Below are the main ingredients I use in my homemade concoctions. The choices are endless when it comes to natural ingredients you can use for your personalized beauty products. I have chosen the following ingredients due to their overall health, skin and hair benefits, as well as the cost and availability of the products. You can purchase all of these from Vitacost.com, they're the most reasonable price I've found online but you can also check out your local shops, like Sprout's Farmers Market.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - Vitacost
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer, while helping to improve dental quality and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and their respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities.
Sweet Almond Oil - NOW Foods
Sweet almond oil, made from pressed almonds, is an odorless, pale-yellow liquid with a nutty taste. It's similar to olive oil in composition and can be used as a substitute. The sweet almond oil has been known for its medicinal value for about 5000 years ago especially by the Ayurvedic medicine in India. This is because almond oil is natural moisturizer and conditioner for beautiful hair, skin, face, nails, lips, and hands, it is a great massage oil and promotes healthy hair growth. It has anti-aging/anti-wrinkle benefits, as well as great healing properties. it’s packed with calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and D. Promotes heart health, boosts immunity, boosts memory and strengthens the nervous system.
Peppermint Oil - Vitacost
Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint and is native to Europe. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses, and its impressively long history often gives it the prestigious title as the world’s oldest medicine.
The health benefits of peppermint oil include its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms, as well as for pain relief. Due to its antiseptic properties, it's very useful in dental care and helps teeth and gums fight off hazardous germs, it also promotes healthy hair and skin. Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Eucalyptus Oil - Vitacost
The health benefits of eucalyptus oil are well-known and wide ranging, and its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal qualities. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinctive taste and odor.
Due to the medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil and the compound eucalyptol which is present in it’s makeup, it is used in a variety of over the counter drugs including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes. Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis and other dental infections owing to its germicidal properties. Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections. It is also frequently employed to remove germs in the intestine. The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect room freshener for hospitals. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air, keeping the environment of the rooms clean and sterilized.
Castor Oil Hexane Free - Heritage Products
Castor Oil is a very pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis). It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although it has a strong and rather unpleasant taste, castor oil is used in cosmetics, soaps, textiles, medicines, massage oils and many other everyday products.
Castor Oil has been used both internally and externally for thousands of years due to its many wonderful health benefits. Since it can strengthen the immune system, castor oil is considered a great remedy to treat the following major illnesses and ailments:
Turmeric - Simply Organic
Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a very common herb. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. People across the globe use this herb in their cooking.
According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often used to treat a wide variety of health problems.
Bentonite Clay - Redmond edible clay
Medicinal clays are all-natural, alternative healing substances that have been used since prehistoric times. Often, they are used for external purposes, such as in mud baths at health spas. What most people don’t know however, is that, medicinal clay can dramatically revitalize your health when taken internally as well.
The health benefits of medicinal clay include detoxification and energy boosting, with profound health effects for your digestive system…skin…internal organs…immune system…and entire body.
Baking Soda (Pure, Aluminum-Free) - Bob's Red Mill
Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural substance that helps regulate pH. This regulation keeps a substance from becoming too acidic or too alkaline, which is important in maintaining health. As baking soda contacts another substance, it naturally neutralizes the pH of the substance and prevents further imbalance or buffers the pH. With this effect, baking soda is able to neutralize odors, remove stains, detox the body and eliminate infection.
Vegetable Glycerin - Heritage Products
Vegetable glycerin, or glycerol, is a clear, odorless liquid produced from plant oils, typically palm oil, soy, or coconut oil. Vegetable glycerin has a number of valuable applications that include cosmetic products, foods, and as a replacement for alcohol in herbal and botanical tinctures.
Vegetable glycerin is produced using an extraction process called hydrolysis. During hydrolysis, oils are placed under the combined force of pressure, temperature, and water. The ester bond breaks and causes the glycerin to split from fatty acids and be absorbed by water; at which point the resultant is further isolated by distillation to increase purity. Purified vegetable glycerin has a texture similar to an oil or syrup due to its organic molecular makeup, specifically, three hydroxyl groups.
Garbanzo (Chickpea) Flour - Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods
Beauty uses of gram flour or chickpea flour as it is widely called in India, has become popular. The gram flour is used with other ingredients to make a fine face pack. It is widely used to cure a number of skin problems like acne, scars, blemishes and even dark patches on skin. Gram flour helps in the removal of dead skin cells which leads to skin rejuvenation. Using gram face packs regularly will make your skin smoother, softer and tighter. It is also used as a skin whitening agent and for hair removal. Since gram is alkalizing in nature, you need to mix it with milk, yoghurt or lemon juice before applying on your face. It is an excellent exfoliating agent.
With the use of gram flour, you can now get rid of those expensive beauty skin products which promises you positive results. Gram flour is all natural and one of the best ingredients to use on the skin. Here is the traditional recipe for the Indian Bridal Glow Mask: Mixture of turmeric, gram flour (otherwise known as garbanzo flour), sandalwood powder, and almond oil. The night before the wedding, an Indian woman would cover herself, head to toe with this mixture for bright and glowing complexion.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey - YS Eco Bee Farms Organic Raw Honey
Raw honey is an amazing natural beauty solution for all skin types because of its healing skin benefits. It does wonders for a wide variety of skin ailments including:
Acne and enlarged pores
Rosacea
Eczema
Hyperpigmentation
Sensitive, mature, and dull lifeless skin
With its natural pH level of 4.5, raw honey falls within skin’s naturally healthy pH range (Is pH Balanced Skin Care Important?). Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it great for healing cuts and burns by killing bacteria and fungus. Raw honey also contains gluconic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid that brightens the complexion, evens out skin tone, and lightens scars and age spots.
Depending on where the honey is collected from, it contains many nutrients and minerals excellent for skin health such as vitamin B, iron, manganese, copper, potassium and calcium. It also acts as a humectant drawing moisture to the skin and is perfect as a gentle cleansing solution for even very sensitive skin. When mixed with water, honey releases peroxide properties which helps heal acne and impede bacterial growth causing more acne.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - Vitacost
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer, while helping to improve dental quality and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and their respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities.
Sweet Almond Oil - NOW Foods
Sweet almond oil, made from pressed almonds, is an odorless, pale-yellow liquid with a nutty taste. It's similar to olive oil in composition and can be used as a substitute. The sweet almond oil has been known for its medicinal value for about 5000 years ago especially by the Ayurvedic medicine in India. This is because almond oil is natural moisturizer and conditioner for beautiful hair, skin, face, nails, lips, and hands, it is a great massage oil and promotes healthy hair growth. It has anti-aging/anti-wrinkle benefits, as well as great healing properties. it’s packed with calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and D. Promotes heart health, boosts immunity, boosts memory and strengthens the nervous system.
Peppermint Oil - Vitacost
Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint and is native to Europe. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses, and its impressively long history often gives it the prestigious title as the world’s oldest medicine.
The health benefits of peppermint oil include its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms, as well as for pain relief. Due to its antiseptic properties, it's very useful in dental care and helps teeth and gums fight off hazardous germs, it also promotes healthy hair and skin. Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Eucalyptus Oil - Vitacost
The health benefits of eucalyptus oil are well-known and wide ranging, and its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal qualities. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinctive taste and odor.
Due to the medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil and the compound eucalyptol which is present in it’s makeup, it is used in a variety of over the counter drugs including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes. Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis and other dental infections owing to its germicidal properties. Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections. It is also frequently employed to remove germs in the intestine. The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect room freshener for hospitals. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air, keeping the environment of the rooms clean and sterilized.
Castor Oil Hexane Free - Heritage Products
Castor Oil is a very pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis). It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although it has a strong and rather unpleasant taste, castor oil is used in cosmetics, soaps, textiles, medicines, massage oils and many other everyday products.
Castor Oil has been used both internally and externally for thousands of years due to its many wonderful health benefits. Since it can strengthen the immune system, castor oil is considered a great remedy to treat the following major illnesses and ailments:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hair loss
- Pain from Arthritis and Rheumatism
- Yeast Infections
- Constipation
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Menstrual Disorders
- Migraines
- Acne
- Sunburn
- Athlete's Foot
- Ringworm
- Skin Abrasions
- Inflammation
Turmeric - Simply Organic
Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a very common herb. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. People across the globe use this herb in their cooking.
According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often used to treat a wide variety of health problems.
Bentonite Clay - Redmond edible clay
Medicinal clays are all-natural, alternative healing substances that have been used since prehistoric times. Often, they are used for external purposes, such as in mud baths at health spas. What most people don’t know however, is that, medicinal clay can dramatically revitalize your health when taken internally as well.
The health benefits of medicinal clay include detoxification and energy boosting, with profound health effects for your digestive system…skin…internal organs…immune system…and entire body.
Baking Soda (Pure, Aluminum-Free) - Bob's Red Mill
Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural substance that helps regulate pH. This regulation keeps a substance from becoming too acidic or too alkaline, which is important in maintaining health. As baking soda contacts another substance, it naturally neutralizes the pH of the substance and prevents further imbalance or buffers the pH. With this effect, baking soda is able to neutralize odors, remove stains, detox the body and eliminate infection.
Vegetable Glycerin - Heritage Products
Vegetable glycerin, or glycerol, is a clear, odorless liquid produced from plant oils, typically palm oil, soy, or coconut oil. Vegetable glycerin has a number of valuable applications that include cosmetic products, foods, and as a replacement for alcohol in herbal and botanical tinctures.
Vegetable glycerin is produced using an extraction process called hydrolysis. During hydrolysis, oils are placed under the combined force of pressure, temperature, and water. The ester bond breaks and causes the glycerin to split from fatty acids and be absorbed by water; at which point the resultant is further isolated by distillation to increase purity. Purified vegetable glycerin has a texture similar to an oil or syrup due to its organic molecular makeup, specifically, three hydroxyl groups.
Garbanzo (Chickpea) Flour - Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods
Beauty uses of gram flour or chickpea flour as it is widely called in India, has become popular. The gram flour is used with other ingredients to make a fine face pack. It is widely used to cure a number of skin problems like acne, scars, blemishes and even dark patches on skin. Gram flour helps in the removal of dead skin cells which leads to skin rejuvenation. Using gram face packs regularly will make your skin smoother, softer and tighter. It is also used as a skin whitening agent and for hair removal. Since gram is alkalizing in nature, you need to mix it with milk, yoghurt or lemon juice before applying on your face. It is an excellent exfoliating agent.
With the use of gram flour, you can now get rid of those expensive beauty skin products which promises you positive results. Gram flour is all natural and one of the best ingredients to use on the skin. Here is the traditional recipe for the Indian Bridal Glow Mask: Mixture of turmeric, gram flour (otherwise known as garbanzo flour), sandalwood powder, and almond oil. The night before the wedding, an Indian woman would cover herself, head to toe with this mixture for bright and glowing complexion.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
- Support a healthy immune system
- Helps control weight
- Promotes digestion & pH balance
- Helps soothe dry throats
- Helps remove body sludge toxins
- Helps maintain healthy skin
- Helps promote youthful, healthy bodies
- Soothes irritated skin
- Relieves muscle pain from exercise
Honey - YS Eco Bee Farms Organic Raw Honey
Raw honey is an amazing natural beauty solution for all skin types because of its healing skin benefits. It does wonders for a wide variety of skin ailments including:
Acne and enlarged pores
Rosacea
Eczema
Hyperpigmentation
Sensitive, mature, and dull lifeless skin
With its natural pH level of 4.5, raw honey falls within skin’s naturally healthy pH range (Is pH Balanced Skin Care Important?). Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it great for healing cuts and burns by killing bacteria and fungus. Raw honey also contains gluconic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid that brightens the complexion, evens out skin tone, and lightens scars and age spots.
Depending on where the honey is collected from, it contains many nutrients and minerals excellent for skin health such as vitamin B, iron, manganese, copper, potassium and calcium. It also acts as a humectant drawing moisture to the skin and is perfect as a gentle cleansing solution for even very sensitive skin. When mixed with water, honey releases peroxide properties which helps heal acne and impede bacterial growth causing more acne.