Did you know there is an abundance of harmful chemicals contained in everyday cosmetics and beauty products? From phthalates to fragrances, these artificial ingredients have been shown cause hormone disruption, increase the risk of cancer and harm wildlife. It is becoming increasingly important to look at the ingredients list on the products that we purchase to avoid exposing ourselves and our families from harmful ingredients.
The “dirty dozen”
The David Suzuki Foundation compiled the 12 ingredients below as cosmetic ingredients to avoid due to their negative impact on animal and human health. Review your bathroom cupboards and see how many products you can find containing these harmful chemicals.
- BHA & BHT
- Coal tar dyes
- DEA-related ingredients
- Dibutyl phthalate
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservative
- Fragrance
- Parabens
- PEG compounds
- Petrolatum
- Siloxanes
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Triclosan
Choosing natural ingredients
As a consumer, you have the responsibility to research the products you choose to bring home. There are well-known organisations and resources such as Safe Cosmetics to help you identify harmful ingredients from your cosmetics and look for cleaner alternatives. One of the ways to avoid using harmful ingredients is by making your own beauty products! There is a wide range of natural oils and plant extracts doing wonders for our bodies and the environment. Here is a list of our favourites:
- Jojoba oil
- Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Castile Soap
- Witch Hazel
- Babassu Butter
- Balm Base
- Candelilla Wax
Making your own products means you can choose the ingredients and know exactly what you are putting on your body. You can also adapt the scent and properties according to what you need using a variety of essential oils.
Top 5 Beauty Products with Essential Oils
We compiled our favourite DIY natural beauty products recipes for you to make from the comfort of your home! If you are looking for more recipes, have a look at our Aromatherapy for Everyday Wellness Book.
1. DIY Lip Balm
Ingredients
- Small glass or aluminium jar
- 2 tablespoons candelilla wax
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons babassu butter (optional)
- 10 drops of Lavender essential oil
Method
- Place the wax and coconut oil in a small pot over low heat on stovetop.
- Melt together and gently stir until combined.
- Add the essential oil and stir.
- Pour mixture into a small glass jar and let it cool down.
2. DIY Face Moisturiser
Ingredients
- 50ml dropper bottle
- Jojoba carrier oil
- 10 drops essential oil of choice
Method
1. Add the essential oils to the dropper bottle
2. Fill the rest of the bottle with Jojoba oil
3. Shake thoroughly
3. DIY Moisturising bars
Ingredients
- Mould tray
- 1/2 cup Babassu butter
- 1/2 cup carrier oil
- 1/2 cup candelilla Wax
- 40 drops essential oil of choice
Method
- Add the ingredients to a large glass measuring cup.
- Place the glass cup in a saucepan filled with water & allow the ingredients to melt over a low heat.
- Once melted, let the mixture cool, then add the essential oils.
- Pour the mixture into the moulds. Refrigerate overnight.
- Pop the bars out of the mould & store into an airtight glass container.
4. DIY Hand Lotion
Ingredients
- 100ml pump bottle
- 1/2 cup Sweet Almond carrier oil
- 1 tablespoon candelilla wax
- 1 tablespoon Babassu butter
- 20 drops Sandalwood 10% essential oil
- 20 drops Jasmine 3% essential oil
Method
- Add the Sweet Almond Oil, Candelilla Wax & Babassu Butter to a small glass bowl or measuring cup.
- Place the glass bowl in a saucepan partially filled with water and bring to a gentle boil until completely melted. Stir regularly.
- Let the mixture cool down and add the essential oils until it becomes opaque and starts to solidify.
- Pour the lotion into the pump bottle and allow the lotion to settle.
5. DIY Dry Shampoo
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 12 drops of essential oil of choice
- A make-up brush to apply
Method
- Mix the dry powder together with the essential oils.
- Store in an air-tight glass jar.
For more inspiration, have a look at our DIY recipes in our ECO. Educate Blog.
Happy DIY!
Author: Elisabeth Lemieux
Marketing Coordinator
Liz is the Marketing Coordinator at ECO. Modern Essentials and oversees the company’s brand and communication strategy. Liz has extensive experience in brand management, strategy development and digital marketing across a range of direct-to-consumer businesses in the health and wellness industry. She is a qualified Yoga instructor and has been practicing for nearly a decade. Liz is passionate about everything wellness and has a strong interest in holistic health.
Learn more here.
