The arrival of our newborn heralded an introduction to products and name brands I had never heard of, even with months of research into such things. Gifts are showered upon new parents by well-intentioned friends and family, and acquaintances of the family who don’t quite know you or your tastes, but wanted to gift you anyway. I had particular ideas about what I did and did not want for the baby (truly; I made a detailed list for those folks attending our shower about natural fibers, limited exposure to plastics, etc.), but not everyone got the memo. This is not to say that we are not grateful for all that we’ve received, whether the gifts be a first- or second-hand. There are some items that shine, gifts we didn’t ask for, but have been supremely satisfied with. Which leads me to now proclaim my love for Burt’s Bees.
I’d used Burt’s Bees myself in the past–I am never far from a tube of their Beeswax Lip Balm during the winter–but I had no idea their product line extended to baby’s skin care until we received the Bundle of Joy Baby Basket from a co-worker. A whiff of the Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash had me more than curious, eager to try everything at my son’s first bath time. Despite the first-time bathing anxiety, I can say that our first bath was, and the many following have been a pleasure.
Burt’s Bees is an “Earth Friendly, Natural Personal Care Company,” creating natural, Earth-friendly personal care products for the past 26 years. From their humble beginnings making beeswax candles in Maine, to their incorporation and relocation to North Carolina in 1993, and their expansion into the national and global marketplace, Burt’s Bees has stuck to their Mission & Vison by continuing high production standards using quality natural ingredients in all of their products. Each package tells you exactly how natural the product inside is, whether it’s 100% or 98.9%. This honesty is as refreshing as the fragrance. I feel good about using Burt’s Bees not only from my desire to live green, but also because I’m supporting a local (to me) business, one that hasn’t let their success taint the resulting product. All of Burt’s Bees’ products are free from paraben, sulfate (SLS),phthalate, and petrochemicals.
- Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash– Sweet smelling from vanilla, anise, orange, lemon, and clove oils, this all-in-one baby wash is tear free and gentle enough for every day use. Makes an emollient-rich lather that rinses cleanly away. Also available fragrance free.
- Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion – Soothing aloe and sunflower oil combine with moisturizing buttermilk, this lotion is not only great for baby’s skin, but is fantastic for mommy’s parched hands too!
- Baby Bee Diaper Ointment – We haven’t had full-blown diaper rash thanks to our cloth diapering, but occasionally some skin irritation occurs from the diaper gussets or compression. This thick cream is full of good moisturizers, calming lavender and chamomile, and the trusted protection of zinc oxide.
- Baby Bee Dusting Powder – My only complaint about the gift basket was that the sample of dusting powder was so small! Truly the best baby powder I’ve tried.
- Baby Bee Nourishing Baby Oil – Apricot and grape seed oil condition and moisturize after bathing, absorbed quickly leaving little oil on the skin. A luxury for baby and mom, it’s like having a spa treatment. It smells amazing, truly the highlight of bath time. I want a bottle of my very own!
This was a great gift, and when the items run down I will purchase their full-sized replacements. I recommend the highly, as a gift for new moms, or for yourself and your own child. The price is reasonable for the high quality and all-natural ingredients. The Baby Bee product line from Burt’s Bees has renewed my interest in the company, and looking at their website I see that they are now making cosmetics. Having sensitive skin and allergies, I might have to give them a try.
I’ve enjoyed Burt’s Bees products for a long time now, but actually had no idea they were located in NC until your post! Love that I am “buying local”!! 😉
That’s funny, Topsy, because I didn’t realize they had relocated TO NC before researching the review. I love their humble beginnings, and it makes me feel good to support an upstart who’s gone global in a GOOD way.
The Baby Bee Bubblebath is pretty great, too. A little goes a long way and it smells like vanilla, mmm. And I also steal the baby’s lotion for my hands; I think moms wash their hands more than surgeons do!
I haven’t tried the bubble bath yet, Heather. I’m not a huge vanilla scent fan (I love the taste of vanilla, however!), but it might be worth picking up, since the Burt’s Bees scent profiles aren’t too strong.
Love it! I have always loved BB’s products, I’ve been waiting on the cosmetics for quite a while now. Imagine my shock that I knew that are in NC and not you! That will never happen again!
Ummm. I’m sorry to break the news but Burt’s Bees was bought out clorox in 2007. While they might still be natural they aren’t local and they are being used as a way for Clorox to “green” their image. I love the products too and use heaps of them but your article is a little misleading about the company.
Thanks!
I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing that Burt’s Bees is owned by Clorox, Arwen. If it’s meant to “green up their image,” as you suggest, then good for Burt’s Bees. Not only are they getting wider distribution, but also the financial resources they might need to stay as green as they are. I’ve not noticed any decline in quality in their products from 2007 until now, so it looks like Burt’s standards are still being met.