Monday, February 22, 2010

Review and Giveaway: Episencial Natural Skincare CLOSED



It's no secret I've been a fan of SproutBaby ever since I was introduced to them last year. I mean, what's not to love? Not only do they make shopping for environmentally-friendly goods easy and enjoyable - but they individually test and hand-select each product they carry. Only those that meet their rigorous standards get their seal of approval. From feeding and diapering to bathing and playtime, SproutBaby has you covered with a "green" solution. With their commitment to excellence, you can be sure that what you purchase is truly safe and gentle for you and your family.

Back in December, I had the pleasure of reviewing the Better Body Butter from Episencial, which quickly won over our household. So, I was delighted to try out another product from the brand new skincare line: the Playful Foaming Wash.



Episencial
offers high-quality yet affordable all-natural skincare for children. Featuring the instantly recognizable artwork from Eric Carle's classic book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Episencial is the first company to develop clinically-effective, newborn-safe products that support the immune functions of the skin. Their complete range of products is made exclusively from chemical-free, organic ingredients (even using fruits from the story!) and is based upon reliable formulas used by leading spas and clinics for over 30 years. Episencial goes beyond your typical "green" company. They manufacture right here in the U.S. using solar power and recyclable, sustainable packaging. With this many pros, it's no surprise the product line was founded by a mom!

The Playful Foaming Wash is a pure, hydrating hair and body wash, with the following benefits:
  • Thyme oil and plant-based surfactants act as gentle cleansers
  • Organic ginko biloba and calendula extract soothe skin
  • Organic aloe and oat extract moisturize naturally
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free. Organic orange extract provides a mild, natural scent.
  • Non-irritating formula won't sting or burn sensitive skin
  • Rinses off quickly
  • Safe for all ages
  • Bottle is phthalate and BPA-free

SproutBaby was kind enough to send me a week's worth of samples to try out with Nate. I can't get enough of the cute, colorful packaging, with the beloved character from one of our all-time favorite storybooks.



The scent of the body wash was heavenly. A very mild, citrus-y smell that reminded me of freshly squeezed orange juice. I also liked that the color of the gel was clear and not tinted yellow, as with some other natural brands. Just a personal little peccadillo of mine but a dingy bath product makes me feel more dirty than clean. True to its name, the foaming bath wash had a great lather, and rinsed cleanly away with no residue. Even though Mommy was a bit clumsy and accidentally spilled some water from his crown down over his face, Nate didn't cry or appear irritated at all.



After bathtime, the orange scent didn't linger as with traditional baby washes. But I would rather not slather my eczema-prone toddler in harsh chemicals just for the sake of a smell. I applied the Better Body Butter directly after bathtime and my little alligator's rough patches gave way to kissably soft skin - just how a baby was meant to feel.

Bottom line: Episencial equates to Essential in our house. I would highly recommend checking them out for all your family's bath needs. I love a company who cares about the safety of our planet and our children. With products ranging from $5.99-$14.99, they are competitively priced. Oh, and it helps that the products smell great and work just as well! I'm already eyeing the Soothing Cream and Bubble Bath.

BUY IT: You can purchase the Playful Foaming Wash (ARV $8.99), the Better Body Butter (ARV $9.99) or other Episencial products by visiting www.sproutbaby.com.

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: See something you need right away?! Use my blogger referral code "SBBL021" to get 15% off your first purchase!

WIN IT: Episencial is generously giving one lucky reader a full-size bottle of the Playful Foaming Wash and another full-size bottle of the Better Body Butter!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Stalk SproutBaby.com and tell me another product that catches your eye. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Sign up for the SproutBaby newsletter and comment with the email you used. (2 entries!)

3.) Become a fan of SproutBaby on Facebook (1 entry)

4.) Follow me and@sproutbabyclub on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

RT @kris10chumley: Keep your baby's skin so soft with Episencial Body Butter and Foaming Wash from @sproutbabyclub http://bit.ly/dBILGb

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

5.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 9, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As mentioned above, I was sent samples of Episencial body wash from SproutBaby.com to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post.
The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

113 comments:

aledol said...

I have so wanted the Organic Baby gift box, for myself-love baby products for my super sensitive skin as well as my twin girls'; & a ff of mine is pg!!

aledol said...

GFC

aledol said...

EM sub

aledol said...

EM sign up @4t...
1

aledol said...

EM sign up @4t...
2

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9533145332

Jolee said...

would like to try the calendula remedy oil. Sounds divine. joleehamlin@comcast.net

Jolee said...

subscriber too. joleehamlin@comcast.net

aledol said...

http://m.twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9575219136

Benita said...

The Cool Aloe Mist catches my eye.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Signed up for SproutBaby Newsletter.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9629597809

Terra Heck said...

I like the Nourishing Lavender Milk. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Terra Heck said...

email subscriber
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9672938599

Hannah Igoe said...

Would love to try the angel bottom balm!

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9723922331

julis55 said...

I have so wanted the Organic Baby gift box, for myself-love baby products for my super sensitive skin as well as my twin girls'

Leenburke said...

I would love to try the baby bliss gripe water, thanks! leenburke@yahoo.com

Leenburke said...

I follow your blog leenburke@yahoo.com

Leenburke said...

I'm a subscriber leenburke@yahoo.com

Leenburke said...

I signed up for the sproutbaby newsletter entry 1 leenburke@yahoo.com

Leenburke said...

I signed up for the sproutbaby newsletter entry 2 leenburke@yahoo.com

Leenburke said...

facebook fan of sproutbaby leenburke@yahoo.com

Leenburke said...

Following you and sprout baby on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/9744043512

leenburke@yahoo.com

Karen P said...

I would like to try the Natural Stretch Oil 120 ml. (4 oz.)

Holly G. said...

I like the Nourishing Herbal Cream from Farmesthetics.

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9771689598

Jessica said...

I also like the Boon Catch Bowl
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I follow through google friend connect
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I subscribe via e-mail
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I signed up for the sprout baby newsletter 1
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I signed up for the sprout baby newsletter 2
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I follow through twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/jjak2003/statuses/9786978028
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

llinda29 said...

I will buy Pangea Organics Bar Soap

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9820778206

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/9823786450
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

100% Pure Pineapple Enzyme Peel
KawaiiNeko2008 at aol dot com

Jessica said...

3/1 daily tweet
http://twitter.com/jjak2003/statuses/9848702062
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

vboackle said...

the Nourishing Lavender Milk caught my eye.

Katie said...

The PlanToys Tree House is awesome!
katiekarr at gmail dot com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9870440623

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/9872931761
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

Jessica said...

3/3 daily tweet
http://twitter.com/jjak2003/statuses/9920049422
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/9924091713
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9938349373

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/9972769851
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/9997805416

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/10018055919

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/10022490562
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

rosannepm said...

I'd like the Pangea Organics Bar Sopa
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Follower-rosannepm

rosannepm said...

Subscribe by e-mail
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Fan of Sprout Baby on Facebook
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Follow you and Sprout baby on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/10057488115

rosannepm said...

Signed up for Sprout Baby newsletter#1 rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Signed up for Sprout Baby newsletter#2 rosans4@comcast.net

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/10075676004
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

4tmama said...

Phone crash, no comp, tweet @aleshamom4

Jessica said...

3/7 daily tweet
http://twitter.com/jjak2003/statuses/10116157600
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/10121878696
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

Robin T said...

I would love to try the Natural Stretch Oil

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/10139678485

Unknown said...

Definitely the Oatmeal Cookie Bath!
onefrugalmama [at] yahoo [dot] com

rosannepm said...

I'd like to try the Farmaesthetics Herbal Cleanser
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Folower-rosannepm

rosannepm said...

Subscribe via Google reader-rosannepm

rosannepm said...

Subscribe vy e-mail
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Signed up for Sprout Baby newsletter

rosannepm said...

Fan of Sprout Baby on Facebook

rosannepm said...

Follow you and Sprout BAby on Twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/10157089474

Leenburke said...

http://twitter.com/Leenburke/status/10167213665
daily tweet
leenburke@yahoo.com

Emmy Coffee said...

i like the natural stretch oil

jandsfox_143 said...

Sprout Foods Variety 12-Pack for Babies Seven Months and Older
jandsfox_143@msn.com

angie lilly said...

Earth Mama Body Butter 240 ml (8 oz) is something I would love to try!
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow you via google.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I get your emails.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow you via google reader too.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow you both on Twitter as FotoMacro and tweeted this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/FotoMacro/status/10187418695
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

Melodic Mom said...

I think the Angel Baby Lotion also looks great

Melodic Mom said...

I follow both on twitter & tweeted: http://twitter.com/MelodicMom/statuses/10195348273

Jessica said...

I like the Angel Baby lotion but they have a lot of wonderful looking products.

PaintedPony17@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

The calendula remedy oil looks pretty cool! :)
Amanda Barnes
amandakbarnes90(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like the Pangea Organics Lip Care also

Scott said...

Organic Grooming Aloe Shave Cream, Dusk is something I would like to try.
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

follow w/google
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

getting your emails
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

subscribe w/google reader
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

fanned them on facebook under Heath Cole
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

follow and tweeted yesterday http://twitter.com/RePurrPussed/status/10188509410
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

follow and tweeted today http://twitter.com/RePurrPussed/status/10222665309
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Tylerpants said...

The Rainbow Research Organic Herbal Shampoo for Kids looks great! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I subscribe via email. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I follow via Google Friend Connect. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

Signed up for the SproutBaby newsletter! tylerpants(at)gmail.com #1

Tylerpants said...

Signed up for the SproutBaby newsletter! tylerpants(at)gmail.com #2

cman said...

Gentle Foaming Shampoo and Body Wash

Melanie Montgomery said...

Doctor T's SPF 30 Bug-Away Spray




clarkmurdock@yahoo.com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/10242813356

tina reynolds said...

I like Wee Go Glass Baby Bottle I am wanting to use them with baby #3 thanks eaglesforjack@gmail.com

tina reynolds said...

I follow your blog thanks

tina reynolds said...

I subscribe to your blog

tina reynolds said...

I signed up for sproutbaby newsletter 1/2 used eaglesforjack@gmail.com

tina reynolds said...

I signed up for sproutbaby newsletter 2/2 used eaglesforjack@gmail.com

tina reynolds said...

Fan of sprout baby on facebook my id is lepaige

tina reynolds said...

I tweeted thanks http://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/10246586114

trixx said...

I'd love to try the Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash on my little girl!

trixx said...

I'm a follower

lilyk said...

I love the Cool Aloe Mist!

lilyk said...

I became a fan of SproutBaby on Facebook.

lilyk said...

I signed up for the SproutBaby newsletter. #1

lilyk said...

I signed up for the SproutBaby newsletter. #2

Dawn Reid said...

The Cool Aloe Mist sounds good.

mightynaynay(at)cs.com

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