Mercury, Diazolidinyl, Imidazolidinyl Urea, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), hydroxytoluene (BHT) and other toxic ingredients are found in bath and beauty products we use every day. Although there is no evidence that these ingredients are hazardous to human health in low concentrations at a normal exposure level, why risk it?
DIY bath and beauty products are safe and effective alternatives to store bought products. All you need are a few natural ingredients and little time. The following homemade products are fun, easy to make and are great projects for a girls’ night in. They also make great party favors and hostess gifts.
Scented bath salts
A fragrant pick-me-up.
- 1 cup mint, chopped
- ½ cup rosemary, chopped
- 6 cups Epsom salts
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an air tight container until use. To use, add ¼ cup to foot bath or 1 cup to hot bath water.
Massage oil
Lavender or chamomile essential oils to relax. Geranium or citrus oils for stimulation.
- 4 Tbsp sweet almond oil
- 10 drops essential oil of choice
Pour oil into a small jar or other clean, dry container with a lid. Slowly add drops of essential oil and mix thoroughly.
DIY deodorant
Non-toxic, effective against odor and does not irritate sensitive under-arm skin.
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup arrowroot powder
- 8 drops tea tree essential oil
Directions
- Sift together baking soda and arrowroot powder in a bowl.
- Melt coconut oil over low heat.
- Pour oil into bowl.
- Add essential oil, mix well.
- Allow to cool completely and solidify.
- Keep deodorant in a small airtight container with a lid. Apply with fingers.
Cider vinegar hair rinse
Leaves hair shiny and soft.
- 1/3 cup organic apple cider vinegar
- 1 quart water
Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray hair after washing and then rinse with water. Allow hair to dry naturally.
Super lavender body scrub
Exfoliate and rejuvenate skin.
- 2 cups Epsom salts
- 1 Tbsp lavender, chopped
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- ½ cup sweet almond oil
Place all ingredients in a quart sized mason jar with lid. Shake to combine. Use 1 Tbsp to exfoliate rough skin on feet, upper arms and elbows.
Goat milk soap and lotion tutorials
Note that soap and lotion making are complex processes for beginners. Here are tutorials for homemade goat milk soap and homemade goat milk lotion.
STAY INFORMED. SIGN UP!
Up-to-date agriculture news in your inbox!
I am saving to use at xmas as gifts and for myself. Thank You Vicki
Yes, “Thank you,” Ivory!
Good ideas and good stuff.
If we can’t even pronounce the ingredients in personal care products, why should we ever think about using ’em?
I think we have to be realistic about our fear of “big words” , i.e. big words = bad and simple words = good — or words that sound scary. Even vinegar’s scientific name is “Impure Acetic Acid,” which would imply “bad” if you’re looking solely at the “impure” or “acid.” And Epsom salt, mentioned in these concoctions, is Magnesium Sulfate. There’s a lot of chemistry in Mother Nature, and a lot of words I can’t pronounce, either, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad.