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5 Simple DIY Personal Care Recipes




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May 23, 2016 by Andrea Fabry 14 Comments

These simple DIY personal care recipes are perfect for beginners or those who have been making products for years. From treating rashes to soothing insect bites, these creations can be used at home or on the go!

Looking to minimize your exposure to chemicals in personal care products? These five recipes are perfect for beginners - simple and safe!

Creating simple products from scratch is a great way to repurpose old jars from your favorite products. I recommend these recipes for my customers at Just So Natural Products, as many of our products come in reusable Miron glass jars. (Learn more about Miron violet glass.)

Ingredients and Sources for DIY Personal Care Products

DIY products supplies Final

Ingredients for DIY personal care products can be expensive in the short run, but can save you money as you transition away from store-bought to DIY. If you’re a beginner, start with coconut oil and an essential oil that appeals to you. Each will go a long way!

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash. It has a strong negative electromagnetic charge, and when activated by water, it acts like a magnet attracting various metals and toxins.

Sources
Living Clay
Redmond Clay

Witch Hazel

Extracted from wildcrafted Hamamelis virginiana, witch hazel is noted for its ability to remove oil and impurities from even the most delicate skin, while soothing irritation and redness.

Sources
Humphrey’s (organic)
T.N. Dickinson’s

Shea Butter

Shea butter is my absolute favorite addition to my homemade personal care products. Truly a skin superfood, shea butter is full of nutrients, wonderfully emollient, and easy to apply. (I typically choose refined organic shea butter. Unrefined has a different texture and odor, but still goes on nicely.)

Sources
Dr. Adorable
Mountain Rose Herbs (unrefined and refined)

Carrier Oils

A carrier oil is a seed, nut, or plant oil that is used as a base to make your own personal care products. The oil “carries” an essential oil or another ingredient deep into the skin. Carrier oils can be combined or used individually. Look for carrier oils that are organic and unrefined. Cold-pressed is another key term. Expeller-pressed is acceptable, provided high heat is not used to extract the oil.

My Favorite Carrier Oils

1. Coconut Oil

Look for a high-quality brand of coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil will smell like coconut, while expeller-pressed or fractionated coconut oil will not. Coconut oil is suitable for any skin type and is my #1 choice for these recipes, since I always have coconut oil in my kitchen! (For those sensitive to coconut oil, babassu oil makes a suitable substitute.)

Sources
Wilderness Family Naturals
Tropical Traditions
Nutiva

2. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is full of proteins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It absorbs deeply into the skin. It makes a great moisturizing carrier oil and works well in combination with other base oils.

Sources
Primal Kitchen
Chosen Foods

3.  Sweet Almond Oil

Almond oil is a popular carrier oil as it absorbs well and is easy to apply. It works well for all skin types. Rich in magnesium and other nutrients, sweet almond oil offers natural sun-protective properties and is highly emollient. Those with a nut allergy may be allergic to almond oil.

Sources
Now Foods
Nature’s Alchemy

4.  Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is closest in composition to our skin’s natural oil. Jojoba oil is technically a plant wax, but remains in liquid form unless cooled to 50 degrees or so. It is high in vitamin E, making it highly effective as an anti-aging oil.

Sources
NOW Foods
Desert Essence

Essential Oils

Look for the purest you can find. Ask questions of the company about sourcing and methods of extraction. Essential oils are best kept in a darkened jar at a constant temperature. When preparing these recipes, use Miron glass or darkened jars, or refill clear glass jars frequently.

My Favorite Sources
Rocky Mountain Oils
rareEARTH Naturals

Wax

Plant wax or beeswax is used to create a balm or salve. I typically use beeswax, but candelilla or carnauba wax may be substituted.

Sources
Frontier
Mountain Rose Herbs

5 DIY Simple Personal Care Recipes

1. Bug Bite/Rash Remedy

This recipe combines bentonite clay with witch hazel to create relief for itchy skin or bug bites. Keep this remedy handy when traveling or hiking. Water can easily be substituted for witch hazel, but the witch hazel offers a nice soothing touch.

DIY Bug Bite/Rash Remedy

Created by Andrea Fabry on May 19, 2016

  • Category: DIY

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
  • 2 tablespoons witch hazel
  • Essential oil of choice

Instructions

  1. Combine bentonite clay and witch hazel in a small jar.
  2. Add several drops of essential oil, if desired.
  3. Stir using a bamboo skewer or other suitable utensil. (Metal is best avoided as it can disrupt the properties of the clay.)
  4. Apply as needed. The mixture will dry and leave a residue. Simply wipe or wash away.
  • Print

2. Fragrance Boost

This recipe is great for small jars. Carry this with you for an added confidence boost. Fill the jar with your favorite carrier oil and several drops of essential oil. I use lavender, but rose geranium or a citrus blend would work well too.

DIY Fragrance Boost

Created by Andrea Fabry on May 19, 2016

  • Category: DIY

Ingredients

  • Carrier oil to fill a small jar
  • Several drops of essential oil

Instructions

  1. Fill the jar with your carrier oil.
  2. Add 3-5 drops of essential oil or a combination of your favorite essential oils.
  3. Stir.
  4. Apply to wrists, neck, or even under arms.
  • Print

3. Nail Cream

Coconut oil strengthens and nourishes your nails. Not only is it a natural antifungal, it also helps with ridges and even adds shine! Simply rub coconut oil onto your nails and cuticles daily. Add an essential oil like tea tree for added benefit!

DIY Nail Cream

Created by Andrea Fabry on May 19, 2016

  • Category: DIY

Ingredients

  • Coconut oil to fill a small jar
  • Several drops of essential oil

Instructions

  1. Fill your jar with high-quality coconut oil.
  2. Add several drops of essential oil. Tea tree adds extra antifungal properties.
  3. Stir with wooden skewer or suitable utensil.
  4. Apply to nails and cuticles daily or weekly.
  • Print

4. Bug Repellent

Ditch the harsh chemicals like DEET and try this combination of shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils. Simply stir in a few drops of one or more of these oils into a carrier oil and apply as needed. The following essential oils offer excellent repelling properties.

  • Citronella
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lemongrass
  • Tea tree

(I avoid citrus oils for this recipe because the skin can burn more easily when in the sun. Read more about the  phototoxicity of some citrus oils.)

You can also create a bug repellent balm by adding shea butter and beeswax.

DIY Bug Repellent

Created by Andrea Fabry on May 19, 2016

  • Category: DIY

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter
  • 3 teaspoons beeswax
  • Essential oil blend

Instructions

  1. Melt coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler.
  2. Remove from heat.
  3. Add 40 drops of essential oil combination.
  4. Stir.
  5. Pour into designated jars.
  • Print

5. Eye Cream/Cellulite Rub

This combination of fresh coffee grounds and coconut oil improves circulation and diminishes puffiness around the eyes. The caffeine helps constrict blood vessels, which will reduce swelling and help with cellulite. Caffeine has antioxidant properties and helps slow down the photoaging of the skin (deterioration due to UV light exposure). Just So Natural Products offers a more luxurious version of this balm. Check out Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream!

DIY Eye Cream/Cellulite Rub

Created by Andrea Fabry on May 19, 2016

  • Category: DIY

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons organic ground coffee
  • 8 tablespoons coconut oil (or other carrier oil - olive oil will also work for this recipe)

Instructions

  1. Combine coffee grounds and oil in small saucepan.
  2. Heat over low heat for 30 minutes (or longer).
  3. Stir occasionally.
  4. Strain using a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
  5. Pour into designated jars.
  6. Apply under eyes to reduce puffiness and lighten dark circles.
  7. Store in refrigerator if desired. The mixture will solidify and may feel more invigorating when applied.
  • Print

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Filed Under: Beauty, DIY, Natural Living Tagged With: beauty, bug repellant, carrier oil, chemical-free, coconut, Coconut oil, DIY, essential oil, natural, natural beauty, personal care, repellant, simple

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Comments

  1. Marie says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Thank you for some great original recipes.
    I am just starting to clean up our medicine and toiletry cabinets for home made natural products and these recipes really add something new to my research list. I also already have the products, its great I can get on with them straight away.
    Best regards Marie

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      May 24, 2016 at 11:08 am

      Glad to hear, Marie. Thank you for taking the time to share!

      Reply
  2. Dawn G says

    May 26, 2016 at 10:03 am

    These are really great! Thanks! I can’t wait to try a few, especially the eye cream! My eyes could use a little morning pick me up as much as the rest of me!

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      May 26, 2016 at 10:14 am

      Your eyes will thank you. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Beth says

    May 26, 2016 at 11:31 am

    Thanks so much for sharing. I’m just getting into making over our medicine cabinet with natural remedies, and this post is perfect for beginners. Not too overwhelming!

    Reply
  4. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

    May 26, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    This is great! Love all those carrier oils, my favorite is Jojoba oil. Love all of your DIYs Andrea.

    Reply
  5. Tash says

    May 26, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    I really could have used that bug repellent on my honeymoon! Both my husband and I got so bitten up in Puerto Rico. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. linda spiker says

    May 26, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    Wow! So many great recipes! Love DIY skincare!

    Reply
  7. Daja at The Provision Room says

    May 26, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    You are always so inspirational!!! Can we be neighbors?! 🙂

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      May 27, 2016 at 9:19 am

      I would love that, Daja! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Raia says

    May 29, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    Great recipes, Andrea! I did not know that about coconut oil and fingernails. 🙂 I will definitely be giving a few of these a try. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing them with us at Savoring Saturdays!

    Reply
  9. Deborah Gatz says

    December 18, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Andrea, I noticed that you don’t have any of The Japanese Konjac Bamboo Puffs/Sponges on the Just So site right now. Will you be getting those back in stock? Thanks so much for all the research you put into your articles!

    Reply
  10. Joyce says

    January 6, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    Why does the body cream i made separated the oil sinks to the bottom. Thanks

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      January 8, 2018 at 9:13 am

      I like to melt them together and then cool them in fridge. Then I whip them together. That could help.

      Reply

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MEET ANDREA

I am a certified Building Biology Advocate, a former journalist, mother of nine, and avid CrossFitter who likes to think outside the box. After our family's health crisis in 2008, I learned to ask questions about what's in our food, our water, and our air. I hope to empower you as you seek to live safely in a complex world. Thankfully, small steps lead to big changes. Let's travel this road together, one step at a time.

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