Homemade Solutions for Toxic Toiletries

Below are a few recipes for making your own toiletries. For more information on the different chemicals and their effects on the environment and health, read Toxic Toiletries

Keep in mind:

If you do decide to make your own toothpaste and do a search for a different recipe, use caution when it tells you to use hydrogen peroxide. For more information: http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/tooth-whiteners/

When looking considering using baking soda keep in mind that some variations have more than sodium bicarbonate. Arm and Hammer baking soda only has sodium bicarbonate and that is the kind that I recommend using.

Also, keep in mind different people have different body chemistries, so what works for one person may not work for the other. It may take many tries before finding something that works.

Toothpaste

• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 4 tsp fine sea salt(optional – gives paste extra scrubbing power, but is okay to leave out if the taste is too salty)
• 1 – 2 tsp peppermint extract or 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil (or add your favorite flavor – spearmint, orange, etc.)
• water (add to desired consistency)

http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-toothpaste-recipe-easy-and-frugal/

INGREDIENTS:

• water (distilled is best)
• 8 drops tea tree essential oil
• 14 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops grapefruit seed extract
• 2 tsp castile soap

In a 1oz glass dropper bottle combine all ingredients except water. Add water to almost the top of the bottle (leave about 1/2 inch empty to have room for the dropper and to shake).

Shake gently to combine all ingredients together.

To use, put 8-10 drops on your toothbrush, brush and then rinse. Because this product is a liquid it is easier for it to get into all the cracks and crevices in and around your teeth.

http://www.making-healthy-choices.com/homemade-toothpaste.html

Deodorant

Step by Step Instructions for Homemade Deodorant

1. Mix about 1/4 c. baking soda and 1/4 c. cornstarch or arrowroot starch in a small bowl.
2. Add unrefined coconut oil, not melted, about a Tablespoon at a time, mashing with a fork until all the dry ingredients have been mixed in. I find it takes 4-6 Tablespoons.
3. Optional: If you’d like a scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil at this time.
4. You could use this mixture as is and apply with your fingertips, but it’s pretty messy.
5. Best option: use an old deodorant container.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. baking soda (anti-odor);
• 1/4 c. cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for dryness);
• 5 Tbsp coconut oil (antibacterial);
• a few drops of essential oil (for additional fragrance).

Directions:

1. Mix the baking soda with the cornstarch or arrowroot powder. If you have sensitive skin, adjust the proportions of baking soda to cornstarch/arrowroot powder a as of 1:3.

2. Add the coconut oil 1 Tbsp at a time and mash it with a fork together with the baking soda and cornstarch.  Use as much coconut oil as you achieve the consistency you like. Note that coconut oil becomes liquid in hot weather and it is better to be kept in the fridge.

3. You can add a few drops of essential oil (tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus or spearmint).

4. You may store your homemade aluminum free deodorant in an empty deodorant container or a glass jar.

Apply a single layer to avoid coconut oil stains on clothes.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp. coconut oil (antibacterial)
• 1-1/2 Tbsp beeswax beads or grated beeswax (solidifies the mixture)
• 1 Tbsp Shea butter (relieves the after-shaving rashes)
• 4 tsp clay (for dryness)
• 20 drops essential oil ( lavender, tea tree, rosemary for fragrance)
• Empty and clean deodorant container.

Directions:

1. Put the coconut oil and the beeswax in a pot and melt them slowly. Don’t forget to whisk often.

2. Once melted add the Shea butter and after whisking for 2 more minutes remove the pot from the heat.

3. Then add the clay and continue whisking  until you get a homogenous mixture.

4. Finally, drop in the essential oil and stir well. Leave the pot to cool. If you want things faster, put the pot in cold water bath and leave until the mixture begins to harden.

5. Spoon the mixture into the empty deodorant container and put it in the freezer for half an hour until it is completely hard.

6. Keep your homemade deodorant in the refrigerator if the weather is hot.

Homemade Deodorant Spray

If you have a sensitive skin and don’t want to use baking soda, or want to avoid the stains on your clothes from the coconut oil, here is another aluminum free deodorant recipe:

Ingredients:

1. 2 Tbsp chamomile

2. 3-4 drops of essential oil of coriander, lavender, clove, grapefruit seed, lemon and geranium.

Directions:

2 Tbsp chamomile are brewed in 2 cups water. Once cool, filter the potion and add 3-4 drops of essential oil of coriander, lavender, clove, grapefruit seed, lemon and geranium. Everything is placed in a spray bottle. Shake it before use.

Mouthwash:

Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of water, and use it to gargle – an instant fix for even the worst case of bad breath. Add a drop of peppermint oil for a minty taste.

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/beautyhealthcare/qt/Mouth_Wash.htm

All you need:

– A teaspoon of baking soda
– 2 ounces of water
– 1 drop of Tea Tree oil
– 1 drop of Peppermint oil

Use this mouthwash to rinse out your mouth repeatedly after carefully brushing your teeth.
In fact you can use it as a gargle every time you ate smelly or spicy food or you have a slight toothache.

Take care, don’t swallow it, the essential oils should not get into your stomach. Be very careful!