I’m all about economical, easy, non-toxic alternatives, so when I find something that would work will in our home and be safe to use in our water recycling system, I’ll definitely give it a bash. I found some awesome recipes that would be perfect for Valentine gifts.
What makes these recipes different from others I have found, is that they don’t require any specialised equipment, ingredients or knowledge. If you are not sure about how to use essential oils, the sales people at the store are the best to ask and will help you as much as possible. Use natural caution and discontinue use of products if irritation occurs.
All the recipes can be found at http://www.safecosmetics.org, email me if you would like the PDF version emailed to you.

DIY Recipes
Show your face, your feet or your muscles some love with safe, natural, toxin-free spa concoctions and personal care products. We’ve compiled some of our favorite safe cosmetics recipes below. Test these recipes out at your very own Safe Cosmetics Party. If you have a favorite recipe of your own, e-mail us! We’d love to try it out and share with others.
Getting Started
The necessary ingredients are usually affordable and not hard to find in organic or natural form. The benefits of making your own cosmetics will be immediately evident: your new products will smell and feel good, and so will your skin. There are no preservatives in these recipes so take a few precautions to avoid contamination by bacteria.
Avoid touching products like lip gloss with your fingers – instead use a cotton swab to apply. Use products within two weeks, and consider storing them in your refrigerator. Also, exercise caution if you think you might be allergic to ingredients like nuts, avocados or other common food ingredients
For Lips
Beet Red Lip Gloss
Ingredients:
¼ cup beeswax
¼ cup castor oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
beet juice
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, remove from heat and add oils. Add as much beet juice as desired for color. Store in jar. Source
Lip Balm
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons grated unbleached beeswax
5 teaspoons carrier oil (sunflower, castor or jojoba)
6 or 7 drops essential oil (such as lime, lemon, tangerine, grapefruit or peppermint)
1 teaspoon honey, for flavor
Instructions:
Melt the beeswax and carrier oil together in the top of a double boiler, stirring to combine. Remove from heat; add honey and essential oil. Mix thoroughly so the honey does not clump. To add a little color, stir in a tiny dab of lipstick with a coffee stirrer. Pour the mixture into containers; let sit 20 minutes before covering or moving. For glossier lip balm, use 2 teaspoons wax and 8 teaspoons carrier oil.
For Face
Chocolate Facial Mask
This decadent mask is actually an excellent moisturizer – it leaves your skin baby soft. Recommended for normal skin.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons cottage cheese
¼ cup honey
3 teaspoons oatmeal powder
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and smooth onto face. Relax for 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water. Source
Frozen Egg & Honey Facial Mask
Recommended for dry skin, this is particularly soothing on sunburned skin.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (but not hot)
1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
– Beat the egg in a small bowl until frothy and well-mixed. Slowly add the liquid coconut oil and honey, beating until your mask is the consistency of mayonnaise.
– Take an empty toilet tissue roll and set it on end in a clean bowl. Spoon mixture into the cardboard toilet paper roll. Place tube, in the bowl, in the freezer overnight.
– To use, peel away just the top 1/4 inch of the cardboard roll and smooth the frozen stick over your face (think of it as a push-up pop). Leave your mask on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
-Return the cream stick covered with plastic wrap and frozen between uses. Keeps indefinitely. Source
Avocado Carrot Cream Mask
This mask is rich in vitamin E, beta carotene, antioxidants, calcium and protein, ingredients that may help rebuild skin collagen, fade age spots and improve tone and texture.
Ingredients:
1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner. Source
Cucumber Eye Gel
Ingredients:
1/4 large cucumber
1 ounce aloe vera gel
Instructions:
-Puree the cucumber in a blender (leave a little pulp), then strain the mixture into a glass bowl until you have at least 2 ounces. Spoon in just a tad of the pulp from the strainer. Add the aloe vera to the cucumber puree in the bowl and mix lightly. Pour into a clean, sterilized container.
– After cleansing face, stir mixture gently and apply with a cotton ball to under eye area. Avoid the eyeball. The shelf life of this product is very limited by the fresh cucumber. It should be used within a few days, and kept refrigerated between uses. Source: Spa Index
Silky Clay Mask for All Skin Types
Ingredients:
1½ teaspoons green clay (French is preferred)
½ teaspoon kaolin clay
1½ tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon rosewater
2 drops rose essential oil
Instructions:
Mix green and kaolin clays together. Add in the aloe vera gel, rosewater and oils. Refrigerate mixture for up to four weeks. Source http://beauty.about.com/od/fragrance/r/claymask.htm
Skin Care for Acne-Prone Skin
Remember, not every cause of acne is the same, so you need to try different remedies and masks until you find the ones that work for you.
Herbal Acne Treatment
Instructions:
1. Steam your face for five to 10 minutes to clean the pores with hot infusions of lavender, camomile or thyme.
2. Rinse your face with honeywater, rosewater or a dilute infusion of marigold tea to tone and close the pores.
3. Do this every day until the skin starts to heal. Source
Baking Soda Mask to Fight Acne
This is so easy to make and can work wonders if your skin likes it.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon baking soda (NOT baking powder)
1-2 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Mix a little together in your hands after washing your face with a mild cleanser and apply gently to your skin. Once you’ve coated your face with the baking soda and water mix, let it sit while you do other things around the house, or relax and read a book. Rinse the baking soda film off your face and feel how soft and clear it feels. If your skin enjoys this recipe, and your acne improves, then you may try it several times a week to help clear your acne. Source
Egg White Mask
This is simple and quite frugal. The mask is supposed to tighten skin and eliminate red spots.
Ingredients:
2-3 egg whites
Instructions:
Separate the yolk from the egg whites. Then whip the egg whites until it is nice and frothy. Apply it to your clean face (using clean hands). Leave on for approximately 20 minutes and wash off with warm water. Source
Egg Yolk Mask
Egg yolks contain vitamin A which is reported to reduce scarring.
Ingredient:
1 egg yolk
Instructions:
To attempt this method of acne treatment, whip up an egg yolk, apply it to your skin for 20 minutes and wash off. Source
Acne Tonic with Basil
Ingredients:
2 to 3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Steep basil leaves in water for 10 to 20 minutes. Cool, then apply to face with a white cotton ball. Source
Blackhead Remover Mask
Check availability of these unusual ingredients before you get started.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fuller’s earth
1 teaspoon tincture of benzoin
distilled witch hazel
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly. Apply the mask to your skin. Let mask dry and harden, about 30 to 40 minutes. Soak a small hand towel in warm water and lay it across your face.
When the mask starts to soften up, gently rub it with the towel in a circular motion. Rinse with plenty of warm water. Source
Banana Mask for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients:
1 banana, preferably ripe (You can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using.)
1 tablespoon honey
An orange or a lemon
Instructions:
Mix the banana and honey together. Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon. Apply to face for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth. Source
For Hands and Feet
Strawberry Hand and Foot Exfoliant
Ingredients:
8-10 strawberries
2 tablespoons apricot oil (you may substitute olive oil)
1 teaspoon of coarse salt, such as Kosher salt or sea salt
Instructions:
Mix together all ingredients, massage into hands and feet, rinse and pat dry. Strawberries contain a natural fruit acid that aids in exfoliation. Source
Orange Ginger Warming Foot Scrub
This warming foot scrub is great for the winter, and leaves your feet feeling soft and relaxed.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar (white or brown)
1/4 cup sweet almond oil
6 drops orange essential oil
2 drops ginger essential oil
1 level teaspoon powdered cayenne pepper
Instructions:
In a plastic bowl, mix together the sugar and almond oil. Add the essential oils and stir. Add the cayenne pepper last and stir well to mix. To use, sit comfortably in the tub or over a pan of water and/or a large towel to catch the sugar scrub as it is applied. Scoop up a handful of the scrub for each foot and massage vigorously yet with care over heels, ankles, toes, arches and the balls of your feet. Be sure to scrub any rough areas especially well. Don’t forget to rinse the tub well when you’re finished; you don’t want to take a bath in cayenne pepper! Source
For Body and Bath
Coffee Body Scrub
Ingredients:
2 cups coarsely ground coffee
1/2 cup raw sugar or sea salt
2-3 tablespoons massage oil
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together. Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto your skin with strong, even pressure. Shower off, pat skin dry and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion. Source
Grapefruit Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups white table sugar
8 drops grapefruit essential oil
1/4 cup jojoba oil
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
Instructions:
Place sugar into a large bowl and stir to break up any clumps. Add the essential oil. Add the jojoba oil and castile soap next, a little at a time, stirring after each addition. Mix well and pour into clean container. To use, stand in the tub or shower and massage the sugar scrub onto your skin from head to toe. Rinse. Source
Massage/Bath Oil
Try one of the following combinations of essential oils in a warm (not hot) bath or as a massage oil. Use therapeutic grade essential oils for the best results.
Ingredients:
For relaxing muscles/easing stress:
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
1-2 drops frankincense (Boswellia cateri) – optional
For a sensual experience:
3 drops ylang ylang
3 drops sandalwood
Instructions:
-Draw the bath first, add the essential oils, swirl them around with your foot, get in and relax. Allow yourself 10 to 20 minutes. Do not get the bath water in your eyes, as the oils will sting. Use this formula up to once a day for 3 days a week over a two- to three-week period.
-To create a massage blend, add the above oils to a tablespoon of carrier oil (like sweet almond oil or a “massage base” oil, which is usually a blend of sweet almond, grapeseed and jojoba oils). If you’d like to store the oil for later use or package it as a gift simply use the same ratio of carrier oil to essential oil, and pour carefully into a clean, dry glass jar. Source
Softening Body Oil
Before taking a shower, brush your skin gently. This exfoliating will stimulate blood circulation and aid in skin absorption. For best absorption, apply the body oil while your skin is still moist. This combination is ideal for skin that has been exposed to too much sun or for extra-dry areas, such as heels and elbows.
Ingredients:
1 cup (237 ml) sweet almond oil
1/2 cup (118 ml) jojoba or hazelnut oil (or combination of the two)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) apricot kernel oil
Essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
-Combine the oils in a sealed bottle and gently turn it several times to mix. Apply as needed.
-For an uplifting oil experience, try 3 drops of ylang ylang, 2 drops geranium and 3 drops orange or bergamot. For an exotic oil experience, try 3 drops ylang ylang, 2 drops rose, 1 drop patchouli and 1 drop geranium. Source
Chocolate Bubble Bath 1
Ingredients:
1 cup of unscented bubble bath
1/3 cup of unsweetened soy milk
3 oz. of grated or powdered dark chocolate
Instructions:
Heat the soy milk and add the grated or powdered chocolate. Stir well until melted and blended, but do not boil. Allow to cool. Mix well again just before adding to your bath.
Chocolate Bubble Bath 2
1 cup of unscented bubble bath
1/2 cup of dried milk powder or soy milk
3 oz. of powdered unsweetened chocolate
Mix the powdered milk and chocolate well, until blended. Stir into bubble bath until well mixed. Add to your bath in the amount desired. Source
Red Wine and Honey Bath
The red wine and the honey together clarify and moisten. From the Spa at Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Asheville, N.C.
Ingredients:
4 cups of the cheapest red wine available
1 cup of honey
Instructions:
Add wine and honey to bath. Source
Herbal Spa Wrap
Ingredients:
1 cup corn oil
1/2 cup grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
Combine ingredients and massage into skin. Wrap targeted areas of the body (arms, legs, back) with a towel to lock in body heat. Lay a heating pad over each treatment area for five minutes at a time.
Bath Bombs
This recipe makes 4 to 6 bath bombs. You can buy molds in craft stores or online. Do not oil the molds beforehand; just make sure they are clean and dry.
Dry Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid (do not substitute ascorbic acid)
1/2 cup corn starch
1/3 cup Epsom salts or coarse sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
2 1/2 tablespoons sunflower or other light oil (like sweet almond oil)
3/4 tablespoon water or rosewater (be careful not to start the fizzing action by adding too much water)
1/4 – 1 teaspoon essential oils
1/4 teaspoon borax as an emulsifier
vegetable or other natural colorant (optional)
Instructions:
Sieve the dry ingredients together until they are well blended. Measure and combine all the wet ingredients and borax in a clean jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Slowly drizzle the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently stirring to prevent the reaction from starting. Make sure you mix in all of the wet ingredients. Afterward, you’ll find that the mixture is dry and crumbly and has to be packed in the molds quite firmly to keep shape. The mixture should just start to hold together when pressed in your hand, like slightly moist fine sand. You can unmold the bombs after 30 minutes, and let them dry for a few days before using them. Store them in a dry place.
Bath Cookies
2 cups finely ground sea salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons light oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
2 eggs
5-6 drops essential oil of your choice
Preheat your oven to 350 F. Combine all the listed ingredients and form into a dough. Using a teaspoon or so of dough at a time, roll it gently in the palm of your hand until it forms a ball. Form all dough into one-teaspoon balls, and gently place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Consider sprinkling the bath balls with herbs, flower petals, cloves, citrus zest and similar aromatic ingredients. Bake your bath cookies for 10 minutes, until they are lightly browned. Do not over-bake. Allow the bath cookies to cool completely. To use, drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Yield: 24 cookies, enough for 12 baths. Source
Deodorant
Many people react strongly to store-bought deodorant. What we need is a simple, home-made version!
Ingredients:
8 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons liquid chlorophyll
4 tablespoons vodka
4 tablespoons distilled water
8 ounces beeswax
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil
Instructions:
Melt wax over very low heat in a double boiler. Mix cornstarch, baking soda, vodka and distilled water well. Add to the melted beeswax and stir until well combined. Add chlorophyll and essential oils. Pour into mold and let it harden. Store in an airtight container. Source
Hair Care
Shampoo
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until well combined. Use like regular shampoo. Discard any leftovers. Source
Conditioner
Ingredients:
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
Beat the egg yolk until it’s thick and white. Add the oil and mix well. Then add the water into the egg mixture and mix well. Massage into clean, damp hair. Rinse with plenty of warm water after about 10 minutes. Source
Protein-Rich, Nourishing Conditioner
Ingredients:
1 egg white
5 tablespoons plain yogurt
Instructions:
Beat the egg white until foamy. Gently fold in the plain yogurt. Apply to your hair and let it soak in for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with plenty of warm water. Style as usual. Source
Watercress Treatment for Oily Hair
Watercress appears to work on oily hair because it is rich in iron and phosphorus as well as vitamins A, C and E.
Ingredients:
1-2 large handfuls of fresh watercress
1 cup water
Blend watercress and water in a blender or food processor until well blended. If you have long hair you may need to use 2 full handfuls of watercress. Heat mixture and boil for 10 minutes. Strain watercress, keeping only the liquid. Let the liquid cool and apply carefully to newly shampooed hair (try to get as much excess water out of the hair as possible first). Leave on for 20 minutes. Source: “Everything You Need to Know to Have Great Looking Hair,” by Louis Gignace
Hair Gel
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 cup warm water
Instructions:
Dissolve 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in 1 cup warm water. Keep refrigerated and use as you would a purchased gel. Source
Hair Spray
Ingredients:
1 or 2 citrus fruits (lemon or orange)
2 cups water
Instructions:
Chop 1 lemon (or orange for dry hair). Place in a pot and cover with 2 cups of hot water. Boil until only half remains. Cool and strain. Add more water if needed. Refrigerate in a spray bottle. Source
Face Paint and Halloween Makeup
To avoid heavy metals and other potentially harmful unknown ingredients in traditional Halloween face paint, try making your own using food-based ingredients. Remember, foods can cause allergies in some kids: always test your concoctions on a small patch of skin and read up on natural food colorings before sending your little ghouls out for a night of painted fun. And don’t forget that some foods can stain skin and clothes.
Face Paint Made with Natural Food Coloring
Natural food coloring is available at health food stores and typically derived from foods and spices. We recommend reading up about natural food colorings and potential allergies first. Do not substitute conventional food coloring, which may contain synthetic chemical ingredients.
Ingredients:
-Base of safe, unscented lotion (search Skin Deep for safe options) OR pure cocoa butter (available at health food stores) OR safe, fluoride-free toothpaste (search Skin Deep; avoid mint flavors, as they can make skin tingly)
-Natural food coloring (see note above)
Instructions:
Mix a few drops of natural food coloring into the base ingredient of your choice. Test on a small patch of skin before applying to face or body.
Face Paint Made with Food
Make sure young children understand they can’t eat these paints unless you make them without the base. Test a small patch of skin first to make sure your child isn’t allergic to the food you’re using.
Ingredients:
-Base of safe, unscented lotion (search Skin Deep for safe options) OR pure cocoa butter (available at health food stores) OR safe, fluoride-free toothpaste (search Skin Deep; avoid mint flavors, as they can make skin tingly)
-Turmeric, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, beets, avocado, spirulina, cocoa, chocolate sauce, squid ink or other colorful foods, juices, herbs and spices
Instructions:
Yellow: Add 1/4 tsp. and a large pinch of stale turmeric to base.
Pink: Using a sieve, mash the juice from 3 fresh or thawed frozen raspberries, blackberries or beets directly into the base. Or, use a deeply colored berry juice or puree.
Mint green: With a fork, mash 1/4 of a small avocado until creamy. Mix this into your base.
Emerald green: Add small amount spirulina or bright green chlorophyll to base.
Purple: Using a sieve, mash the juice from several fresh or frozen blueberries into the base. Or, use blueberry juice.
Brown: Add cocoa powder or chocolate sauce to base.
Black: Use a small amount of squid ink in base for true black.
White: Mix powdered sugar and water.
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Like Loading...