If you’re anything like me, you probably enjoy a good pampering session from time to time. Indulging in a luxurious bath, slathering on a hydrating face mask, and massaging in a rich body oil are all simple pleasures that can help us feel rejuvenated and recharged.
But what if I told you that you can take your beauty routine to the next level without spending a fortune on fancy spa products or the latest and greatest skincare innovations? That’s right—you can make your own natural beauty products right at home!
The Benefits of DIY Vegan and Natural Beauty Products
Not only is making your own beauty products a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon, but it also offers several practical benefits:
- You get to choose exactly what ingredients go into your products, which means you can avoid any harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or animal-derived ingredients that you don’t want on your skin.
- You can customize the products to suit your specific skin type and needs, whether that means creating a super-hydrating body butter for dry winter skin or a soothing facial mist to help combat redness and irritation.
- And perhaps most enticing of all: making your own beauty products can save you a ton of money compared to buying them at the store. Once you’ve invested in some basic ingredients and equipment, you can make product after product for just a few dollars each.
So if you’re ready to take control of your skincare routine, save some money, and nourish your skin with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, then read on for some of my favorite DIY vegan and natural beauty product recipes!
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Beauty
Before we get started, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some key ingredients that will form the basis of many of these recipes. Here are some of the most common ingredients you’re likely to encounter:
- Oils: Oils are a fundamental component of many natural beauty products. Some popular oils for skin care include coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil. Each oil has its own unique properties, so be sure to choose the ones that best suit your skin type and what you’re using the oil for (e.g., massaging, moisturizing, or as a base for other products).
- Butters: Butters are solid fats that are derived from various plant sources, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter. They are rich in nutrients and can help to hydrate and protect the skin. Butters are often used in body care products like lotions, body butters, and balms.
- Clays and Powders: Clays and powders like bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and matcha powder can be used to create masks, scrubs, and other treatments. They help to absorb excess oils, draw out impurities, and provide various other benefits depending on the specific clay or powder you’re using.
- Hydrosols and Floral Waters: Hydrosols and floral waters are the liquid remnants that remain after essential oils have been extracted from plants. They can be used as fragrances, as well as to add subtle flavor and moisture to beauty products. Some popular hydrosols include rose water, lavender water, and witch hazel.
- Natural Preservatives: While most natural beauty products don’t contain preservatives, it’s important to add them if you plan on storing your products for any length of time. Good natural preservatives include vitamin E oil and rosemary extract.
DIY Facial Care
Now that we have a better understanding of some key ingredients, let’s dive into some specific beauty product recipes! We’ll start with facial care products, which are designed to cleanse, protect, and nourish the skin on your face.
Cleansers
One of the most fundamental aspects of any skincare routine is cleansing. And while there are many different types of cleansers on the market (foam, cream, gel, oil, etc.), my personal favorite is an oil cleanser. That’s because oil is naturally adept at dissolving oil, which means it’s great for breaking down and removing dirt, oil, sunscreen, and other impurities that might be lingering on your skin.
To make an oil cleanser, you’ll need a base oil (such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil) and some additional skin-loving oils. Here’s a simple recipe you can use:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) base oil (such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) castor oil
- 10 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
To use your oil cleanser, simply massage a few drops into your dry skin, then add water to emulsify the oil. Continue massaging the mixture until it turns milky, then rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Another type of cleanser that’s gaining popularity is a micellar water. Micellar water is essentially a gentle, waterless cleanser that contains microscopic cleansing agents called micelles. To use a micellar water, simply soak a cotton pad with the product, then swipe it across your face to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. No rinsing is required!
Toners and Mists
After cleansing your face, the next step is usually to apply a toner or facial mist. Toners help to rebalance the skin’s pH, while also providing a host of other benefits, such as hydrating the skin, soothing redness, and helping other products absorb more effectively. Some toners also contain gentle exfoliating agents to help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, more radiant skin.
To make your own toner, you can use a base of distilled water, along with some hydrosol, essential oils, and other skin-loving ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- 1 cup (240 ml) distilled water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) rose water or another hydrosol of your choice
- 10 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) witch hazel (optional, for added astringent properties)
Pour all of the ingredients into a glass bottle, then shake gently to mix. To use, simply spritz a few drops onto a cotton ball or your fingers and apply to your face after cleansing.
Serums and Treatments
Serums are concentrated formulas that contain high levels of active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help improve the appearance of your skin. Serums are typically lightweight and quickly absorbed by the skin, making them an ideal base for other products, such as moisturizer or sunscreen.
There are many different types of serums you can make, depending on what benefits you’re looking for. For example:
- A vitamin C serum can help brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and protect the skin from free radical damage.
- A retinol serum can help stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity and firmness.
- A niacinamide serum can help strengthen the skin’s barrier function, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve skin tone and texture.
To make a simple serum, you’ll need a base of hydrating ingredients, such as aloe vera gel, rose water, or another hydrosol. From there, you can add any additional active ingredients you want, such as vitamin C powder, niacinamide, or coenzyme Q10. You can also include some essential oils for fragrance, if desired.
Moisturizers and Masks
The final step in your facial care routine is to moisturize your skin. Moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin, create a barrier against external elements, and lock in the benefits of any other products you’ve applied. And while there are many different types of moisturizers on the market (cream, gel, lotion, etc.), my personal favorite is a face oil.
As I mentioned earlier, oils are fantastic for hydrating the skin, and they can be used on all skin types, even oily skin! Simply apply a few drops of your favorite face oil to your skin after cleansing and before applying any other products. I recommend using a lightweight oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, as a base, and adding in any additional skin-loving oils or essential oils as desired.
If you prefer a more traditional lotion or cream-based moisturizer, however, you can make one of those too! Here’s a simple recipe for a facial lotion, which uses a combination of water, aloe vera gel, and a natural thickener (such as xanthan gum or carrageenan) to create a lightweight, hydrating formula:
- 1 cup (240 ml) distilled water
- 1/4 cup (60 g) aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) xanthan gum or another natural thickener
- 10 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined and there are no lumps. If desired, you can also add in some other hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin or honey, to boost the formula’s moisturizing properties.
Another fun and indulgent way to pamper your skin is by using a face mask. Face masks can help draw out impurities, hydrate the skin, and provide other various benefits, depending on the ingredients you use. Some popular face mask ingredients include clay, charcoal, honey, yogurt, and various botanical extracts.
For example, to make a simple mud mask, you can combine equal parts bentonite clay, water, and apple cider vinegar (or another acid of your choice, such as lemon juice). You can also add in some additional hydrating ingredients, such as aloe vera gel or honey, as well as a few drops of essential oils for fragrance. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, spreadable paste, then apply it to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
There are countless other face mask recipes you can try, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Just be sure to do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the mask to your face to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the ingredients.
DIY Body Care
Now that we’ve covered some basics of facial care, let’s move on to body care. While the skin on our face typically gets most of the attention when it comes to beauty products, it’s important to take good care of the skin on the rest of our body too. After all, a smooth, hydrated complexion isn’t just limited to our face!
Body Scrubs and Exfoliants
One of the best ways to keep the skin on your body smooth, soft, and radiant is by exfoliating it on a regular basis. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover, which can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of dull, dry skin, and even help with acne and dark spots.
There are many different types of exfoliants you can use, including physical scrubs (such as sugar or salt) and chemical exfoliants (such as alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids). I personally prefer using a sugar scrub, which is made by mixing together some melted coconut oil, granulated sugar, and any essential oils I want to add for fragrance.
To make a sugar scrub, melt some coconut oil in a small bowl (you’ll need about 1/4 cup, or 60 ml, for every 1 cup, or 200 g, of sugar). Once the oil has melted, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, stir in about 1 cup of sugar (you may need to add a bit more or less depending on how thick you want your scrub to be) and a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Stir until everything is well combined, then transfer the mixture to a jar or other container and let it cool and solidify.
To use your sugar scrub, simply scoop out a handful with your fingers, massage it onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water. Be sure to moisturize your skin after exfoliating, as the process can be drying.
Lotions and Butters
In addition to exfoliating, it’s important to keep the skin on your body properly hydrated. And while there are many different types of moisturizers you can use, I find that body butters offer the most intense, long-lasting hydration. That’s because they contain a high concentration of oils and butters, which are slower to absorb into the skin than water-based moisturizers.
To make a simple body butter, you’ll need a base of melted butters (such as shea butter, mango butter, or cocoa butter) and a liquid oil (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil). Here’s a basic recipe you can use:
- 1/2 cup (120 g) melted shea butter
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) liquid coconut oil or another light oil of your choice
- 10 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Melt the shea butter in a double boiler over low heat, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once the butter has cooled a bit, whisk in the liquid oil and essential oils (if using) until the mixture has thickened and cooled to room temperature. (If the mixture gets too thick, you can reheat it over low heat and start again.) Transfer the mixture to a container and let it solidify before using.
If you prefer a more liquid moisturizer, such as a body lotion, you can make one of those too! Simply combine equal parts melted butter or oil, water, and a natural thickener (such as aloe vera gel, xanthan gum, or carrageenan). Whisk everything together until well combined and there are no lumps, then add in any additional hydrating ingredients or essential oils as desired. Transfer the mixture to a container and let it cool and thicken before using.
Bath Bombs and Salts
Another fun way to pamper your body is by taking a luxurious bath. And while you could just sit in a plain old tub of water, why not take things up a notch by adding some bath bombs or salts?
Bath bombs are essentially a solid version of bath salts. They’re made by combining sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with citric acid, essential oils, and a liquid (such as water, aloe vera gel, or witch hazel). When the bath bomb is added to the water, the acid and base (sodium bicarbonate) react, causing the bath bomb to fizz and release its fragrance and any other additives (such as coloring or glitter).
To make your own bath bombs, you’ll need to work quickly, as the mixture can start to fizz and lose its shape if you take too long. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- 1 cup (160 g) baking soda
- 1/2 cup (120 g) citric acid
- 1/4 cup (60 g) cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted coconut oil
- 10-15 drops essential oils
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, aloe vera gel, or witch hazel
Whisk together the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the melted coconut oil, then slowly whisk in the oil until it’s fully incorporated. Next, add in the essential oils and the water (or other liquid) and whisk everything together until you have a thick, smooth paste. (If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, you can add a bit more water, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too wet, you can add a bit more baking soda or citric acid.)
Once your mixture is ready, use a spoon or your hands to shape it into balls or other desired shapes. (You may want to use a bath bomb mold to help the mixture hold its shape.) Let the bath bombs sit for several hours (or overnight) to allow them to dry out and harden. If desired, you can also roll them in some extra cornstarch or glitter to give them an extra sparkly coating.
To use your bath bombs, simply drop one into your tub under the running water as the bath is filling up. Enjoy the fizzing and fragrance as the bath bomb dissolves, while your body soaks up the benefits of the bath salts.
Deodorants and Antiperspirants
The last category of body care products I want to cover is deodorants and antiperspirants. While these products may not seem like they fall under the “beauty” category per se, keeping your underarms clean, dry, and smelling fresh is an important part of personal hygiene, especially if you wear clothes that might rub against the skin in that area.
There are many natural deodorant options you can try, including mineral salt deodorants (such as Epsom salt or sea salt deodorants), baking soda deodorants, and clay deodorants. One of my favorite natural deodorants, however, is a coconut oil deodorant. Here’s how to make it:
- 1/4 cup (60 g) melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup (60 g) shea butter
- 1/4 cup (60 g) beeswax (or another natural wax of your choice)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) distilled water
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vitamin E oil
- 10 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together in a double boiler over low heat. Once they’re melted and fully combined, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool slightly. Next, whisk in the aloe vera gel, water, vitamin E oil, and essential oils (if using) until the mixture has thickened and cooled to room temperature. Transfer the mixture to a container and let it cool and solidify before using.
To apply your deodorant, simply scoop out a bit with your fingers and rub it between your hands to warm it up. Then, use your fingers (or a deodorant applicator, if you have one) to rub the deodorant into your underarms. The coconut oil will help keep your underarms hydrated and smooth, while the shea butter and beeswax will help absorb any moisture and keep you feeling fresh.
If you prefer a more traditional antiperspirant, you can make one of those too! Simply add a few teaspoons of aluminum-free baking soda to the deodorant recipe above, along with a few teaspoons of cornstarch. The baking soda and cornstarch will help absorb moisture and reduce sweating, while the other ingredients in the deodorant will help keep your underarms clean and smelling fresh.
DIY Hair Care
Now that we’ve covered facial and body care, let’s move up to the top: hair care! Just like the skin on our face and body needs some TLC, our hair needs some love too. And while there are many different types of hair care products you can buy at the store, you can easily make most of them at home for a fraction of the cost.
Shampoos and Conditioners
The foundation of any good hair care routine is a great shampoo and conditioner. While there are many different types of shampoos and conditioners you can buy, I’m a fan of making a simple 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. This recipe uses a base of castile soap, along with some essential oils for fragrance, and a few other optional ingredients to help boost the formula’s hydrating and cleansing properties.
To make your shampoo and conditioner, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) distilled water
- 1/4 cup (60 g) shea butter (or another liquid oil of your choice, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dr. Bronner’s unscented castile soap
- 10 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vitamin E oil (optional, for antioxidant benefits)
First, melt the shea butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once it’s melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Next, whisk in the castile soap until everything is well combined. Then, add in the essential oils (if using) and the vitamin E oil (if using), and whisk everything together until the mixture is cool and the oils are fully incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a bottle or other container and shake gently to mix.
To use your shampoo and conditioner, simply apply a few squirts to your hair, working it into a lather with your fingers. Massage the shampoo into your scalp, then rinse with water. After shampooing, apply a bit more of the mixture to the ends of your hair (or use a separate conditioner, if you prefer), and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing out.
If you have dry or damaged hair, you can also add some additional hydrating ingredients to your shampoo and conditioner, such as:
- Aloe vera gel
- Honey
- Glycerin
Just be aware that adding these ingredients will change the consistency of your shampoo and conditioner, so you may need to adjust the amount of water you use accordingly.
Hair Masks and Treatments
In addition to using a good shampoo and conditioner on a daily (or almost daily) basis, it’s also important to give your hair a little extra love and hydration on a regular basis. One of the best ways to do that is by using a hair mask or treatment. Hair masks and treatments are similar to conditioner, but they contain a higher concentration of hydrating ingredients, such as oils, butters, and other hydrating ingredients.
To make a simple hair mask, you can use a base of melted shea butter (or another butter or oil of your choice) and some aloe vera gel. You can also add in any other hydrating ingredients you want, such as:
- Honey
- Essential oils
- Glycerin
Here’s a simple recipe you can use:
- 1/4 cup (60 g) melted shea butter
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vitamin E oil
- 10 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Whisk everything together until well combined, then transfer the mixture to a container with a tight-fitting lid. To use, simply scoop out a handful of the mask with your fingers and rub it between your palms to warm it up. Then, apply the mask to your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Massage the mask into your scalp, then cover your hair with a shower cap (or wrap it in a towel) and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out with warm water.
If you don’t have a shower cap, you can also put your hair in a bun or braid and let the mask sit while you do something else, like take a bath or read a book. Just be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after using the mask, as any leftover product can make your hair look greasy.
Styling Products
While shampoo and conditioner are the foundation of any good hair care routine, sometimes you need a little extra help getting your hair to look the way you want it to. That’s where styling products come in!
There are many different types of styling products you can use, depending on what you want to accomplish. For example:
- A pomade is a heavy-duty styling product that’s great for slicking back wet hair or adding shine and hold to dry hair. To make a pomade, you’ll need a base of melted beeswax (or another natural wax), along with some aloe vera gel, essential oils, and a thickener (such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder).
- A gel is similar to a pomade, but it’s a bit lighter and more watery. It’s great for holding curls or adding shine to your hair. To make a gel, you can use a base of aloe vera gel, along with some natural thickeners (such as xanthan gum or carrageenan), essential oils, and a preservative (such as vitamin E oil or rosemary extract).
I’ll admit, making your own styling products can be a bit more involved than making shampoo or body butter. But if you’re someone who uses a lot of styling products, it can be a great way to save money and avoid any harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances that you don’t want on your hair (or in the environment).
Packaging and Labeling Your DIY Products
Now that you know how to make some amazing DIY beauty products, it’s time to think about how you’re going to store and dispense them! While you could just keep all of your beauty products in a big bin in your bathroom (which is what I do most of the time), it’s always nice to have some cute, functional containers to store them in. Not only does it make your bathroom look prettier, but it also makes it easier to find and use the products you want.
There are many different types of containers you can use to store your DIY beauty products, including:
- Glass jars (for face oils, body butters, and facial lotions)
- Plastic squeeze bottles (for shampoo, conditioner, and body washes)
- Dropper bottles (for essential oils, face mists, and serums)
- Airtight containers (for products with natural preservatives, to help them last longer)
When it comes to choosing containers for your DIY beauty products, I recommend looking for ones that are made from sustainable or recycled materials (such as glass, metal, or biodegradable plastic), and avoiding anything that contains BPA or other harmful chemicals. I also recommend choosing containers that are easy to clean and can be reused or recycled once you’ve used up your product.
As for labels, it’s always nice to have some cute ones to put on your containers, especially if you’re planning on giving your DIY beauty products as gifts. You can find pre-made labels online, or you can make your own using a label maker or some sticker paper and a printer. Just be sure to include the name of the product, the ingredients (in order of how much they appear in the formula, from most to least), and any other important information, such as your batch number, the date you made the product, and any special instructions for use.
I also recommend including a disclaimer on your labels, such as “For external use only,” and listing any precautions or contraindications (such as “Avoid contact with eyes” or “Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women”). It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Tips for Successful DIY Beauty Product Making
Now that you know how to make some awesome DIY beauty products and how to store them, I want to share some of my top tips for making sure your products turn out perfectly every time. Because while making your own beauty products is a lot of fun, it can also be a bit tricky at times!
Measuring and Mixing Techniques
One of the most important things to keep in mind when making DIY beauty products is to measure your ingredients accurately. While it’s not always necessary to measure everything down to the last gram or milliliter, using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients is a good idea, especially when you’re first starting out. Not only will it help you get more consistent results, but it will also make it easier to scale up (or down) your recipes as needed.
Another tip for making sure your products turn out well is to mix your ingredients thoroughly. Whether you’re using a spoon, a whisk, or a stand mixer, be sure to mix everything together until it’s fully combined and there are no lumps or clumps. If you’re making a product with multiple layers (such as a bath bomb), be sure to mix the layers together well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
One additional tip for mixing ingredients is to start with dry ingredients and gradually add in any liquids. This can help prevent clumping and make it easier to mix everything together. If you’re using a stand mixer, you can start with the paddle attachment on low speed, then gradually increase the speed as needed.
Safety Precautions
While most DIY beauty products are relatively low-risk to make, there are still a few safety precautions you should take to ensure a successful (and safe!) experience.
- Wear an apron to protect your clothes from any spills or splatters.
- If you’re making a product with essential oils, be sure to use them in a well-ventilated area (or wear a mask) and avoid getting them in your eyes, ears, or mouth.
- If you’re using heat to melt waxes or butters, be sure to use a double boiler or a heat-safe container to avoid burning yourself.
- If you’re using natural preservatives (such as vitamin E oil or rosemary extract), be sure to use them according to the recommended ratio (usually about 1% of the total weight of the product).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best of intentions and the most careful measurements, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. So I wanted to