen products, too, and the non-mineral ones ALL contain homosalate.
A: I saw the studies, too. These participants were drinking xylitol-sweetened drinks, and I do think we should definitely be studying this effect and probably be limiting our own xylitol consumption in the meanwhile. However, I’m not concerned about the minimal amount of xylitol that might be accidentally ingested by using toothpaste that contains xylitol—the dental benefits outweigh any theoretical risks in my opinion! (Here’s our toothpaste guide.)
July 19th, 2024
A. Two things lately have made me concerned about tattoos. First, the news about high rates of bacteria contamination of tattoo ink; And second, the study linking tattoos to an increased risk of lymphoma. Together, these headlines have me feeling skittish about any sort of tattoos!
A: I’m not a big fan of that one from Ever Eden, actually. For swim/sport haircare for kids, my pick is Babo’s line. Hope that helps!
A: Look for laminated floors that are GreenGuard Gold certified. For a list of these and a TON of info on finding safer laminate flooring in general, this is a great post.
A: In general, Super Goop isn’t my favorite line, but this product is the best powder sunscreen for scalps that I’ve found.
July 12th, 2024
A. Sadly, none of the eyebrow tints I have looked into are what we could possibly call Good Stuff, because as you noted, most have PPD, and this is definitely on the no-no list (immunotoxin). Have you looked into this brand, which is not at all natural, but is PPD-free? All of this said—I dye my hair with conventional stuff in a conventional salon, so we all just have to decide for ourselves what our compromises will be. I wish I had a better, more definitive answer!
A: This is the model that I want. It’s the most well reviewed, and comes with HEPA filtration. Let me know if you get it! (And I will be jealous!)
A: If you’re smaller-chested like I am, the Subset bralettes are amazing!
July 5th, 2024
A. This is easy: both Good Stuff 🙂 We sell Klean Kanteen in our store and you can now get free shipping on orders over $50
A: HEPA purifiers do not produce ozone, no!
If you choose to purchase an Austin through our website, please use
GIMMEAUSTIN15 at checkout for 15% off any unit!
A: I haven’t used these so can’t speak to performance, but yes the ingredients look fine!
A: Hi! I do think at home laser-hair removers can be safe. I am a wimp with the pain they cause even when done by a pro, but this one blows cool air so might make it more tolerable? (I like the brand in general as well.)
June 21, 2024
A. This is a pretty predictable answer, but my advice is to ditch dryer sheets and get organic wool dryer balls. If you really want something scented you can add some drops of high quality essential oils to your dryer balls. This brand sent me a reusable dryer sheet, which is also great. If you want a traditional disposable dryer sheet, then our pick is this.
A: Yes, I’m really encouraged by this and other studies on its use for anxiety. I’ve been diagnosed with both GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) as well as PD (panic disorder). These gummies are the broad spectrum that I started with and now I’m taking this full spectrum in 750mg.
A: Yes, for anyone in NYC I recommend Biomonde, which we’ve used for pest control as well as carpet and window cleaning!
A: I’m so concerned about microplastics at the moment that I would probably choose aluminum, actually. Mostly because aluminum is much less likely to leach in significant amounts than plastic is!
June 14, 2024
A. I In general, I trust toys coming from China less than toys coming out of Europe or the U.S. That said, there are so few brands that are manufactured outside of China, that this alone doesn’t preclude a toy company from being included in our Good Stuff category. If a toy brand has other third-party certifications (which Apple Park does) it can still be a safe option!
A: I know! I recently tried Truvani’s vanilla protein powder, which has a very clean ingredient list, but I hated the stevia flavor — it was SO sweet. In any case, the Prop 65 warning isn’t actually very useful (see here), but I wish Truvani had independent test results available for their products. It seems like something their brand in particular should provide.
A: Goop is hit or miss when it comes to their branded products. Some products are definitely Good Stuff, but some aren’t. For example, we mention why their multivitamin isn’t in our Good Stuff here. On the other hand, these bath salts are one of my all time favorite self-care items. Sorry I don’t have a better, clearer answer about this brand.
A: We think Blueland is Good Stuff, although not ever single product qualifies as Best Stuff. We recommend them in our Laundry Detergent Guide, and our Natural Dish Soap Guide.
May 31, 2024
A. I don’t think there is any good science to support a concern about coils in mattresses leading to increased concentrations of EMFs. We’ve looked into this extensively each time we update our Safe Mattress Guide, and have not found anything to suggest there is a danger from buying a mattress with coils inside of it! (Although we sleep on latex mattresses that don’t have them in any case.)
A: The reason we don’t offer that newer RKIN in the store is because it is also makes water alkaline, which we think is kind of a scam— per our post here. (It won’t hurt you, but we just don’t think it’s needed!)
A: We have not written anything about hair removal products or devices, but I have looked into lasers more generally, since I have been treated with different types for discoloration on my face (IPL, Clear & Brilliant, and Erbium). Lasers emit non-ionizing radiation, which does not cause cancer, and is even used in the treatment of some types of skin cancer. I would personally feel totally comfortable going to a reputable place for laser hair removal.
A: Yes! When Dr. Hopkins provide all his research for our Probiotics Shopping Guide, he included studies on specific strains for specific conditions. You’ll find this in a table in that Guide. My main health issue is anxiety, so I went looking for probiotic blends with lactobacillus gasseri (study) and bifidobacterium lactis (study). Four Good Stuff brands with both of these: Cymbiotika, Innovix, Best Nest, Seed (I chose Cymbiotika). Dr. Hopkins stressed that the specific strains probably matter less than just a high quality blend with high CFUs. Again, there’s more of this in the guide@
May 24, 2024
A. All of the GreenPan waffle irons use the same technology—so are equally safe:)
A: You and me both! This is the one I’ve started taking, because I trust this brand and they do ton’s of third-party testing etc: Needed’s collagen powder.
A: We used AMF Safecoat, but really didn’t LOVE the look of it. I have heard better things about this one from Vermont Natural Coatings.
A: Organic Valley cultured butter! (More on their milk versus Horizon and others.)
May 17, 2024
A. So funny that you’re asking, because 100% Pure actually JUST sent me a coupon code – if you want to buy directly from them use GIMME20 for 20% off. (I like their cleansers, creams, and eye patches, and look forward to trying their makeup!)
A: Here’s the truth about our Wonder Oven: We use it many times every day-to toast, bake, and air fry. We all love it! (Felix, aged 14, mostly appreciates that it can fit an entire Amy’s frozen pizza; our old toaster oven was too small and he’d have to cut the edge off his daily after-school pie!).
A: I continue to believe that Covid vaccination was important in the early days of the pandemic when death rates were high (and boosters may continue to be valuable for higher risk populations). As for my family, I’m not intending to get more shots for my kids, barring of course a further mutation that make Covid dangerous again. I wrote more about my thoughts on this and other vaccines here.
May 10, 2024
A. I make our quesadillas in this Xtrema pan with a cast iron press.
A: I really don’t know. I’ve been on two calls to hear what the founder/CEO has to say, and her messaging very much changed from “we will be back up in ten days with all the same stuff” to “we are coming back, hopefully before the holidays this year, but everything is being evaluated and subject to overhauls.” (I am not literally quoting her here–that’s just my bottom line impression.) So, for now, if you are a Beautycounter customer, I wrote this post to help you find Beautycounter alternatives (and where you can still buy Beautycounter…for now).
A: I’ve struggled with anxiety since my twenties, and have tried everything from changing my diet (didn’t help) to taking a daily antidepressant (saved my life more than once!). Even after we published a CBD shopping guide, I shied away from using it myself out of some irrational fear that it would make me feel anxious (certainly THC has this effect on me!).
But I’ve recently started a CBD regimen for anxiety and I am happy to report that when I use the Green Compass CBD products I don’t feel remotely high, lol. I feel relaxed immediately after taking the CBD gummies or oils but this could be placebo since it is supposed to take weeks for the effects to really become apparent (much like when starting an SSRI). If you suffer from anxiety, you should know that there are several well-designed studies on CBD working for anxiety disorders, including this one, which concludes that “Preclinical evidence conclusively demonstrates CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders, including PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD.” This is exciting for me as I have been diagnosed with both GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and PD (panic disorder). I will keep sharing my experience with CBD on Instagram.
May 3, 2024
A. My husband agrees with you that nothing cooks like fire, and it’s going to be a battle to get him to (eventually) switch to an induction range. The only way to make a gas stove safer is to run a good air filter near it whenever you turn it on! I have this one. (For more on gas stoves, see our Q&A from April 19).
A: We don’t sell this one in our store, but I am really loving Pure Haven’s tea tree formula — it lasts all day, through a workout, etc. If you’re placing a Pure Haven order, I also love this haircare set — I’ve been so pleasantly surprised by how well it works considered that this is one of the most natural brands out there.
A: I don’t love Method in general because they use synthetic fragrance, but the Seventh Generation one is actually okay. My favorite hand soap is this foaming one that lasts a long time, softens my hands, and smells so good. I also just gifted my mom the refillable one from Common Good–it’s such a cute bottle for the sink and she loves it.
April 19, 2024
A. Most waffle irons (All Clad, Cuisinart, etc.) are coated in PFAS chemicals and should be avoided. I feel much better about the newer irons with silicone coatings, such as this one from Green Pan. If you want something uncoated, you could get this, but it’s really intended for use over a campfire!
A: Yes! Decaf coffee contains the same antioxidants as regular coffee, and it’s a superfood! There was also arecent study showing decaf specifically reduced the risk of colon cancer. Just make sure any decaf you get is water-processed. (Our decaf is, of course.😉)
A: Yes! Vaccuming is SO important for improving indoor air quality (dust is where a lot of unavoidable toxins accumulate). This is the robot vacuum I recommend (we are getting it ourselves actually!).
A: I’ve decided pretty much for sure that when we renovate my kitchen, I will get an induction stove. Gas stoves are simply SO bad for indoor air (if you have one, make sure to run a filter next to it!). I’ve not ever read anything about induction stoves and miscarriages. In fact, this study suggests a lower risk of preterm birth in mothers who cook with induction stoves. Since pacemakers regulate the heart’s electrical activity, I can see how in theory the EMF produced by an induction stove could interfere there –this is a question for a cardiologist. The bottom line is that the science in unequivocal about the dangers of gas stoves, and so far induction stoves appear to be safe, based on current science.
April 12, 2024
A. All of our coffee beans are sourced from fully certified organic farms. We do not buy or use any other kind. Because the only ingredient in our coffee is those beans, it would be redundant for us to also apply for the same status. It would also drive the prices up to do so. Our coffee is better than organic, too, because it comes in certified non-toxic, compostable bags. We do this because it seems silly to offer organically grown coffee that is shipped to you in a bag that contains PFAS and other toxins.
A: My favorite deodorant for kids is this one in the lavender scent, which also has anti-fungal properties and may be good for tweens/teens with eczema.
A: Yes! I actually just learned of this brand when looking for a play sofa that could fit under my teenager’s lofted bed and become a sleeping space for friends when they stay over (NYC problems!). It’s really hard to find anything non-toxic, and while Figgy is made with a polyu foam (versus pure latex), and is not organic, they have CertiPUR, Oeko-Tex, and GreenGuard Gold certifications, which are good enough for me! Figgy actually just sent me a discount code for my readers–use code GOODSTUFF for 15% off.
April 5, 2024
A. For prevention, I recommend The Fairy Tales Kit. And if your child already has lice, you can get rid of it with this method (it truly works).
A: You should definitely avoid PVC hot water bottles, especially when they’ll be filled with hot water (which only makes them offgas more). Here is a silicone one I like.
A: For a daily moisturizer that is entirely free of toxins and has a bunch of active anti-aging ingredients, I like the Daylight Advanced Facial Cream from Crunchi. If you want something at a lower price point that has fewer actives but it just a really nice daily moisturizer, I love this one from Carina Organics.
A: Yes! I will list 10 products that I adore below, and these brands are safe across the board!
- Carina Organics Daily Face Moisturizer
- HiBar Solid Face Wash Bar
- Jumbo Sticks from Green Goo
- Tandi’s Naturals Sea Salt & Activated Charcoal Facial Bar Soap
- Soapwalla Toning Mists
- Love & Sage – Hydrating Face Cream
- FATCO Face Cleansing Balm
- Lumion Oxygen Face Mist + HOCL
- Farmaesthetics Nourishing Lavender Milk
- Arame Nourishing Eye Cream from Nolaskinsentials
March 29, 2024
A. I love the Ilia lengthening mascara and it does not run. I don’t like their thickening formula, though, because it’s hard to wash off. As for eyeliner pencils, I have not found one that I love, so I do a pressed powder with a brush. Specifically, Beautycounter’s eye palette and Ilia shadow brush.
A: Yes, I admit to buying these sweatpants and matching sweatshirts in the Tall sizes that Old Navy offers. (If you know my IRL, you know that my trauma is that everything has been too short on me since I was 15 years old). I have the set in three colors. This is not because they are toxin-free, but because they are cheap and they fit me and I feel more put together in a matching sweatsuit. Anyway, we know that Old Navy clothing contains PFAS and probably other contaminants, so when I post about buying them it’s about transparency in the concessions I make. If you want a safer sweatsuit set, check out Mate (which I haven’t tried myself and fear would be too short on me!).
A: Collagen and protein powders are both made of protein—it just depends what your goals are. Collagen powder is missing some amino acids so it’s not a complete protein, but the precise amino acids of collagen protein powder is WHY it’s so good for skin, bones, etc. If you’re looking to really build muscle, you might want a real protein powder—this one looks pretty clean. For most of my readers who eat a diverse diet, I would recommend a collagen protein powder over a whey one–studies show that collagen supplementation likely confers benefits to digestion as well as hair, skin, and joint health. My favorite is Needed’s collagen powder. And if you have a teen, I like the Ramp powders.
March 22, 2024
A.
In last week’s email, I posted a reader question about mild strep throat (meaning, a positive strep test in a child who does not have any symptoms or just a slight sore throat without a fever, etc.). The point of my reply was not to suggest that anyone skip antibiotics for strep throat. My advice, as always, is to find a good pediatrician and follow her treatment plan. The not-very-helpful opinion I expressed to this reader was just a prediction that we may see sore throat testing and treatment guidelines change to more closely resemble those in Germany and other European countries. I want to add a few caveats to that, though, which include:
–The risk of PANDAS from untreated strep.
–The risk of severe illness in populations with strep outbreaks, like what happened last winter in the UK. This also happened to a lesser degree in a neighborhood school where I live. No one died but it was hugely disruptive and miserable for the affected families.
And of course, my prediction could be totally wrong—maybe antibiotics for strep won’t follow the trend of antibiotics for ear infections. And maybe instead of worrying about antibiotics for strep, which is a bacteria and thus an appropriate target for antibiotics, we should worry more about the fact that doctors are STILL prescribing them for viruses.
A: I hope you’re all following us on IG and seeing my cute dad’s posts on toxin-related news pieces (including which ones are worth freaking out about and which are media hype). Recently, he mentioned this map which shows the areas (in 45 stats) that have carcinogenic 1-4, dioxane in their water supply. Fortunately, my water in New York City is okay, but if you check this map and live in a bad area (Long Island people should definitely be aware of this), you’ll need a filter to address it. If you have one of the filters that I do—the Gimme Clean Water—it’ll reduce 1,4-dioxane by about 50% but not entirely eliminate it. You’ll need reverse osmosis to do that. And since 1,-4-dioxane can be absorbed transdermally, some of our readers in these bad zones have chosen to get whole house RO filters. I know this is a daunting prospect, and if you want to pick the brain of the expert, give us a call at 717-869-6968 and we will put you in touch with John.
A: I posted on social the other day about how my kids eat a lottt of junk but I really will never purchase Prime for them. Let me be clear: I’m not claiming that Gatorade is notably healthier than Prime, but we have to draw the line somewhere and Prime is my somewhere! Even the things Prime does right—like using coconut water—are basically sneaky (it’s from concentrate so really not that healthy at all). But my real gripe with Prime is the artificial sweeteners it uses (sucralose and acesulfame potassium). These likely mess up our gut health and insulin and I am really opposed to them for kids. Finally, Prime’s Energy version has way too much caffeine. If your kid MUST have a hydration drink, the healthiest one I’ve found is Nooma, which is organic and uses stevia for a sweetener. (Roar is okay but uses erythritol for a sweetener and I’m not crazy about that one either).
March 15, 2024
A. As you note, I am not a doctor, so I will answer this as a mom. The possible complications from strep are scary–including blood infections and rheumatic fever–so when Felix had strep throat in kindergarten, I didn’t hesitate to fill that antibiotics prescription. Since then, however, I have considered the fact that many asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic kids are likely walking around with strep throat at any given time. So you’d think we’d at least occasionally hear of a case of rheumatic fever! Also, Germany (among several other countries) doesn’t always recommend strep tests or antibiotics for mild sore throats. I am not suggesting that you skip antibiotics for your son, and I definitely defer to your pediatrician on treatment. But I do think it’s possible that we may see the guidelines on antibiotics for strep change in the coming years, and that you are reasonable to wonder about the risk of rheumatic fever from untreated mild strep throat. I have never seen any data about this!
A: I love bar soap because it’s so much more environmentally friendly than baby washes. And for a baby, you need only the simplest stuff. Two bars I love:
1) This one is literally JUST olive oil in bar soap form.
2) This one is made of tallow and just a handful of gentle herbs.
A: You’re not alone! Tons of people use benzoyl peroxide because it really by reducing acne-causing bacteria. As you know, a recent study found that OTC acne products with benzoyl peroxide can form carcinogenic benzene. While this only happened when the products were exposed to higher temperatures, I would avoid anything containing benzoyl peroxide while we await studies that confirm these alarming results. (By the way: as bad as benzene is, it’s also unavoidable, as it is found in car exhaust and gas stoves, etc. etc.)
There are two natural brands that make products for acne-prone skin. The first, Pure Haven created uses natural sources of salicylic acid in their Clear Up line. And it’s 20% off right now.
I also love Nola Skinsentials for oily and acne-prone skin. I’ll list my favorites from this Black-owned business below.
March 8, 2024
A. Yay! I hope you like these three as much as I do. At night, this is my exact face routine (including the products you mentioned):
- Oil cleanse with this balm, ending with a good scrub with a charcoal cloth.
- Foam cleanse with a clarifying wash and the Luna 3.
- Apply toner with reusable rounds.
- Dab on pea-sized about of Marie Veronique retinol emulsion. (The tube lasts forever.)
- Use one dropper of Crunchi peptide serum on face and neck.
- Slather on Beautycounter ceramide cream.
- Lock it all in with Love & Sage oil-based cream.
A. Ugh, yes, articles like this one are terrifying and I hate to say it but I do agree with the conclusions they draw (which is: workout clothes often contain chemicals like bromated flame retardants and PFAS, and your skin can definitely absorb this stuff). This is scary for me since I work out almost every day and I tend to wear my leggings (Beyond Yoga, Lulu Lemon, Alo, etc.) alllll day. This type of clothing (both the production and disposal of) is also an environmental nightmare. One of my goals for 2024 was to upgrade my workout clothing, but I haven’t made much progress. But! Your question just prompted me to put the following items in a cart (these brands are all clean):
- Groceries leggings.
- Pact set. (An insane bargain especially now when Pact is having a daylight savings sale).
- MATE biker shorts. (I want their leggings, too!).
A: I have not tried Eco-Bella, but my favorite makeup brands for what you are looking for are:
- Beautycounter (for blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick)
- Ilia (for mascara)
- Crunchi (for eyeshadow and lip gloss)
A: We did see this in the news, and of course it’s horrifying. In this case, the cinnamon seems to be the cause of the contamination (from the grinder), but apple sauce and juice CAN be sources of heavy metal exposure in general (usually arsenic). You’ve probably noticed that I am constantly harping on how important independent testing is. This is why. We love brands that are Clean Label Product verified, like Once Upon a Farm and Serenity Kids because they are testing for contaminants, including lead.
March 1, 2024
A. I am enjoying 100% Pure’s caffeine eye cream for depuffing and moisturizing. I use this in the morning. At night, I am not currently using an eye cream, instead just putting my other skincare products under my eyes—at the moment, that is Crunchi’s peptide serum, Marie Veronique’s retinol night emulsion, Beautycounter’s ceramide water cream, and Love & Sage’s oil-based face cream. I used to be a minimalist, but this combo is really doing it for me these days!
A. Honest diapers are Good Stuff (not Best Stuff) in our Diaper Guide. We gave them this designation because they are free of dyes, fragrance, lotion, parabens, and phthalates—but they still have a top and back sheet that are made of petroleum-based plastic. This switch to elemental chlorine-free doesn’t change our ranking—in fact, we think this distinction is meaningless. (The reason requires kind of a long, boring explanation, but you can read it here.)
A: I recently unboxed (on Instagram) a new undereye concealer, after finding that I hated Ilia’s and think Beautycounter ‘s is only okay. TLDR: Crunchi’s My Alibi is amazing. As a bonus, it’s probably the cleanest of these three brands if you were to be very picky about every single ingredient. I’ve been applying it with Ilia’s blending brush — and it’s hands-down the best I’ve tried.
A: This has been the million dollar question for a long time but some recent studies changed my mind a bit and then here is another recent one suggesting that there really is a benefit for cognition. (You can check out our multivitamin guide for the brands we like.)
February 23, 2024
A. There are 7 key elements needed to maintain electrolyte levels: sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, bicarbonate. The best way to get these substances is through the foods we eat, and many “sports drinks” are high in sugar and dyes. Some don’t even contain the aforementioned seven substances. Generally, “electrolyte enhanced waters” are a better bet than a “sports drinks.” These are just plain water with these nutrients added back in. Electrolyte powders can be even better as they can be added to your own filtered water. My favorite is this one.
A. You’ve maybe seen the brand new headlines that a whopping 60% off this country drinks water contaminated with PFAS from the taps in their homes. This is not even surprising to me, and it’s why we’ve been harping on the importance of a water filter for years. If you can’t pull off an undercounter unit that includes PFAS filtration, the next best bet is a pitcher filter that specifies that it takes care of PFAS. You could also get a reverse osmosis counter-top filter (I had and loved this one when I was a renter). RO water filters do effectively remove PFAS.
A: Lead in insulated water bottles is nothing new–and in almost all cases there is no way for the lead that’s used inside the insulated part to touch liquid in the cup OR the hands of the person holding the cup. If the “button” on the bottom of your Stanley tumbler is compromised or falls off, then you should throw the cup away. Otherwise–despite the lawsuit–I don’t see how drinking from a Stanley presents any risk. We have, however, never sold Stanley in our store, and one of the reasons we’ve chosen to partner with Klean Kanteen is that they do NOT use any lead, even in their insulated bottles. Instead, Klean Kanteen cups are sealed with a button made of either silica or glass.
A: I don’t drink coffee, but I don’t actually think tea is healthier. Both tea and coffee are superfoods with a ton of well-documented health benefits. I drink tea instead of coffee for a few reasons, the biggest of which is that it has less caffeine so I can have 3 or 4 cups without getting jittery–thus prolonging my cherished morning ritual! I also drink my green tea plain, so I can intermittent fast while still caffeinating myself in the morning (alas, I don’t like black coffee!). I’m sure you know that both tea and coffee can be sources of toxin exposure, and because they are daily habits it is worth making sure you’re getting the Good Stuff. We have written about the safest coffeeand tea on our blog.
February 16, 2024
A. I feel like I see an AG1 ad every time I turn on the TV, which made me skeptical, obviously. But I was curious like you, so I recently looked at the ingredients and then had my mom (a trained holistic health coach) look as well. Honestly, it seems pretty legit. They are using the right versions of vitamins and minerals, and they say they have third-party testing for purity (although I have not seen the actual Certificate of Analysis yet). AG1 has a lot of antioxidant/nutritional powerhouses in its blend–including green tea, cocoa polyphenol, ashwagandha, reishi, and kelp extracts. There are a few things I am not so into, like the fact that it has stevia, which just does not taste that good to me most of the time. I also don’t love natural flavors (more on my thoughts on that here), but it’s not a deal-breaker. Also, AG1’s probiotic blend contains only 7.2 billion CFU (to be considered Best Stuff they must have at least 20 billion)–so I would not replace a high quality probiotic supplement with this. In any case, AG1 offered to send us some so we are going to try it.
A. I am surprised I have never mentioned Melaleuca, actually, because they’ve been around forever and are constantly reaching out to see if I can include them in our guides. I can’t get on board with this company–they are super vague about their ingredients and I have never gotten the transparency I would need from them to recommend them. That said, I am not totally against MLM business models. For one thing, I know a lot of women making real money doing it, and some of these brands are among the cleanest out there. Three that I love: Crunchi, Beautycounter, Pure Haven. If you’re interested in any of these as a business, hit reply and I will put you in touch with the women who are crushing it in this space. And if you want to shop their products, I consider all three of them entirely safe.
A: This is the Seed set that I use, and it smells amazing.
A:The timing of this question is funny because I just approved a new brand of tallow-based skincare–FATCo–to bring into our store’s lineup. And Tandi’s (tallow-based soaps and cleaning products) was the first product line we carried a decade ago–and it remains a best seller! So yes, if I don’t think too hard about what tallow IS, I can smear it on my face, lol. In case you don’t know: Tallow is rendered animal fat, which is known for its versatility and eco-friendly qualities in skincare and cleaning products. Its use dates back centuries, and modern formulations harness its natural emollient properties, making it a nourishing ingredient for the skin. Tallow is rich in fatty acids that closely resemble the skin’s natural oils, promoting hydration and aiding in moisture retention. When tallow is incorporated into laundry soap, it helps to break down and lift away dirt, grime, and stains from fabrics because of this same unique blend of fatty acids. Tallow-based laundry soaps clean effectively at lower temperatures, which makes it environmentally friendly (it’s also biodegradable). As you can tell, we love tallow!
February 9, 2024
A. We’ve written guides for almond and oat milks–and there are some truly healthful brands out there! Creamers are harder–they tend to have a lot more seed oils and other thickeners, for obvious reasons. I think the Elmhurst Unsweetened Oat Creamer is probably the best best, but I would avoid the flavored versions.
A. I really tried with Felix, but he was SO slow to accept any solids (still wanted to mostly just nurse even well beyond his first birthday). I become very discouraged after spending time and money preparing food that ended up being tossed. So I ended up relying on