10 All Natural Household Items, Made at Home

Harsh chemicals and toxins are everywhere. You can find them in your clothing, your toiletries even in your food and drinking water. However, purchasing clean, eco-friendly products can be not only difficult, but also wildly expensive.  

Recently, five Neutrogena and Aveeno sunblock brands were recalled  out of an “abundance of caution” for containing the ingredient benzene, a known carcinogen. Many cosmetic companies, including Clinique, Benefit, and Maybelline, have been called out for animal testing by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Not to mention, the current climate crisis is proof that everyday products are not nearly sustainable enough 

The good news? You can enjoy toxic and cruelty-free products without the giant price tag or the waste by simply making them at home and storing them in reusable containers.  

  1. Sunscreen

Make your own benzene-free sunscreen by mixing one half cup of avocado oil, one fourth cup cocoa butter, one fourth cup beeswax, and one fourth cup coconut oil. Place the ingrdients in a double boiler until melted.  After cooling, whisk the sunscreen together, and add one fourth cup non-nano zinc oxide and approximately 15 drops of your favorite essential oil(s). Whisk everything together and store after cooling. 

  1. Deodorant/Antiperspirant 

The aluminum found in most over-the-counter deodorants has been rumored to cause life-threatening conditions such as breast cancer and dementia. Although science is unclear of whether this is true for healthy patients, evidence has shown that aluminum is directly linked to Alzheimer’s Disease in patients with low-functioning kidneys. If you fall under this category or would rather not take chances, you can make aluminum-free deodorant with just three simple ingredients: melted one-quarter cup of coconut oil, one to two teaspoons of baking soda, and one-quarter cup of arrowroot powder.  Just mix all ingredients together and allow it to solidify after cooling. 

  1. Sweet-Smelling Shampoo

Combine one-half cup castile vegetable-based liquid soap, one half cup water, one teaspoon light vegetable oil, and your favorite essential oils (if desired) to make toxin-free shampoo the whole family can use. 

  1. Hand Sanitizer

Many drugstore hand sanitizers contain toxic chemicals such as methanol, which has been linked to vision loss when absorbed into the bloodstream. To make a hand sanitizer that is safe and alcohol-free, place one-fourth cup aloe gel, one-fourth cup witch hazel, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon vegetable glycerin, and eight to ten drops of tea tree oil in a jar and shake until mixed well, then transfer to a soap dispenser or spray bottle for use.  

  1. Insect Repellent

N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide commonly known as “DEET” and a common active ingredient in insect repellents has been linked to neurological issues.Citronella or “lemongrass” is a popular DEET replacement that is both safe and effective. To make your own citronella bug spray, combine 30 drops of citronella essential oil, 30 drops of geranium essential oil, 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil, 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, one tablespoon of vodka, one-half cup of witch hazel, one teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, and one-half cup of vinegar or water in a glass spray bottle. Make sure to shake after each ingredient is added, and shake again before use, as separation is natural. 

 6.Hair Care for Black Women  

Did you know that close to 80% of hair treatments created for Black women, including relaxers and leave-in conditioners, contain toxins such as parabens that are linked to infertility, cancer, and obesity? Furthermore, many of these chemicals cannot be found on product labels, putting Black women at risk without their knowledge. If you are a Black woman who uses these treatments, rest a little more easily because here are a few all-natural hair care ingredients you can find right at home: 

  • For hot oil treatments, you can use coconut, olive, or castor oil.  
  • For conditioners, use the above oils with foods such as avocado, banana, or mayonnaise.  
  • To promote hair growth, use rosemary, lavender, or raw egg mixture  
  • For shampoos, baking soda, Epsom salt, or apple cider vinegar are effective for eliminating dandruff or dryness while softening hair.  
  1. Toothpaste

Triclosan, a chemical found in Colgate toothpaste, has been known to increase breast cancer risk in women, to weaken the immune system, and more. However, making your own toxic-free toothpaste is easy and quick. Simply combine one-half cup softened coconut oil, four tablespoons of baking soda, and 15 drops of peppermint essential oil you can use cinnamon essential oil or tea tree essential oil if you prefer. Store the mixture in a sealed container and use with your normal dental care regime. Note: do not swallow the baking soda or essential oils!  

 8.Blush 

Cosmetics are one of the largest sources of toxins we use every day, containing chemicals such as formaldehyde,  mercury, and parabens. However, many cosmetic products can be made at home with safe ingredients that your body will thank you for. To create an all-natural blush that will give you the perfect rose-tinted cheeks, combine one-half teaspoon of arrowroot powder, one-half teaspoon organic cocoa powder, and one-half teaspoon Hibiscus powder and store in a sealed container. Note: to get the desired shade for your skin tone, you may have to experiment with ingredient ratios.  

 9.Produce wash 

Non-organic produce is typically coated with toxic chemicals such as pesticides and preservatives prior to sale. Organic produce, though safer, tends to carry higher amounts of dirt and bacteria due to a lack of those chemicals. Washing produce before consumption is always a good idea, but sometimes water alone is not enough. To make a safe veggie wash, mix one cup of vinegar, four cups of water, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto produce, scrubbing off any excess dirt or grime.  

 10.Anti-Inflammatory products 

Ibuprofen is a widely used anti-inflammatory drug that can be harmful to humans in many ways. The drug has been linked to stomach ulcers, increased heart attack and stroke risks, and liver failure. Additionally, polyethylene glycol (PEG), a chemical found in Ibuprofen, can cause side effects such as abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, and high blood pressure. For relief from minor inflammation, you can consume natural ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, or curcumin, which all have similar anti-inflammatory properties.  

Note: Consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication, and before changing dietary habits.  

By: Rebekah Harcrow  

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