I care about healthy eating and what I put in my body, but I also care about what I put on my body. I’m sure a lot of you, do as well.
Did you know, more than 40 countries have banned 1,400 chemicals in cosmetic products, compared to the nine that the US has banned? Many synthetic chemicals found in beauty products are skin irritants, endocrine disrupters, carcinogenic and skin penetrators.
Fortunately, there is a clean beauty movement happening in the beauty industry as more people learn of harmful effects of mainstream products. There are now many options for purchasing clean products without the chemicals (be sure to still read the labels!). But for those who want to save a little money or just enjoy a good DIY project, here are 10 all-natural ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen that you can use to make some simple natural beauty remedies.
These 10 natural ingredients are powerhouse ingredients for your body and these recipes couldn’t be easier to make!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (APC)
APC has TONS of health benefits from clearing up skin issues caused by gut problems to toning the skin and even helping stop acne.
Hair Rinse:
- Add apple cider vinegar to damp hair, let it soak for a little bit then rinse it out, and condition as you normally would.
- Use about 1-3 TBSP of apple cider vinegar (depending on your hair length) and mix it with just enough water so that you can pour it over your hair.
Facial Toner:
- 1-2 TBSP of apple cider vinegar
- Pour on to cotton balls and use as a natural toner.
2. Coconut Oil
There are ENDLESS uses for coconut oil! You can clean and moisturize your skin and hair as well as remove makeup. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so it has healing capabilities as well for cuts and scrapes.
Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment:
- Massage a couple TBS of oil into your scalp and work it through your hair. (A little goes a long way!) Leave it on for a couple hours and then wash it out using only shampoo. Sometimes I use it as a leave-in conditioner for the ends of my hair.
Simple Shaving Cream:
- Use 1-3 TBS of coconut oil on your legs as natural replacement for shaving cream.
3. Raw Honey
Raw honey has so many benefits! It is a great source of nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes that help reduce breakouts, fight allergies, calm rashes, aid in healing wounds, and moisturizes your skin.
Facial Cleanser:
- Warm half a TSP of honey between your hands and spread on your face gently. Leave it on for about 10 minutes then rinse it off with warm water. Make sure to use a headband or tight up-do to keep the honey out of your hair!
Total Body Exfoliant:
- Add two cups of honey to a bath and soak for about 15 minutes. Then add one cup of baking soda for the last 15 minutes of your bath.
Facial Mask:
- Combine a quarter-sized dollop of raw honey and 1TSP of pure aloe vera gel and then massage the mixture onto your clean and dry skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes then wash it off with warm water.
Honey Cinnamon Spot Treatment:
- Dab a little dollop of honey over the blemish and sprinkle cinnamon on top of the honey. You can leave it on overnight or wash it off after 10-15 minutes.
Lip Scrub
- Combine 1 TSP of coconut oil, 1 TSP of raw honey, 2 TBS of raw sugar, and a tiny bit of lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix it up and use a clean toothbrush to apply. Rinse it off and top it off with your favorite lip balm!
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda has tons of health benefits like calming heartburn, curing breakouts, relieving sunburns, and it aids in hair growth!
Exfoliator:
- Combine 1 TSP of baking soda and water and use it as a daily facial cleanser.
Foot Soak:
- Add about ½ cup baking soda for every gallon of warm water in a shallow tub or big bowl and stir until the powder dissolves. Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off the baking soda and put on your favorite moisturizer!
Teeth-Whitener:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and water and scoop up with a clean toothbrush and scrub your teeth.
5. Tea
Skin whitener:
- Ginger tea can be used as a skin whitener. Rubbing ginger root on your skin or a cloth drenched in ginger tea can help lighten dark spots.
Dark Circle Remover:
- Steep 2 green, black, mint or chamomile tea bags in hot water for less than a minute. Then place the tea bags in a small bowl or mug and place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool down. Once they are cooled down, place 1 bag over each closed eyelid for 5 to 15 minutes.
Hair Treatment:
- Green tea is known to stimulate hair growth and treat your scalp.
- Steep 2 green tea bags in 3-4 cups of hot water. Allow it to cool then use the tea as a final rinse after washing your hair.
6. Sea Salt
Sea salt is loaded with minerals and nutrients which help clean, balance, protect, and restore your skin.
Facial Scrub:
- Mix two TSP of sea salt with four TSP of raw honey, then rub it gently over your face and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
Detox Bath:
- Add 1/3 cup of sea salt to warm water and soak for up to 30 minutes.
Nail Brightener:
- Mix 1-2 TBS each of sea salt, lemon juice and baking soda in warm water and soak for about 10 minutes.
7. Avocado
Avocados are full of vitamins A, D and E. They also help reduce inflammation, soothe sunburns, and treat age spots.
Facial mask:
- Mash half an avocado and mix it with a TSP of olive oil. Smooth it over your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil is full of vitamins, minerals and natural fatty acids as well as antioxidants.
Body Scrub:
- Mix ½ cup of sugar with 2 TBS of olive oil and rub it on your skin and wash it off with warm water.
Cleanser:
- Rub 1/2 TSP of oil onto your skin. You can leave it on or wipe it off with a warm cloth.
Soothing Bath:
- Add 5 TBS of extra virgin olive oil into your bathtub and soak for 20-30 minutes.
Eye Cream:
- Gently dab a little bit of olive oil under your eyes in the morning or before bed.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can help reduce inflammation and can be used as a natural moisturizer.
Calming Bath:
- Add a cup of oatmeal to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.
Exfoliator Facial Mask
- Mix 2 TBS of oatmeal, a TBS of honey, and a tiny bit of water and gently massage it on your face. You can leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes or wash it right off.
10. Coffee
Coffee is not only full of antioxidants but it can naturally deodorize the air and help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Body Scrub:
- Scrub 1 cup of cooled caffeinated coffee grounds on your skin and then wash off with warm water.
Foot Soak:
- Simply, soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes in warm coffee.
Scalp Treatment
- Wet your hair and rub cooled off coffee grounds into your scalp then wash off with warm water.
This fall as the weather cools, try simplifying your beauty routine and create nourishing and luxurious habits. Remember, less is more. Keeping it simple and natural is a great way to detox, be chemical-free, and save money.
Cheers to a beautiful fall and a beautiful you!
