I have been on a big “DIY swap” kick lately. It all started with a growing interest in leading a more sustainable lifestyle, which for me, meant finding ways to eliminate single-use and non-recyclable packaging. The DIY aspect of this project was born out of necessity. I knew the easiest way to avoid purchasing products packaged unsustainably was to just make them myself. There were some growing pains of course. I will be the first to admit that I am not always the best at planning ahead, so adjusting from simply buying an item in a store to carving out the time to make the product did not always go smoothly. However, since I have embraced the process, I’m finding it deeply gratifying to craft my own products, especially my own body-care products.

What started as a venture into green living has now become crafty projects that I look forward to whipping up. I love having a hand in the products that I use personally and being able to customize the ingredients has been a game changer! As someone with a picky nose, picky skin, and an interest in living sustainably, I know with certainty that I can never go back to store-bought products. Here are 5 of my favorite DIY recipes that I have found for commonly purchased personal care products that are fun and sustainable!

DIY Roll-On Deodorant Recipe

Makes 1 ounce. 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Tbsp. organic witch hazel extract
• 1 1/2 Tsp. organic vegetable glycerine
• 1/2 tsp. Himalayan pink salt 
• 6 drops organic lavender essential oil
• 3 drops organic vetiver essential oil
• 3 drops organic tea tree essential oil 

Directions

1.  In a 1 oz. roll top glass bottle, combine witch hazel, glycerine, and salt.
2.  Add essential oils one drop at a time.
3.  Secure roll-top and cap.
4.  Roll bottle between palms of your hands to disperse essential oils into the mixture.
5.  Roll onto underarm as needed.

Pro Tips

• This mixture has a long shelf life. You can fill several 1oz. bottles at a time so that you have deodorant on hand.
• It is fun to play around with your essential oils! You could even make a different deodorant to suit each season. This essential oil blending guide is a great resource.

Facial Serum Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz. organic jojoba oil 
• 2 oz. organic argan oil
• 1/2 oz. organic camellia seed oil
• ½ tsp vitamin E oil
• 10-20 drops organic lavender essential oil
• 5-10 drops organic carrot seed essential oil
• 2-5 drops organic frankincense essential oil

Directions

1. Pour all carrier oils together in a glass bottle and roll between your palms to mix.
2. Carefully drip each essential oil into the carrier base and roll again to distribute.
3. Invert the bottle several times and roll again.
4. Use a coin-sized amount as a facial serum oil each day.

Pro Tips

• Use less essential oils if you have skin or fragrance sensitivities.
• Transfer some of the serum into a treatment pump top bottle for easy distribution.
• Feel free to customize your carrier oils to suit your skin’s needs. See this guide as a substitution reference.
• Argan oil tends to have a robust aroma; the use of essential oils will help mellow it. It will also dissipate as the oil is absorbed into the skin.

Homemade Toothpaste with Coconut Oil

Ingredients

• 2-3 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup organic coconut oil 
• 1-2 tsp. organic arrowroot powder (optional)

Directions

1. Combine baking soda and salt.
2. Add softened coconut oil to dry ingredients. Stir with fork to combine.
3. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder to this recipe after all other ingredients are mixed to help thicken the paste. Start with a small amount, add more until desired thickness is reached.
4. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 3 weeks.

Pro Tips

• During warmer months, toothpaste made with solid coconut oil may become runny.
• You can dip a toothbrush directly into the paste but doing so has the potential to introduce bacteria into the mix that can make your paste spoil more quickly. To maximize shelf life, use a small scoop to remove toothpaste from jar as needed.
• You may see other natural toothpastes with essential oils added. Because of the strength of essential oils and the sensitivity of the mouth area, we do not recommend the use of essential oils in this recipe. You can, however, add a couple drops of a flavor extract such as peppermint if you would like to enhance the taste of your toothpaste.

Homemade Dry Shampoo Recipes

Ingredients

ROSEMARY COCOA SHAMPOO POWDER (FOR DARKER HAIR)

• 1/2 cup organic arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup organic cacao powder or organic carob powder
• 1 Tbsp. organic rosemary powder
• 1 Tbsp. organic oatstraw powder
• 10 drops organic rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops organic bergamot essential oil

LAVENDER & SWEET ORANGE SHAMPOO POWDER (FOR LIGHTER HAIR)

• 1/2 cup organic arrowroot powder
• 1/2 cup French green cosmetic clay
• 1 Tbsp. organic oatstraw powder
• 1 Tbsp. organic lavandin flower powder
• 1 Tbsp. organic chamomile powder
• 10 drops organic sweet orange essential oil 
• 10 drops organic lavender essential oils

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients together and stir well to combine.
2. Transfer finished blend into a dry container and store away from moisture. Our powder containers are perfect for storing the finished shampoos!
3. Sprinkle in palm and work into hair near scalp. Use a brush or your fingers to work powder down through the rest of your hair. You may also sprinkle powder directly onto hair and then work it in.
4. Use as needed to absorb excess oil

Pro Tip

• Applying dry shampoo before you go to bed can help you avoid that “powdery” look while also freshening up your hair for the morning.
  

DIY Texturizing Salt Spray for Hair

Makes about 8 ounces.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup hot water
• 2 Tbsp. Epsom salt
• 1/2 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
• 1/4 cup organic peppermint hydrosol
• 1 tsp. Non-GMO Project Verified aloe vera gel
• 10 drops organic lavender essential oil

Directions

1. Heat water until just warm enough to dissolve salt.
2. Transfer water into a mason jar.
3. Add salt and swirl to dissolve.
4. Let sit until liquid is room temperature (about 15 to 20 minutes), then add hydrosol, aloe vera gel, and essential oil. Swirl to mix.
5. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Transfer some of the recipe into a 1 oz. or 2 oz. glass bottle with mister for easy use.

Pro Tips

• This formula works best when applied to damp hair.
• This spray is wonderful for all hair types. Experiment to find out how much spray is the perfect amount for your locks and for your look!
• Salt spray tends to be more drying. We recommend that you avoid using it if your hair is on the dry side already, or if you are freshly shampooed.
• Feel free to experiment with using other essential oils to suit your needs or preferences!

How to Use Salt Spray

• SHAKE WELL before each use!
• Spray mixture directly onto damp hair, scrunch, and let air dry, or blow dry with a diffuser attachment until almost, but not completely, dry.

Want to make more DIY skincare products for your body care routine?

Check out This Homemade Mint Chocolate Body Butter!

You may also enjoy:

• 5 Skincare Recipes Using Green Tea
• Best Essential Oils for Hair Care
• Zero-Waste Cleaning Recipes for the Bathroom