Natural DIY Base Recipes for Toiletries
In today’s world, many people are seeking out ways to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals found in conventional beauty and personal care products. One great way to do this is by creating your own toiletries at home using natural ingredients. Not only can you control exactly what goes into the products you use on your skin, but it can also be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
In this guide, we’ll explore some simple, natural DIY base recipes for toiletries that you can easily make at home. From natural cleansers to moisturisers and deodorants, these base recipes are versatile and can be customized to suit your personal preferences.
Let’s dive in!
1. DIY Natural Face Cleanser Base
A gentle and natural face cleanser can remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This simple base recipe can be customised with essential oils or other active ingredients to cater to your skin type.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Castile soap (a gentle, plant-based soap)
1/4 cup distilled water or floral water (such as rose or lavender water)
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (to soothe and hydrate)
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (for extra moisture)
10-15 drops essential oil (optional, depending on your skin’s needs—lavender for calming, tea tree for acne-prone skin, or chamomile for sensitive skin)
Instructions:
In a small glass bottle or jar, combine the Castile soap, distilled water, and aloe vera gel.
Add the vegetable glycerin and stir well to combine.
If desired, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil.
Shake gently before each use. Apply a small amount to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse with warm water.
Benefits: This base is nourishing yet effective, and can be adjusted based on your skin's needs, such as using hydrating ingredients for dry skin or anti-inflammatory ones for acne-prone skin.
2. Natural Body Lotion Base
Making your own body lotion allows you to skip the chemicals in store-bought lotions and moisturise your skin with all-natural ingredients. This lotion base can be adapted for different skin types and fragrances.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil (hydrates and nourishes)
1/4 cup shea butter (moisturises and softens)
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil (or another carrier oil like jojoba or olive oil)
1 tablespoon beeswax (helps to thicken the lotion and create a barrier)
10-15 drops essential oils (optional—lavender, peppermint, or citrus for fragrance)
Instructions:
In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together.
Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sweet almond oil.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before adding essential oils.
Pour the lotion into a glass jar or pump bottle.
Allow it to set until it thickens (this may take an hour or two).
Apply generously to skin as needed.
Benefits: This lotion is deeply moisturising, thanks to the nourishing oils and butters, and can be adapted for different fragrances or skin concerns by swapping out oils or adding in active ingredients like vitamin E.
3. DIY Natural Shampoo Base
A natural shampoo base is an excellent option for cleaning your hair without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial shampoos. This recipe uses a mild, plant-based soap base that can be customised for your hair type.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Castile soap (acts as the cleansing base)
1/4 cup distilled water (to dilute the soap)
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel (soothes and moisturises the scalp)
1 tablespoon jojoba oil (for nourishment and shine)
10 drops essential oil (optional—rosemary for hair growth, peppermint for an invigorating feel, or lavender for a calming scent)
Instructions:
In a clean bottle, mix the Castile soap and distilled water.
Add aloe vera gel and jojoba oil to the mixture.
If using, add your essential oils for fragrance and additional scalp benefits.
Shake well before each use. Apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse thoroughly.
Benefits: This shampoo is mild yet effective and can be modified for different hair types, adding oils or herbs for more specific needs such as dry scalp or dandruff.
4. DIY Natural Deodorant Base
Natural deodorants can be a great alternative to store-bought products that often contain chemicals and synthetic fragrances. This base recipe is simple to make, and you can tailor it to your scent preferences.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons coconut oil (antibacterial and soothing)
2 tablespoons shea butter (hydrating)
1/4 cup arrowroot powder (absorbs moisture)
1/4 cup baking soda (neutralizes odor)
10-15 drops essential oils (optional—tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties, lavender for relaxation, or citrus for a fresh scent)
Instructions:
In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and shea butter together until completely liquid.
Remove from heat and mix in the arrowroot powder and baking soda.
Add the essential oils and stir until fully combined.
Pour the mixture into a small glass jar or a deodorant stick container.
Allow it to set at room temperature or in the fridge for faster solidification.
To use, apply a small amount to your underarms as needed.
Benefits: This deodorant is natural, effective, and customizable to your scent preferences. It’s gentle on the skin and provides odor protection without harmful chemicals.
5. DIY Natural Toothpaste Base
Natural toothpaste is a great way to maintain good oral hygiene while avoiding the synthetic chemicals found in many conventional toothpastes. This DIY base is simple to make and can be adjusted for different tastes.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons coconut oil (antibacterial properties)
2 tablespoons baking soda (for gentle exfoliation and plaque removal)
1 tablespoon bentonite clay (optional, for extra cleaning power)
10 drops peppermint essential oil (for a fresh, minty taste)
1 teaspoon stevia powder (for sweetness, optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix the coconut oil and baking soda together to form a paste.
If using, add the bentonite clay for extra cleaning power.
Stir in the peppermint essential oil and stevia powder, mixing thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture into a small jar with a lid.
Use a small amount on your toothbrush for cleaning your teeth.
Benefits: This toothpaste base is fluoride-free and works well to freshen breath and clean teeth without the use of synthetic ingredients. Customise it with your favourite essential oils or herbs for added benefits.
6. DIY Lip Balm Base
Lip balms are a quick and easy DIY project that moisturises and protects your lips from the elements. This natural base is customisable with different oils and fragrances.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons beeswax (creates a solid base)
2 tablespoons coconut oil (hydrates and protects)
1 tablespoon shea butter (soothes and softens)
5-10 drops essential oils (optional—peppermint for a refreshing feel, vanilla for sweetness, or lavender for calmness)
Instructions:
In a double boiler, melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter together.
Once melted, remove from heat and stir in your essential oils.
Pour the mixture into small containers or lip balm tubes.
Allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature.
Benefits: This lip balm keeps your lips hydrated and soft, while being free from synthetic ingredients that can cause irritation. You can adjust the scent and texture by using different oils or adding a tint.
Creating your own natural toiletries is a wonderful way to take control of what you put on your skin and hair, while also saving money and reducing your environmental impact. The beauty of DIY toiletries lies in the ability to personalise each recipe to suit your specific needs, preferences, and skin type.
Whether you're making a simple face cleanser, nourishing body lotion, or fresh-smelling deodorant, these base recipes provide a great starting point for creating your own natural products at home. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy the benefits of chemical-free personal care.