Kids’ Back-to-School Personal Care and Supplements

This 2023 back-to-school wellness guide looked at personal-care products from Desert Essence and children’s supplements from Country Life Vitamins. Product formulas, labels, age guidance, pricing and availability can change, so the details below should be read in their 2023 context.

Desert Essence Personal Care

Desert Essence sells body, skin, hair and oral-care products. In 2023, the lineup included cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegetarian or vegan options; current certifications and ingredient lists should be checked on the relevant product page.

For oral hygiene, Desert Essence’s 2023 lineup included fluoride-free toothpaste gels marketed for kids. Desert Essence marketed these plant-powered oral gels for children; parents should follow the product label and age guidance when using any oral-care product. The 2023 lineup included flavors such as Tutti Frutti and Green Apple Watermelon. Gluten-free and cruelty-free, these toothpaste gels were listed at $5.39 for 4.7 oz. in 2023.

Additionally, Desert Essence presents foaming hand soap pods that promote cleanliness and sustainability. Each starter kit includes super-concentrated, plant-based soap pods infused with moisture-rich botanicals. The kit also includes a reusable foaming bottle, minimizing waste. With variants like Tea Tree Oil & Lemongrass and Tea Tree Oil & Lavender, these hand soap pods are vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial fragrances and dyes. The starter kit was listed at $9.99 in 2023.

Desert Essence also offers fragrance-free body wash, hand and body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. These products are a breath of fresh air for individuals with scent sensitivities. Gentle plant-based cleansers effectively remove impurities, while organic ingredients like green tea and aloe nourish and hydrate the skin. These fragrance-free products were listed at $9.69 each in 2023.

Country Life Vitamins: Supporting Wellness

Country Life Vitamins sells vitamins and supplements, including products marketed for children. The details below reflect the products and claims presented in 2023.

Their Dolphin Pals DHA Gummies are a tasty and natural option for kids. These gummies contain 100 mg of DHA and almost 500 mg of fish oils per serving. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid; Country Life marketed the gummies as part of its children’s wellness lineup. With a fun dolphin fish shape and three delicious flavors, these easy-to-chew gummies make supplementation enjoyable for children. The Dolphin Pals DHA Gummies were listed at $29.99 in 2023.

For comprehensive wellness support, Country Life Vitamins presents the Gut Connection® Kids line. This extension of the popular adult line includes fun and tasty animal-shaped chewables and a delicious chocolate powder for sleep. The Gut Connection Kids line consists of four variants: Cognitive Balance™, Digestive Balance™, Immune Balance™, and Sleep Balance™. Country Life marketed the four products for different wellness goals; families should review current labels and discuss supplement use with an appropriate health professional when needed. The Gut Connection Kids line was listed at an average price of $25.59 in 2023.

The product descriptions and pricing above are from 2023. Current ingredients, age guidance, pricing and availability should be checked against each brand’s current information before purchase or use.

For a broader mix of skincare, exercise, supplements and other family wellness products, see our back-to-school wellness products for families.

For a closer look at a rechargeable oral-care device, read our GuruNanda Water Flosser review.