Personal care manufacturers have convinced us we need fancy formulated products to look our best. But we don’t. It’s no secret that chemicals are used widely in household and personal care items.
From phthalates and petroleum to detergents and fragrances—what we put on our skin is as important as we put inside it. By making our own personal care products, we decrease the amount of excessive packaging common in household items; we save money; and we can control the ingredients that feed our largest organ. Check out these tips for DIY body care products.

Make toothpaste with a little baking soda, water, and the right essential oil. M-image Photography/iStock