by contributing writer Dawn
Over the years, I have become more and more sensitive to products that contain chemicals. Immediately upon entering a room with candles, air fresheners, or laundry detergent, my head begins to hurt, my eyes burn, and my throat gets dry and scratchy.
As I sought out ways to combat my allergies, I found that organic products were expensive. I soon realized I would not be able to afford the products I desperately needed that would not make me ill. It turns out that making body care products are a huge savings even if you don’t have allergies and sensitivities!
With the rise of Pinterest, there are no shortage of recipes for body care replacements. I have an entire board devoted to homemade bath and beauty care recipes! Quick and easy replacements for everyday items use only a few basic ingredients. Many things I make are created with items I already have in my kitchen!
Body Wash
Making body wash are is a simple way to cut costs on body care products. With a few simple ingredients and a short amount of time, body wash can be created for personal use or gifts!
Lotions and Body Butter
The very first homemade lotion I used was simply extra virgin coconut oil. I use it after showering while I am getting dressed. A little goes a long way. Allow to soak in before you dress to prevent soiling your clothing. For your hands, try this lavender hand cream.
Sugar Scrub
A sugar scrub is merely sugar, a carrier oil and essential oils. Try this sugar scrub.
Shave Oil
Use straight coconut oil to shave with. After showering, towel off, only gently patting the legs dry. Then slather on coconut oil and shave regularly. Put on a little more coconut oil once finished and allow to soak in before dressing.
Body Sprays
Body sprays are super easy, too. Mixing witch hazel with distilled water, and your favorite essential oils you can have whatever scent you desire!
Deodorant
Simple deodorants can be made from a mixture of coconut oil and baking soda or arrowroot powder. Essential oils are a nice touch for those used to scented products.
Shampoo/Conditioner
Ten years before “no poo” became a hot topic on blogs, the book Curly Girl by Lorraine Massey, had many of us with spiral locks throwing away the shampoo. Recently with the rage of going “’poo free,” I have tried baking soda in place of shampoo and the results are amazing! I only do it about once a week.
Hot Oil Treatments
My favorite hot oil treatment is equal parts extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil with about ten drops of lavender essential oil.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners aren’t a body product, but they are needed in the bathroom! A cup of distilled water and essential oils in a spray bottle are all you need to keep your bathroom smelling fresh. Scenting a small bowl of baking soda with essential oils is another good option.
Facial Cleansers and Toner
The oil cleansing method is not only great for your skin, but it is super frugal too! My oldest son is prone to teenage hormonal acne. By using the oil-cleansing method twice a day, we keep it under control. We dab on a little raw apple cider vinegar as toner and follow with extra virgin coconut oil to complete his routine.
TJ says
Does the deodorant actually work well?
Patty says
How do you make the body wash?
Dawn says
TJ, I have found that the deodorant works very well. It is not an antiperspirant, though. I still sweat. It just doesn’t stink. I don’t use it in the warm months though since we do not have central air conditioning and my coconut oil melts.
Dawn says
There are a ton of recipes linked on my homemade bath and beauty Pinterest board (see link above) but most use a commercial product as the base. Body washes are essentially made from grated soap, water and essential oils. I plan to make my own soap this summer and from that make a body wash. 🙂
Rayna says
It’s like you got into my bathroom!
Dawn says
Rayna, it is good to hear others are making their own products. I’m getting ready to try out a new shave cream for my husband this weekend.