trukid :: healthy skincare for kids {giveaway}

A few summers ago my husband and I were planning a trip to Hawaii, and I was on the lookout for the right sunblock. I knew we’d need to apply multiple coats daily the whole time we were there and was none too pleased by the prospect of loading our skin with chemicals that would be absorbed into our bloodstreams (many of which had been banned from sale in Europe). Experts agreed that TruKid was the best non-chemical sunblcok on the market. Apparently, so did consumers, because every brick-and-mortar and online retailer I tried were completely out of stock and weren’t able to fill orders until after we returned from our trip. Bummer! Fast forward three years: I’m now the first-time parent of a 10-month-old who has eczema due to her many allergies. I can’t risk putting chemical-laden sunblock on her sensitive skin, and summer vacations are just around the corner. TruKid to the rescue!

For those unfamiliar with “mineral” sunblocks, here’s the difference: “chemical” sunblocks are comprised of chemical agents which are absorbed into the skin to protect against the sun’s rays, while “mineral” sunblocks reflect the sun's rays by creating a physical barrier and are not absorbed by the skin. The only downfall is the slight white layer that may appear on darker skin. The up side? TruKid Is FREE of BPA, Phthalates, Parabens, PABA, Gluten, 1-4 Dioxanes, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, and Vitamin A (which can be harmful in large amounts to little bodies).

Katherine and I decided that a few minutes spent working on the flower beds was the perfect chance for us to put TruKid to the test! We used the Sunny Days SPF 30+ (EWG rated “1 - Recommended”) sunscreen on our arms & legs, and the Sunny Days Stick (EWG rated “2 - Recommended) on our faces. Not only did we smell super yummy, but neither of us turned so much as pink - and we’re pasty white Irish/English/German girls! I didn’t see a white “film” on either of us after rubbing in the sunscreen, and it didn’t come off on our clothes, either (a problem I’ve had with other mineral sunblocks). And the ultimate test? Kate’s eczema was not triggered or irritated anywhere on her body!

I especially loved that Sunny Days Stick isn't much larger than a tube of Chapstick, so I tucked it in my diaper bag. It will be perfect for those summer days when we're out and about and catching some unexpected rays!

TruKid’s philosophy is to “create a sustainable future for our kids by teaching them to take care of themselves, each other and the environment.” Each TruKid product has a symbol indicating which part of the body it is to be used on, and their website provides printable Earn-A-Star Checklists to help kids develop healthy, responsible living habits. It’s pretty obvious that a mom of 6 kids is at the helm of this awesome company!

TruKid Sunny Days Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30+) :: $17.95
TruKid Sunny Days Face & Body Stick (SPF 30+) :: $9.99

A SIMPLE COUPON!
Enter "happymom" to receive a free hand lotion with any order of $35 or more if ordered on the TruKid website!

{ * GIVEAWAY CLOSED :: CHECK THE WINNER’S TAB TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU * }

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One SIMPLE reader will win sunblock, body wash, and body lotion from TruKid - open to U.S. residents only. Here is how to enter:

• Tell me why you’ll need TruKid this summer! (Required)
• Sign up for TruKid e-mail updates here (Required)
• Follow @TruKid and @simplereviews on Twitter
• "Like" TruKid and SIMPLE on Facebook
• Post a status on your Facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and TruKid. In order to hyperlink, you need to be following both companies you will be hyper linking. Then enter the "@" symbol and start typing the name you want to hyperlink and choose it from the drop down that will pop up.
• Send some Twitter love! Tweet something like this (daily tweets allowed) :: #Win a @TruKid prize pack over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/5uml3e7 #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Sign up for SIMPLE updates - enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE
• Publically follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
• Vote daily for SIMPLE via Top Mommy Blogs (the blinking logo on our home page - just click it)

Winner will be randomly chosen on May 28, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.


*I was provided the two products noted above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*