I've been trying bath and body products for a change lately, so this week I've got several new reviews to share in this sometimes-neglected category. Enjoy!

Spa2O
Spa2O is a kicky little site specializing in bath and body products. Part of the appeal is Spa2O's commitment to absolutely no animal testing, and encouraging recycling through their nO tHrOw (tm) program. I love a brand you can feel good about using! I tried three of their products: Clean Freak ($10 for 8 ounces), Scrub Grub ($18 for 8 ounces), and Grease Monkey ($14 for 8 ounces). Clean Freak is a body wash with bergamot, white lily root, red clover blossom, rose, calendula, ylang ylang, carrot seed, sandalwood, and jasmine extracts that gives it a fresh, floral-herbal scent. It lathers nicely, rinses well, and doesn't overdry your skin. This is a good alternative to bar soap or overly perfumed shower gels. Scrub Grub is a body scrub with the same botanical extracts as Clean Freak plus walnut shell powder to exfoliate. The gel-based scrub is lightly foaming and works wonders for dry, flaky skin. Grease Monkey body/bath oil is like Johnson's Baby Oil for grown-ups. The blend of grapefruit, lime, aloe vera and rosemary oils in a base of mineral oil makes a great after-bath moisturizer that works best on wet skin (seals in moisture). I LOVE the fresh citrus scent and wish the other two products smelled the same.

Spa2O also has bath crystals, aromatherapy candles, and gift sets. The website is also informative with an ingredient glossary and spa directory listing by state. You can learn more about Spa2O and see the rest of their products at spa2o.com.

Garden Botanika Skin Renewing Vitamin C Body Lotion ($12.50 for 6 ounces)
I've tried a few things recently from Garden Botanika's vitamin C line, and this body lotion is my favorite. I can't decide which I like better - the tempting citrus scent or the totally non-greasy, silky feel on my skin. For me, the anti-aging benefits of the vitamin C aren't as important as how nicely this lotion moisturizes or how soft it makes my skin feel. This is a definite keeper.

Uvavita
With grapeseed extract products becoming popular (like Lancome's new Vinefit lotion), this line from Napa Valley in California caught my eye. Uvavita has two body products, Exfoliating Body Scrub ($34 for 6 ounce tube) and Hydrating Body Lotion ($30 for 6 ounce tube). The body scrub has grapeseed polyphenols (the beneficial anti-oxidant component), grapeseed oil, seaweed extract, jojoba beads, and crushed grapeseeds. It has a definite wine-y aroma and a rather rough texture that seems fine for rougher skin on your body, but it's not for sensitive types. Personally, I like something a bit more refined or at least with smaller bits. I do like the body lotion very much, though. A little goes a long way, it has a fresh scent from the grapeseed oil, honey, and sweet almond oil, and it works well even for very dry skin. I use it on my legs after shaving and I've noticed less irritation and redness. I can't speak to how effective grapeseed polyphenols are, but if you are looking for a nice lotion with a moist, supple texture, this is a nice choice.