When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, everything became pregnancy and baby related. I started researching (obsessively? maybe…) which products were safe for me during pregnancy and for my baby when she was born.
As I read more and more, I started to notice that there were lots of products that were best avoided during pregnancy (and postpartum).
Soon I wondered: If it’s potentially unsafe during pregnancy, why is it safe other times?
The obvious answer is: It’s probably NOT safe. So I began to embark on the world of homemade beauty products!
Though I do buy some of the natural products I use, I love homemade beauty products because they are so customizable and inexpensive (and most don’t take much time to make!).
I also love them (or love to make them) because the ingredients are so often already in my pantry or in what I call my “apothecary” (which is really just a bankers box full of ingredients).
What to Have on Hand For Natural Homemade Beauty Recipes
I’ll be honest, getting started with homemade beauty products can be expensive at first, but once you build your apothecary these products are way cheaper to make than to buy. I also like that Pronounce (where I get most of my supplies) has two sizes for most of it’s products so you don’t have to drop a paycheck on one ingredient.
Coconut Oil
This ingredient is always in my cabinet since we use it for cooking on a daily basis. Coconut oil is antimicrobial and can help keep homemade beauty products fresh for a long time.
I buy large jars of coconut oil at a local grocery store.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is super moisturizing and is hard at room temperature which makes it a great choice for lotion bars or other homemade beauty products that need some firmness.
I like this cocoa butter because it’s high quality and I can buy a smaller amount.
Olive Oil
Though any liquid oil will do, I like olive oil because it’s quite moisturizing and I already have it in my pantry. (I only buy California olive oil since many others are fake).
Beeswax
Beeswax is very protective and moisturizing. beeswax helps add a tad of stiffness to a product.
Essential Oils
Whether you use them medicinally or just for the scent they impart (like I do), essential oils are a great addition to any homemade beauty product.
I’ve gotten good quality essential oils from Plant Therapy.
Dried Herbs
If you’re not into using essential oils medicinally, or you’re not able to afford the ones you need yet, dried herbs are a great alternative. I like to make an herbal oil and use that in place of plain olive oil.
Herbal oil will impart the medicinal qualities of the herb into the product (and a mild scent too!). I try to grow as many herbs as I can but for the ones I don’t grow I grab them from Pronounce or Amazon.
20+ Homemade Beauty Product Recipes
DIY Beauty and health products are easy to make and the best replacement for conventional products. You can also customize them to suit your needs.
As someone who really doesn’t like to do any more work than I have to, homemade organic beauty products are totally worth the few extra minutes they take to make.
Outdoors
Homemade SPF Sunscreen – I love the idea of making a homemade sunscreen but have never gotten around to it. This one seems simple.
Marigold Bug Spray – This recipe uses a garden staple to repel insects.
DIY Bug Bite Remedy – When I’ve forgotten my homemade bug spray, I end up relying on this easy bug bite treatment.
Mouth
Homemade Toothpaste – Most toothpaste (even the natural ones) have unhealthy ingredients. This recipe is so simple to make!
Homemade Mouthwash – I love the idea of mouthwash without alcohol!
DIY Tooth Powder – Similar to toothpaste, tooth powder is an easy way to clean teeth naturally.
Face
Radiant Rose Facial Mask – This recipe is perfect for gifts since it’s so luxurious. But wait, you can use it too!
Super Antioxidant Face Mask – Boost the skins health with this antioxidant rich mask.
Thyme Serum for Acne – A perfect replacement for harsh acne treatments (2 recipes!).
Beard Balm – For the man in your life!
Facial Toner – A great way to use herbs from the garden.
Bath and Body
Orange Grapefruit Body Butter – Orange and grapefruit give this body butter an uplifting scent!
Coffee and Sugar Scrub – Another great gift idea (and totally luxurious).
Lavender Orange Bath Bombs – I love lavender and orange together — It’s both uplifting and relaxing.
Lip Balm
SPF Lip Balm – my favorite lip balm recipe ever.
Vanilla Lavender Lip Balm – Vanilla and lavender are a great pair for this recipe but you can use others as well.
DIY Organic Chapstick – A really easy recipe that works.
Deodorant
Solid Deodorant – No more drippy deo!
Clay Based Deodorant – Bentonite clay is the detoxifying ingredient in this recipe.
Soap
Activated Charcoal Soap – This soap draws out impurities (and don’t worry, your skin won’t be stained!)
Homemade Body Wash With Aloe Vera – A soothing and easy to make body wash.
Chamomile Shampoo – Chamomile is a very relaxing herb, perfect for a nighttime shower.
It’s your turn. What is your favorite homemade beauty recipe?
If you liked these recipes, consider sharing!
Thanks for including me!
You’re welcome!
Hi Mindy. I love your SPF lip balm recipe but would like to use a natural ingredient to tint some of the tubes. I tried beet root powder but it didn’t blend in. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Virginia