If you are like many people, buying cosmetics and skin care products is something that you — and everyone you know — have always done. However, it may not be the best option for you or the environment.
Beauty products use a tremendous amount of natural resources in their production. From ingredients that may or may not be ethically sourced to manufacturing to packaging, there are multiple points that can be environmentally damaging. Plus, that doesn’t even include transportation!
On the other hand, when you make your own, you can carefully select ingredients and limit the impact of mixing them. There is also no additional shipping or transportation impact when you use ingredients you already have on hand.
Besides being better for the environment, many homemade beauty products are more nourishing for your skin. You can customize each one according to your personal preferences and skin type. Here’s a look at seven beauty products you can — and should —make at home.
1. Soothing Face Mask
Store-bought face masks may work well, but the list of ingredients is concerning at the least. Get the same results with a brightening DIY face mask with wholesome, natural ingredients. Mix equal parts raw honey and coconut oil, then add three to four drops of lemon essential oil. Young Living essential oils are a good bet. You can rest assured they are high quality and ethically sourced thanks to the company’s Seed to Seal program.
2. Hot Oil Hair Conditioner
You may be familiar with buying packets of hot oil hair treatment or having a professional deep treatment done at the salon. This quick and simple at-home solution tops them all. Grab your favorite olive or avocado oil, heat it, and apply liberally. Work it to the roots, and let it sit wrapped in a towel for about an hour. Then rinse it out for lustrous results. Use coconut oil and rosemary if you suffer from scalp irritation or dandruff.
3. Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
Say goodbye to dry, chapped lips with this quick and simple brown sugar and honey lip scrub recipe. With only three common ingredients, you probably have everything on hand already. Make a batch each time you want to use it or mix a bigger amount and store it in the fridge for safety. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tsp. raw honey
- 1 tsp. brown sugar
- 3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
4. Acne Cream
Between stress and hormone fluctuations, it’s perfectly normal to have a few breakouts here and there, no matter what age you are. You can stop them in their tracts with a simple homemade acne treatment. Use the bacteria-fighting power of thyme oil mixed with a gentle oil, such as jojoba. You can also steep some dry thyme in a few ounces of witch hazel for an excellent clarifying toner.
5. Foot Scrub
Foot scrubs can be simple or complex; you get to decide when you DIY. Some of the most soothing ones around use as few as three ingredients. At their core, they have a carrier oil or lotion, exfoliating material, and herbs or oils for therapeutic benefits. Check out a few of these refreshing foot scrub recipes to find one that fits your mood.
6. Lotion Bars
Don’t cover up dry or eczema-affected skin. Instead, nourish it with a homemade lotion bar. Melt and mix equal parts coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax, then stir in some soothing essential oils. Pour it into an unused ice cube tray and allow it to set. Once hardened, you are ready to use these convenient lotion bars.
7. Dry Shampoo
Headlines have cautioned about using dry shampoos due to the potential for benzene exposure. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on this quick refresher. Mix a spoonful of arrowroot powder with a coloring of your choice — cocoa works great for this! — and apply it to your roots. The starchy nature of arrowroot absorbs excess oil without irritating your skin.
There is no need to head to the store the next time you need one of your go-to beauty products. Instead, whip a substitute up at home. Making your own beauty products is simple and smart. You’ll save money, nourish your skin, and cut your carbon footprint down a bit, too.
