How to make natural skincare products

Avoid toxic chemicals and use ingredients your skin will love

If you’re sick of spending hundreds of pounds on skincare products that don’t agree with your skin, then why not try creating your own?

Making homemade skincare products is a cost-effective and fun way to tailor your skincare regime to suit your skin’s needs, giving you total control over the ingredients you use.

Plus, if you suffer with sensitive or problematic skin, you can avoid irritating and potentially harmful ingredients that may react with your skin.

Learn how to make natural skincare products using ingredients your skin will love.

Why make your own skincare products?

Most skincare products available in the shops contain toxic ingredients and fragrances, including the brands marketed as “organic” and “natural” or claiming to contain “naturally-derived ingredients”. The cosmetic industry is not officially regulated so companies can create their own definition of what a natural product is and this can vary considerably brand to brand.

Manufacturers use the term “natural” as a marketing tactic to get shoppers to buy their products. They aren’t obliged to disclose all the ingredients on the product label, enabling them to hide hundreds of toxic ingredients by calling them natural fragrances or aroma.

This is why making your own natural skincare products has never been more important. You can source the best natural ingredients for your skin type and never have to use chemical-laden products again.

Learn more about the dangers of fragrances.

7 tips for making homemade skincare products

1. Always work with clean hands and ensure equipment is clean to avoid cross contamination.
2. Keep your working environment as sterile as possible, including tea towels that you may be drying items with.
3. Store your ingredients and products in a cool dark place to avoid exposure to light and heat which may cause formulas to melt and ingredients to separate.
4. Always do a patch test after making a batch to ensure irritation doesn’t occur.
5. Special care should be taken when creating products for pregnant women or children, and without expert knowledge, essential oils should be avoided.
6. Label and date products so you can easily identify what each product is and keep track of expiry dates.
7. Be mindful of hot liquid, especially if using a bain-marie. Ideally wear gloves and eye protection to prevent burning.

Equipment you’ll need

• Electronic scales
• Product labels
• Glass measuring cups and beakers
• A saucepan (for a bain-marie) and a heat-resistant mixing bowl
• Thermostat
• Measuring jug
• Kitchen towels
• A whisk
• Teaspoons and tablespoons
• Clean jars and spritz bottles
• Pestle and mortar
• Coffee grinder
• A notebook

Natural skincare ingredients

There are lots of wonderful natural ingredients you can use when making your own skincare products. Here are a few to consider:

• Raw apple cider vinegar is anti-inflammatory and contains anti-bacterial properties so it’s perfect for cleansers and toners as it exfoliates the skin, absorbs excess oils and reduces blocked pores.
• Aloe vera is a natural moisturiser that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Aloe exerts anti-inflammatory and soothing effects so it’s great for sunburn and healing irritated skin.
• Candelilla wax (vegan) and beeswax helps to solidify oils and softens, soothes and protects the skin. Both are great for lip balms, lotions and body butters.

• Calendula is a calming and healing herb that is fantastic for soothing cracked and damaged skin. It can be added to creams, lotions and cleansers.
• Clay is not only rich in minerals; it stimulates microcirculation and helps to remove dead skin cells. Clay can also absorb toxins, dirt and excess oil from the skin.
• Castor oil is a protective oil that can slowly penetrate into the skin. It has excellent cleansing properties and it also adds gloss to lip balms.
• Jojoba oil is like a liquid wax that is very compatible with skin’s natural sebum. It’s an incredibly nourishing oil that is suitable for all skin types.
• Green tea is anti-inflammatory and rich in polyphenol antioxidants. The caffeine in green tea stimulates and detoxifies the skin.
• Lavender is an extremely versatile essential oil that has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It makes a great addition to skincare products.
• Rosehip seed oil is an oil that is rich in omega 3 and antioxidants, making it perfect for softening fine lines and fading scar tissue.

Homemade skincare recipes

Here are two simple, easy natural skincare recipes to try at home.

Lavender and Oat Face Scrub

• 2 tablespoons oats/ground oats
• 1 teaspoon almond oil/honey
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers, ground
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• Optional – 1 tea bag, opened (green tea or nettle)

1. Rub the oats with your fingers to break down into finer pieces.
2. Add the lavender, contents of the selected teabag, poppy seeds and almond oil.
3. Ensure the mixture is immersed in the oil.
4. Store in an airtight jar. It can be mixed with a bit of water when using.

Avocado and Honey Mask

• ½ an avocado
• 1 teaspoon of Honey

1. Mix together to form a smooth paste and leave on the skin for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse off with warm water.