Sustainable Bath, Body & Cleaning Ingredients

In recent years, the push towards sustainability has gained significant traction, especially in the realm of consumer goods like bath, body, and cleaning products. However, a common misconception is that sustainable options are expensive.

It’s true that many sustainable bath, body and cleaning products are marketed as premium items, often boasting eco-friendly packaging and natural ingredients. These features, while aligning with sustainability principles, can drive up costs, making such products seem exclusive and financially out of reach for many consumers. This perception fuels the belief that living sustainably is a luxury rather than a practical choice available to everyone.

By using simple, natural ingredients that are often already found in the home, you can create a range of effective products that rival their store-bought counterparts.

Below is a selection of versatile ingredients that can serve multiple purposes. While you don’t need every item listed, I find Castile Soap particularly versatile for both personal hygiene and home cleaning. Additionally, I utilize whatever ingredients I have available from this list. Remember to always patch-test new ingredients and consult with a dermatologist to ensure they are suitable for your skin type.

Bath and Body

• Water: Hot water can be used for deep cleansing, exfoliation, and muscle relaxation, while cold water helps tighten pores, reduce puffiness, and soothe inflammation.
  

• Oils: Olive, coconut, jojoba, argan, grapeseed, hempseed, rosehip, amla, tamanu, avocado, and evening primrose oils are excellent for moisturizing skin and hair. They also serve as bases for scrubs and soaps.
  

• Butter: Shea, cocoa, and mango butters provide deep hydration and can be used in lotions and lip balms to soften skin.
  

• Aloe Vera Gel: Perfect for soothing burns, moisturizing skin, and in homemade facial masks. Aloe vera juice can be used in hair rinses.
  

• Salt: Epsom, sea salt, and dead sea salt are great for adding to baths to relax muscles, exfoliate, and detoxify the skin. (Do not add salt directly to the skin as it can be too harsh and cause micro-tears).
  

• Baking Soda: Acts as a gentle exfoliant for the skin, and can be used in body scrubs, fizzy bath bombs and shampoos. It can also be used in deodorants to neutralize odors. (Do not use baking soda directly on the skin as it can be too abrasive and disrupt the natural pH balance).
  

• Honey: Works as a natural face mask ingredient and can soothe irritated skin.
  

• Lemon/Lime Juice: When diluted, it can be used in face masks, to lighten hair, and as a treatment for acne. (Do not use lemon or lime directly on the skin, as it can cause irritation and photosensitivity).
  

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Useful as a toner, in hair rinses, and for treating acne. (Do not use Apple Cider vinegar directly on the skin as it can cause skin burn and irritation).
  

• Essential Oils: Lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils add fragrance and have soothing properties. Always dilute them in a carrier oil or use with dispersants like bath salts. (Do not use essential oils directly on the skin, as it can cause irritation and allergic reaction).
  

• Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that can soothe skin irritations, reduce inflammation, and tighten pores.
  

• Starch: Cornstarch and arrowroot powder can be used in deodorants, body powders, and lotions to soothe skin.
  

• Beeswax: Ideal for making lip balms and lotions, and as a base for cosmetics.
  

• Activated Charcoal: Great for deep cleansing in face masks, toothpaste, and as an exfoliator in soaps.
  

• Bentonite Clay: Perfect for face masks, detox baths, and soothing skin irritation.
  

• Oatmeal: Useful in baths and scrubs to calm irritated skin.
  

• Cucumber: Soothes skin irritation and is often used in eye masks and face masks.
  

• Rose Water: Adds moisture to soaps and lotions and acts as a humectant (to retain moisture).
  

• Glycerin: Can be used in soaps, lotions, and as a humectant (to retain moisture) in skin care products.
  

• Flowers: Chamomile, lavender, and calendula flowers can be used in salves, baths, and skincare products to soothe skin.
  

• Green Tea: Soothes skin and is commonly used in face masks and anti-aging products.
  

• Milk: Cow, goat, and plant-based milks soften skin in baths and can be used in face masks and hair treatments.
  

• Turmeric: Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a mild astringent that regulates oil production, and can be used in face masks and to soothe acne.
  

• Castile Soap: makes a gentle moisturizing body wash and shampoo. It can also be used as a cleanser and shaving cream.
  

Household Cleaning

• Water: Hot water disinfects, removes grease, and neutralizes odors, while cold water is effective for preserving fabric colors and preventing stains from setting. (Do not use hot water on blood stains, as it will set the stain rather than removing it).
  

• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): The abrasive quality of baking soda works well for scrubbing away dirt, stains, and grime without scratching most surfaces. An effective scrub for surfaces, deodorizer, and laundry booster. (Baking soda on Aluminum can cause discoloration and damage).
  

• Vinegar: The acidic nature of vinegar makes it effective to dissolve mineral deposits, grease, grime, and soap scum. It also has antimicrobial properties. Ideal for cleaning glass, disinfecting surfaces, and laundry use. (Do not mix vinegar with castile soap as it can leave a greasy residue and reduce cleaning effectiveness. Vinegar can also damage stone surfaces and rubber seals).
  

• Castile Soap: A versatile cleaner for all surfaces, laundry, and dishes. It can also be used to remove residues and contaminants from produce.
  

• Borax: Useful in laundry, surface cleaning, and as a disinfectant. (Do not use borax if you have young children or pets, as it can be toxic when ingested, and can cause skin irritation).
  

• Lemon or lime Juice: Effective for cutting through grease, removing stains, and deodorizing. (Lemon and lime juice can damage stone surfaces)
  

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Great for cleaning surfaces, disinfecting, and laundry.
  

• Essential Oils: Provide natural disinfection and fragrance in cleaning products. (Do not use undiluted essential oils as it can damage surfaces and materials).
  

• Cornstarch: Can polish furniture, clean windows, and refresh carpets.
  

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Disinfects surfaces, cleans, and whitens laundry. (Do not use Hydrogen Peroxide on non-white fabrics as it can bleach or discolor them).
  

• Baking Powder: Cleans surfaces, deodorizes, and is useful in laundry.
  

• Oils: Help polish furniture, clean tools, and remove sticky residues.
  

• Kaolin Clay: Absorbs spills and cleans surfaces.
  

• Dead Sea Salt: Works as a scrubbing agent and stain remover.
  

• Washing Soda: Ideal for laundry, surface cleaning, and stain removal.
  

• Salt: A natural scrub for surfaces and a component in homemade cleaners.
  

• Glycerin: Useful for making homemade soaps and as a stain remover.
  

• Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): Disinfects surfaces, cleans glass, and removes stains. (Do not use rubbing alcohol on wooden surfaces as it can strip the finish and also cause damage).

ALSO READ:

Overcoming Barriers to Lifestyle Changes

LINKS:

• LACounty.gov: Alternative Recipes for Common Household Products

• UVI.edu: Recipes for a Non-toxic Household

Disclaimer: This article provides recipes and suggestions for creating homemade bath, body, and cleaning products using common ingredients. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical, dermatological, or chemical safety advice.

While these suggestions aim to promote sustainability and cost savings, individual reactions to ingredients can vary widely. Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin before applying any homemade product to your face or body, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or underlying dermatological conditions. Discontinue use immediately if any irritation, redness, or adverse reaction occurs.

The information regarding the properties and uses of ingredients is general. Improper mixing or application of certain ingredients can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or damage to surfaces. Never ingest any of these homemade products.

It is strongly recommended to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before using new ingredients on your skin, especially if you have existing skin conditions or concerns. For cleaning products, research proper usage and safety precautions for each ingredient and surface type, and store all homemade products safely out of reach of children and pets. This article is not responsible for any adverse reactions, skin damage, or property damage resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided.