Homemade Vegan Deodorant, Toothpaste and Mascara

Natural cosmetics have become a global trend in the last few years. Many consumers are switching from the conventional cosmetics to natural ones because of the ingredients they contain.

When we buy cosmetics in the regular store, there are a host of chemicals like parabens, sulfates, silicones, synthetic colors, fragrances and other ingredients that are harmful to our skin, teeth and system as a whole. 

The Problem: Deodorant

Our skin is the biggest organ in our body. It has pores and constantly absorbs, and that’s why it’s very important to understand what kind of products we use on it. Deodorants are often associated with breast cancer in women, especially deodorants that double up as antiperspirants.

Antiperspirants prevent sweating, a process wherein the body releases excess water and sodium. By blocking sweat, the skin isn't allowed to continue with its natural process and is forced to store the liquid somewhere. Gravity takes that excess to the breasts and that is when the problems starts.

The Solution: Natural Deodorant

Homemade deodorant

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of baking soda - nullifies sweat smell
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch - absorbs the sweat but does not clog the pores
• 1/4 cup coconut oil - antibacterial
• 10 - 15 drops of essential oil for adding fragrance (Recommended smells: lemongrass, thyme, lavender, tea tree, rosemary, lemon. All of these oils are antibacterial.)

Preparation:

Mix baking soda and cornstarch, add melted coconut oil and stir until it becomes a homogeneous paste. Now add a few drops of essential oil and stir again. Transfer the mixture into a jar and place it in the refrigerator for an hour. It is now ready to use!

The Problem: Commercial Toothpaste

Toothpastes that are sold in the market contains all kinds of toxic ingredients. If you scroll through the ingredients list, you'll find some of these tongue-twisters: Fluoride, Triclosan, Saccharin, Carrageenan, Aspartame and Propylene Glycol to name a few. And f we look at the parabens in toothpaste, that's a whole other story - Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben (phew!) are just the tip of the iceberg. Safe to say, if you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not that good for you!

The Solution: Natural Toothpaste

Homemade toothpaste with bentonite clay | BUY HERE 

Ingredients:

• 250 g bentonite clay for oral use (BUY HERE)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of almond oil
• 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (menthol, eucalyptus, lemon, or a combination of many different oils)
• Water as needed

Precaution: Do not wear metal accessories while preparation. Natural clay does not go well with metals.

Preparation:

Place the clay in a ceramic or glass bowl, add the melted coconut oil, add the essential oil and stir. Add water until you get the desired density. The quantity you receive replaces more than 2 packs of conventional toothpaste and when used, you will notice that it takes a smaller amount to wash your teeth.

The Problem: Commercial Mascara 

Natural cosmetics have taken a big swing in recent years. A particularly important aspect of natural vegan cosmetics is that the products are not tested on animals. The composition of most commercial cosmetics is chemical-heavy, but there is always a way to do things in a cruelty-free, healthy and natural way.  

The Solution: Natural Mascara

Make your own mascara!

Ingredients:

• 3-4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 20 almonds/hazelnuts

Pre-requisites:

• Old mascara bottle cleaned thoroughly
• Grinder or a blender used to grind coffee/seeds/spices

Preparation:

Chop the almonds/hazelnuts finely and bake/toast them in a pan until they become black. It is best to do this outdoors because of the strong smell. Transfer this to a grinder or a blender and grind it to a powder. Pour the mixture into porcelain bowl and add a little bit of aloe vera gel. Stir well and pour it into the bottle. Mascara is ready for use!

Like this?

Read: Natural & Vegan Products for your Eyes and Lips this Winter

Read more: All Good Scents: Contemporary Fragrances With An Indian Soul