5 Homemade Natural Products for a Healthy and Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Why DIY

Let’s talk about the stuff we put in and around our bodies every single day. From your shampoo to your cleaning products, many of the products we use daily are packed with chemicals and toxins. In fact, it’s estimated that the average person is exposed to over 100 different chemicals by the time they even finish their morning routine. Yikes. Think parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and formaldehyde—yes, you read that right. These are common ingredients in everything from your face lotion to your dish soap. Not exactly the “natural” vibe we’re going for, right?

And then there’s the issue of plastic. As much as we try to turn a blind eye to it, the truth is, Americans alone are responsible for generating over 35 million tons of plastic waste every year. And much of that comes from single-use beauty and cleaning products. Yikes again. So, what’s the alternative? Making your own products, of course! Not only do you control exactly what goes in them, but you also get to say “goodbye” to unnecessary plastic waste.

If you’re like me and you’re all about those small, doable changes (because let’s face it, we can’t all go off-grid and make everything by hand), DIYing your own natural products is a great place to start. Here are 5 homemade products that’ll have you feeling like a total eco-warrior without turning your life upside down.

1. Dry Shampoo

Let’s be real—who has time to wash their hair every day? (Not me.) But greasy hair? No, thank you. The solution? A super simple dry shampoo you can whip up in about 30 seconds.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1-2 tbsp cocoa powder (if you have dark hair, this is a game-changer)
• 10-15 drops of essential oils (I love lavender or rosemary for this one)

How to Make It:

1. Combine the cornstarch and cocoa powder in a bowl.
2. Add your essential oils, then stir it all together.
3. Transfer to a small jar or shaker (like an old spice jar or even a makeup container) for easy use.
4. Apply to your roots (I like to use a clean makeup brush for this), blend in, and go. It’s that simple.

Eco Bonus: No aerosol cans = less plastic waste!

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2. Household Cleaner

Why spend money on a bunch of toxic cleaners when you can make an effective one at home? The good news: this one works like a charm on most surfaces without leaving behind that chemical smell. You’ll be cleaning like a pro while keeping it safe for the whole family.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 Tbsp castile soap
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 10-15 drops of essential oils (lemon or tea tree oil are great for their antibacterial properties and they small AMAZING together!)

How to Make It:

1. Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Add the baking soda and shake until dissolved.
3. Drop in the essential oils and give it another shake.
4. Add the castile soap and give it a good swirl.
5. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Boom, done.

Eco Bonus: You’re reducing the need for all those plastic cleaning bottles that only end up in a landfill.

3. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Let’s talk about toilet bowl cleaner. Most store-bought versions contain harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia that can damage your pipes and wreak havoc on the environment. The solution? A simple, natural alternative.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops essential oil (peppermint or eucalyptus)
• Spray bottle of peroxide

How to Make It:

1. Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl.
2. Pour in the vinegar and let it bubble up and fizz for a minute.
3. Add your essential oils.
4. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush to rinse. Done and done!
5. Optional: give the bowl a good spray with peroxide for good measure.

Eco Bonus: No need for plastic bottles, and you’re using non-toxic ingredients that are safe for septic systems.

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4. Foaming Hand Soap

Who says soap has to come in a plastic bottle? With a few simple ingredients, you can make your own foaming hand soap that’s gentle on your hands and easy on the Earth.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/4 cup castile soap
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil (optional, for extra moisture)
• 10 drops essential oils (lavender or citrus are nice, but use whatever you’d like)

How to Make It:

1. In a foaming soap dispenser, combine the castile soap, water, and coconut oil.
2. Add your essential oils and swirl it all together.
3. Pump and wash away—no more store-bought, plastic bottles of soap.

Eco Bonus: Foaming soap uses less product, so you’re stretching that bottle of castile soap even further!

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5. Sugar Scrub for Skin

Exfoliating with a sugar scrub is one of life’s simple pleasures. Plus, you can control the ingredients and avoid all the yucky chemicals found in commercial scrubs.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil if you prefer)
• 10 drops essential oil (rose or citrus is lovely)
• 2 Tbsp castile soap (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Mix the sugar and coconut oil together in a bowl until combined.
2. Add the essential oils and mix again.
3. Store in a glass jar and use a small scoop to exfoliate your skin in the shower.
4. For a foaming scrub, add in the castile soap.

Eco Bonus: Glass jars > plastic tubs, plus no microbeads that pollute our oceans!