When people think about being healthy, the first thing that comes to mind is usually diet. Whatever you put into your body can be reflected on the outside of your body. However, the skin and hair absorb lotions and conditioners, so why not make them as healthy as possible? Right around the corner from Brandeis is a pharmacy called Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, located at 577 Main St., where you can find an array of natural and organic health and beauty products. I wanted to put a couple to the test to see if they work as well as the products mass produced by pharmaceutical companies that you can buy at the typical Walgreens or CVS and if I noticed an improvement in my complexion or hair. The first product I tried was Nature's Gate Hemp Moisturizing Lotion for dry, dehydrated skin. With the cold weather not letting up, my hands especially have been really dry. This paraben- and colorant-free lotion surprised me with a subtle but pleasant cinnamon scent. Hemp seed oil is high in essential fatty acids to help keep the skin hydrated. While the lotion was light and absorbed quickly, I had to keep reapplying in order for my hands to stay supple throughout the harsh days of winter. However, when applied to my legs and arms, the shea butter, milk thistle and kukui nut oil left my skin soft and smelling faintly delicious. For $9.50, I think this 18 oz. bottle was a little disappointing, but fun to try compared to the typical Nivea or Cetaphil. Also, it is worth noting that the lotion was produced without animal testing and with no animal byproducts.

The next product I tried was the Grime Bar, which is an all-natural, hard-milled bar of soap. It reminded me of the "soap on a rope" my brother used to use back in the '90s. It definitely has a rugged, manly feel to it, but the scent is very unisex, and I didn't come out of the shower reeking of Axe. The Grime Bar claims it is the "ultimate soap for easing irritated skin," and it's supposed to take away "grime, grease, and grit." Since I spend most of my time in the classroom as opposed to underneath a car or at a campsite, I wasn't sure if I could accurately judge how well the Grime Bar worked. So, I smudged eyeliner on my hand and then washed my hands with the Grime Bar. It came off quite easily, and I contemplated using it to remove eye makeup (but I'll stick with Clinique for that). The bar of soap is $4.50, and I think it's a good buy because it will probably last a long time. Coming from a girl who loves liquid body wash, I felt surprisingly fresh and clean after using this bar soap. Moreover, it was nondrying and nonirritating, just as it claims. It also comes with a resealable bag, so in case I ever do go camping, I can tote my Grime Bar with me.

A lot of people have gluten allergies, and especially in health food stores and pharmacies like Johnson's, you'll find products that are gluten-free. Never would I ever expect conditioner to claim that it's gluten-free on the packaging, but Theraneem Organix did. This conditioner is made with "neem," an ingredient "respected by Ayurvedic practioners for its ability to support healthy skin and scalps."

The scent of lemon and peppermint reminded me of an Aveda conditioner I used to use and it worked in a similar way. The peppermint awakened my scalp and tingled. After leaving it on for 3 minutes-the bottle said to leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, but I'm not the most patient of people-combing through my wet locks was not as easy as I would have liked. Perhaps it was because I didn't use the conditioner in conjunction with the prescribed partner shampoo, or perhaps I should have waited longer for it to work its magic. Nevertheless, once all the knots were out of my hair, I was left with less frizz than usual (which can make or break a girl's day). The scent had a spa-like essence which put me in a temporary trance and provoked me to do some deep breathing in the shower. This conditioner did not work as well as others I've tried from the drug store or salon, and for $11.95, you're buying it because it smells delicious and because you support cruelty-free and vegan movements.

Overall, my trip to Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center opened my eyes to many new products and brands I hadn't heard of before. Many students get into ruts using the same products every day just trying to cover the bases of cleaning themselves to look presentable for class. Yet it can be fun to try things, especially if you don't see improvement in your hair or skin from your current products. Conversely, if you are happy with the results of your products, by no means should you change!

In case you cannot get to Johnson's and you find yourself at Target or Walgreens, you can still find many products that support "greener" movements. EOS lip balm is an upgraded Chapstick. It comes in a "smooth sphere that glides on lips," and it is a "95% organic, 100% natural lip balm that's petrolatum & paraben free." It actually lasts longer than most lip balms I've tried and the "sweet mint" flavor is quite refreshing. My lips always feel plumped up even though the product doesn't claim any plumping qualities. However, if your lips are moist and treated well, I think they automatically look more kissable.

Similarly, Burt's Bees recently came out with a new line for acne problems. The "Natural Acne Solutions targeted spot treatment" contains salicylic acid like most acne products you'll find on the market. However, the concentration is only 0.75 percent, compared to 2 percent like a Neutrogena spot treatment. Therefore, it is a lot less drying. It is also recyclable and not tested on animals.

If you're going to use organic products, these are wonderful contributions to sustainability and cruelty-free movements, but until more individuals show a demand for these products they will continue to be a bit pricier than the ones you find in the drugstore. Additionally, the immediate results are comparable to products you'd find in the drugstore, but you know you're doing something not only for your body, but for the Earth, which may in fact make you feel more attractive and healthy.