As I continue to update my conventional beauty products with more naturally derived alternatives, I recently visited Whole Foods to find a replacement for one of the most highly toxic offenders: nail polish remover. Often loaded with acetone and other nasty chemicals I figured that eliminating it would be a big step in the right direction.

In the beauty section (which I must say is growing every day), I scanned the four or five brands or polish remover on the counter. There were a few brands that had pretty glass bottles or smelled really lovely but cost over $20. Considering that the chemical-filled versions cost no more than $3, I was hoping to find a replacement somewhere in that general price range.

I finally decided on the Peace Keeper Eco-Easy Nail Polish Remover because 1. It was under $10 and 2. It seemed like the most natural of the offering. Made from sugar beets, rosemary and spearmint (literally) I decided it couldn't be too harmful to my body.

The review: Contrary to my skepticism of the three ingredients getting the job done well, this stuff actually works. Granted, you do have to put in a bit of elbow grease to get off the really dark colors, it is surprisingly effective. As for the smell, a friend was over the other night while I was using it and said that the scent reminded her of the dentist. I think that must be the spearmint... Also, I have noticed that if you end up with a lot of it on your fingers for a prolonged period (say, if your fingers are pressing on the remover soaked cotton boll), they get a little prune-y feeling (as though you've been in the bath too long).

Other than that, no complaints. The spearmint oil is quite moisturizing and you can rest easy if you happen to reach for a handful of popcorn without washing your hands after using it.