THE IVY EDIT

Welcome To The Ivy Edit

Hi! I'm Ivy—a certified organic skincare formulator, certified project manager, and passionate clean living advocate. My mission is to make clean living effortless and enjoyable.

The Ivy Edit is our blog where I go deeper—breaking down ingredients, products, and clean living topics so you can make informed, no-BS decisions.

I take on research projects that matter to our community, from ingredient safety to how-to guides. A lot of these topics start in our private Facebook group—where I share more personally, answer questions, and get inspired for what to cover next. Join us!

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Clean Electrolytes, The Ultimate Comparison

Finding a truly clean electrolyte powder can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between the neon-colored tubs, artificial sweetener cocktails, and vague "proprietary blend" labels, it's hard... Read more...

A Non-Toxic Guide To Surfactants

If you’ve been here for a while, you know surfactants are one of the ingredients that makes it hard to find an effective clean hair shampoo, especially a clarifying one... Read more...

A Non-Toxic Guide to Quats

If you hang out in the non-toxic space long enough, you’ll hear “quats” (short for quaternary ammonium compounds) treated like one big bad category. I understand why. Some quats release formaldehyde,... Read more...

Aging Gracefully: The Full Series

Welcome to Aging Gracefully—a holistic, non-toxic series where we say 'no thanks' to the pressure of Botox injectables and yes to looking and feeling our best the natural way. We've... Read more...

Clean Matcha, The Ultimate Comparison

Most people turn to matcha when they are wanting to lower their caffeine intake. As a longtime coffee lover, I decided to do a deeper dive into this wildly popular... Read more...

What Is Manuka Honey? Benefits, MGO Explained, and How to Buy Authentic

Manuka honey has become one of the most sought-after functional foods in the clean living and wellness space. Many people know it is considered more potent than regular honey, but... Read more...

Paracress Extract: Uses and Benefits for Skin Aging

As I’ve gotten deeper into aging-focused skincare, I’ve become far more interested in ingredients that support the skin’s natural function rather than temporarily masking changes. One plant that kept popping... Read more...

Choosing A Spouse Is A Health Decision

This month marks my 10-year wedding anniversary, and it’s got me reflecting on the surprising truth I’ve learned: choosing a spouse is a health decision. Not just a romantic one.... Read more...

Clean Creatine, The Ultimate Comparison

Finding a truly clean creatine can feel confusing. There are dozens of “advanced” forms and lots of flavored blends that add more than you need. This guide keeps it simple—what... Read more...

A Beginner's Guide To Gua Sha

Gua sha is something I only started doing this year. If you saw Episode 2 of Aging Gracefully or our quick IG snippet, you know one of our favorite estheticians swears... Read more...

Aging Gracefully: Spa Treatments [Episode 3]

In episode 3 of our Aging Gracefully series, we sit down with Jeanette Acosta—paramedical esthetician, laser-trained clinician, biomedical engineering alum, product formulator, and celebrity facialist—who runs Skintique Spa in Miami.... Read more...

Are Seed Oils In Skincare Bad?

Are seed oils in skincare bad? Short answer: no. Learn how fatty-acid profiles, processing, and skin compatibility—not the “seed oil” label—determine skin outcomes. Evidence-based guide with sources. Read more...

Why Your Natural Laundry Detergent Isn't Working

Laundry still stinks after switching to natural detergent? Here’s why—and how to strip laundry safely. Step-by-step recipes, hard-water tips, and the natural detergent we trust. Read more...

I Went No-Poo. Here's What Happened.

If you’ve spent any time in natural living circles, you’ve probably heard of the no-poo method—short for "no shampoo." It’s a movement that challenges the conventional haircare industry by ditching traditional... Read more...

Aging Gracefully: At-Home Skincare [Episode 2]

In episode 2 of our Aging Gracefully series, we dive into why at-home skincare matters most—because even if you get monthly facials, 70–80% of your results come from daily habits.... Read more...

Your Guide To At-Home Skincare

You can spend hundreds on facials, but if you aren’t showing up for your skin every day, you’re missing 80% of the results. That doesn’t mean you need a complicated... Read more...

Meet Organic Ivy

If you’ve been around Ivy & Fields for a while, you already know our heart beats for small brands. Our shop is filled with products from founders who pour themselves... Read more...

Aging Gracefully From Within [Episode 1]

Welcome to Aging Gracefully—a holistic, non-toxic series where we say 'no thanks' to the pressure of Botox injectables and yes to looking and feeling our best the natural way. We've... Read more...

Understanding the Comedogenic Rating Scale

If you've ever struggled with breakouts after trying a new skincare product, you may have come across the term "comedogenic rating." But what does it really mean? And can it... Read more...

Crunchy & Co is Now Ivy & Fields

When I first launched Crunchy & Co, it was rooted in a single belief: that clean living shouldn’t feel like a chore. I wanted to solve the frustrations so many... Read more...

Clean Protein Powders, The Ultimate Comparison

This guide will break down how to evaluate a clean protein powder—covering protein types, ingredient quality, third-party testing, and more—before diving into a detailed brand comparison of over 24 brands... Read more...

Why I Don’t Recommend You Switch Your Shampoo (Yet)

This sounds completely backward coming from a non-toxic shop. But stick with me—because this just might be the most refreshing take you’ll read on this tough category. When people first dive... Read more...

Setting Your Own Clean Standards

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through clean living spaces or natural skincare threads, you’ve likely seen it: the debates, the disagreements, and the endless contradictions. One scan app tells you... Read more...

Espresso Machines - PFAS, Plastic, Aluminum, Oh My!

This is our continuation of our search for finding the most non-toxic possible way to brew real espresso (not just coffee). Espresso machines contain many problematic materials. We reached out to... Read more...

The Perfect Plastic-Free Espresso Coffee

If you're serious about your coffee, then you know that a truly great cup isn’t just about the beans—it’s also about the process and the equipment. Many coffee lovers are... Read more...

How To Shop For The Best Air Purifier

In today’s world, air quality is a growing concern. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and... Read more...

How To Shop For The Best Water Filter

Access to clean water is essential for health and well-being, but contaminants in our water supply can pose serious risks. A high-quality water filter can make a world of difference,... Read more...

Why Natural Doesn’t Mean Allergy-Free

Switching to natural products can feel like the ultimate step toward a healthier, toxin-free life. But what happens when your skin doesn’t respond as expected? If you’ve experienced a reaction—whether... Read more...

Our Take On Scan Apps for Non Toxic Products

In the quest for cleaner, safer products, you may have turned to popular product scanning apps like Yuka, Think Dirty, EWG's Healthy Living, and so many more. These apps promise... Read more...

Eating Healthier - A Food & Beverage Guide

use this guide as a basic foundation for healthy eating by which you can build on according to your specific dietary guidelines, preferences and goals. Read more...

Non Toxic Diapers, Ultimate Comparison

We looked at the most popular low tox, disposable diapers in a side by side comparison. Read more...

How To Shop For Non-Toxic Home Textiles and Furniture

Tips and suggestions for buying non toxic textiles and furniture. Understand the materials and certifications to look for. Includes budget advice! Read more...

A Guide to the Safest Materials for Your Kitchen

Cleaned up your diet but still using toxic cookware? In this guide, we compare some of the most common materials in the kitchen to help you make the safest choices. Read more...

This Week Get Branch Basics Cleaning Concentrate for FREE!

We're kicking off 12 weeks of toxin-free deals for our final twelve Tuesdays of 2024! Each Tuesday, we'll have a free or deeply discounted product promotion with any purchase. This... Read more...

A Clean "Clean" Kitchen

Before you take your first bite, your food has likely touched dozens of surfaces or cooking tools: a food storage container, a pan or pot, an appliance, a spatula or... Read more...

Truly Free Laundry Detergent Honest Review

Truly Free Laundry Detergent is one of the most widely recommended brands in the clean living space. It’s endorsed by countless non-toxic influencers, but does it truly live up to... Read more...

Is Organic Natural Flavor Safe?

When it comes to choosing healthier food options, many people are concerned about what exactly is in their food. If you've checked out our no-no list, you already know natural... Read more...

How To Go Toxin-Free (without losing your sanity)

So, you've decided you want to live a more natural, toxin-free life... now what? Embracing a "crunchy" lifestyle touches nearly every decision you make, which can feel overwhelming at first.... Read more...

The Perfect Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse For Your Hair

Are you looking to boost your hair's natural shine, softness, and overall health? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) hair rinses have become a go-to natural remedy for transforming dull, lifeless hair... Read more...

Detoxing Your Diet

Ivy & Fields is not a grocery store, but detoxing your diet is such a vital part of going crunchy! The diet we’re discussing here goes beyond mere weight management.... Read more...

Is Sunscreen Safe?

A few weeks ago, our feeds were bombarded with major news channels reporting on "dangerous advice" from social media "influencers" telling you not to wear sunscreen. The reporting left much to be... Read more...

How to Switch to Natural Deodorant (Without Stinking!)

So you've decided to switch from aluminum-based antiperspirants to reduce unnecessary exposure to ingredients that may disrupt the body’s natural balance. But now you're struggling with body odor. You can... Read more...

What is GRAS?

GRAS stands for "Generally Recognized As Safe," a designation created by Congress in 1958. It was originally created to exempt common ingredients like salt, water, and vinegar from the time-consuming... Read more...

Is Titanium Dioxide Safe for Skin?

Mars, Inc. made headlines for using Titanium Dioxide, a controversial ingredient in their U.S. version of their popular, colorful rounded candy, Skittles. It has faced scrutiny due to potential health... Read more...

The Best Safe Sunscreens

A little sun never hurt anyone. It is an excellent source of Vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system. In fact, just 5-30 minutes of... Read more...

What Is Crunchy?

Curious about the crunchy lifestyle or exploring different ways to live healthier and more sustainably? Find out which lifestyle defines you now and which one you want to grow into. Read more...

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