The heat’s been crazy, and the kids’ been taking at least three showers a day.

Anything fewer than this number would usually result in super sticky stinky kids.

Which is why it’s so important that the soap they use during their baths has got to make them smell really nice and not be harsh on their delicate skin.

Thanks to Human Nature who recently sent the Kao kids their premium bath products, we’ve found the best smelling top-to-toe wash ever and some TLC for the baby (more on that later), and the best thing is, I don’t have to worry about it stripping the natural oils off their skin.

I’ve heard and read so much about Human Nature, a brand of natural cosmetics that was established to help provide a livelihood for Gawad Kalinga residents in the Philippines and support Filipino farmers by sourcing natural raw material locally. Human Nature’s products are free from harmful chemicals and do not contain sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate, (an inexpensive but carcinogenic foaming agent), parabens (a commonplace preservative which is becoming increasingly controversial because it’s been found in breast cancer tumours – yikes!), phthalates (mainly used as plasticizers), or mineral oil (clogs pores if it’s not highly refined and purified).

I’m someone who reads the label very closely and try not to buy products with these chemicals since a long time ago; but I tell you, it sure is getting increasingly difficult to buy all these organic, natural stuff without the hefty price tag these days. So imagine my surprise when I found out how affordable Human Nature’s products are.

For less than $25, Human Nature’s three-step Baby Care can cleanse, moisturise and protect the little one with most natural ingredients. To me, that’s cheap – and good!

And of course, Nat got to try the three-step Baby Care out.

*Warning: pictures of naked baby to follow*

I found the Baby Wash really gentle on the baby’s skin. The liquid hardly lathered, which was a good sign (to me) that no sodium laureth sulfate was used to make this. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about all the foamy bubbles getting into Nat’s eyes while I washed those few strands of hair. The Lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile combo made it sound as if I was washing my kid with all my favourite types of tea – nice!

After the bath, I used the light and refreshing Baby Lotion which contained aloe and avocado. I was expecting a strong scent to overwhelm my senses while I slathered the lotion on the baby, but all I could pick up was the sweet, sweet smell of a baby. The lotion had the scent of baby powder, and I couldn’t help dousing my littlest in it – oh, how I missed him smelling like this!

Now comes the oil. I don’t usually use oil on my kids cos’ it leaves a yucky feeling on them and on my hands. I was assured that the Baby Oil is extremely light and doesn’t clog pores, and most importantly, that studies have shown that massaging babies with sunflower oil lessens the risk of them developing skin infections.

So I used it to massage his scalp and the scabs Nat’s gotten by scratching himself silly, as well as his diaper area like I would a diaper cream.

The oil was indeed so light, I needn’t even wash my hands. The Baby Oil was quickly absorbed by the skin – both mine and Nat’s – and he wasn’t one oily gunk after the massage. I happily went on to do some foot reflexology for the older ones with the Baby Oil too.

Ben and Becks got to try the Kids Natural Shampoo and Body Wash in Tangerine Tarsier ($13.90 for 500ml) and it made them smell so yummilicious I couldn’t stop kissing their cheeks and ruffling their hair after their bath. I make them use the wash generously now on a hot day and whenever they come home perspiring and smelling like a sock that’s not been washed for a decade, and we’re absolutely loving the scent that’s filling the bathroom these days.

Oh yes, can I also rave about something? This bottle of Calming Massage Oil, thoughtfully sent just for the tired mother with frazzled nerves (that is me) by Christine, the Director of Human Nature Singapore, really does what it claims to do. Smelling it and rubbing it on my tired shoulders really calms me and helps me unwind.

Made with lavender, orange and lemongrass essential oils, this is not greasy at all and contains no mineral oil with its yucky pore-clogging ability. It comes in a small handy 95ml bottle (and it’s only $4.95 now on their store) that can be so readily tucked into any bag. I actually bring it out now and make the therapist doing my facial use this when she does my hand, neck and head massages.

I’m thinking, this is the perfect gift to pamper any mother this Mother’s Day! Some calming massage oil and a good rub is really what makes any mother happy. For me, it’s this, plus uninterrupted pee time, thank you very much.

The products from Human Nature that we’ve received really impressed, and are indeed value for money. I like the fact that buying from them also means we’re supporting a social cause, and it’s our little way of giving back to society.

More details:

You can shop at the Human Nature Singapore online store and check out their range of products ranging from home care to mineral makeup. Just for readers of this blog, get a 20% off all products (except sale items) from the Human Nature from 7 to 9 May 2013. Use this code HNMK20 to check out.

Methinks there’s still time to get Mom something for Mother’s Day! Happy Shopping!

*Disclosure: We received the mentioned products from Human Nature Singapore for the purpose of this review. All opinions are Motherkao’s own.