Whole Body

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New Yorkers who think the groceries at Whole Foods are the be-all end-all are missing out: Whole Body, the store’s bath, beauty, health, and wellness arm, is like a Duane Reade gone green. It also proves that there’s more to all-natural, organic drugstore buys than Tom’s of Maine and Burt’s Bees, although there’s plenty of product from both of these brands, too. At first, the selection doesn’t look that dissimilar from the local Rite Aid’s�vitamins, shampoo, makeup, ointments�but then customers catch a glimpse of the almost overwhelming selection of Echinacea (and realize that there’s nary a chemical or preservative in sight), or notice that the signage touts such sections as Aromatherapy/Massage, Antioxidants, Probiotica, and Homeopathy. Clearly, we’re not in CVS anymore. There’s also incense and candles, yoga and Pilates equipment and DVDs, natural protein supplements, herbal extracts, and vitamins seemingly from A to Z. The eco-conscious makeup and cosmetic selection is ample, and the store even stocks some brands that you’ve probably come to know and love�Dr. Hauschka skin care, for example�possibly without ever even knowing they were environmentally friendly. — Andrew Sessa

The Union Square and Columbus Circle Whole Body's are essentially departments of the larger Whole Foods, accessible from within the markets. The Chelsea Whole Body, however, is next door to the grocery store, with a separate entrance just up the block.