The Five Products I Always Restock

My MVPs for home and life

Well, it looks like I’ve unintentionally started a series…

I recently wrote about five things I regret buying and then followed up with five of the best purchases I’ve made based on cost-per-use. This week I thought it would be fun to share the top five products I always restock. These are the MVPs for home and life that I replace every time they run out. Arriving on these signature items means I no longer have to research (timesaver) and I no longer overbuy (money saver). I love them, they’ve already been vetted, and I can spend my mental energy on other things.

In no particular order, here are five things I consistently restock:

Non-Toxic Household Cleaner

I’ve written about this before, and my love remains steadfast. I used to own all the cleaning products, which created a chemical jumble under my sink that was both hard to organize and bad for the environment. Then a friend raved about Branch Basics — a fragrance-free, non-toxic, baby and pet safe concentrate that combines with water to make every cleaner your home needs - and I gave it a go.

Now I have just two products under my sink: The Concentrate, which I use to make window cleaner, floor cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner simply by adding water, and Oxygen Boost for tougher jobs like stain removal, burnt pans, and grout.

French Pharmacy Skincare

Unpopular opinion, but I’m not fussy when it comes to skincare and believe most of it is an overpriced, well-marketed racket. In addition to a few beloved splurges, I am loyal to the hydrating gentle face cleanser and moisturizer from La Roche Posay. I share products with my girls (limited bathroom space) and when I ventured out they both begged me to restock this duo. I also dealt with some unfortunate skin flare ups last year, and these were the only products that settled my skin. Also, the price is right.

Lime Dish Soap

I am not one of those doing-dishes-is-so-meditative people, so I’ll do anything to elevate the experience. Our local market sells this fresh lime and ginger scented dish soap, and I really cannot get enough. The smell is bright and lovely, and it’s made without the use of dyes or artificial fragrances. It’s EPA Safer Choice Certified to be safer for your family and certified at Leaping Bunny for not testing on animals. I only wish it came in a bulk refill size since I pour it into a very large glass pump bottle.

My Holy Grail SPF

Due to my pale skin, and an unfortunate brush with basal cell carcinoma, I have to take sun protection very seriously. After years of testing every product on the market, I have finally landed on this clear, lightweight formula from Elta MD. It is dermatologist approved, fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic. My mother (who does all the research) even gave me her stamp of approval. It goes on like a dream, and I wear it religiously and share with my kids. Again, wish I could buy it in bulk.

Our Bath Essential Trio

I share a tiny bathroom with the whole family, and we all share a handful of products that everyone has signed off on. We buy a very basic body wash in bulk that we pour into a large dispenser with a pump, and I also stock up on my favorite hydrating shampoo and conditioning mask (which doubles as a conditioner). This trio has been hard working for us for years and I see no reason to mix things up.

My biggest takeaway in dialing all of this in is that I no longer have a wandering eye for any of these products. I am done vetting and testing which means I can just enjoy what we have and keep it moving.

Reader Prompt: Of course I’m dying to know - what are the life or household items you always restock? Please share in the comments so we can all learn from each other.

New Documentary : Lorne is out this week - The film features exclusive footage and candid interviews with Saturday Night Live’s most iconic cast members and writers.

Reading: Lena Dunham’s new memoir Famesick - out today!

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