Friday, April 29, 2011

Natural Deoderant Recipes

Here are some natural deodorant recipe and alternatives I have found in my recent google searches.  These are recipes that I have found, but have not used, so if you try, please share.  Also, share your successful recipes or store bought product reviews as well.  The search for a natural deodorant, that works for you can be hard, so I am definitely open to suggestions.

 I am currently using Thai Crystals deodorant spray and I think I like, but I don't like it as a refresher during the day because it's a spray and gets clothes wet.  I have also tried the Crystal rock, but I don't like this at all because it doesn't work for me.  I wonder if it's because the sticks are made of ammonium alum and the sprays are made with potassium alum.  In my brief research of the two, I did not find any conclusive info about the difference other than formulation results; solid vs liquid.  Anyhoo, here are some recipes that I have found and might try soon.  I am intrigued by the rose spray and vodka spray ( Joan Rivers secret)

Magnesium oil (I'm still confused about this one for a few reasons)

Rose Deodorant Spray
  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 2 tbsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp rosewater ( use a different hydrosol)

Vodka and Distilled Water ( add EO's to make herbal spray)
  • 2/3 Water
  • 1/3 Vodka

  ( You can change the amount of baking soda depending on your skins reaction, can be too strong for some)

Baking Soda & Cornstarch Powder ( Can add EO's)
  • 1/4 cup of Baking Soda
  • 1/4 cup of Cornstarch/ Arrowroot Powder

Baking Cornstarch and Coconut Oil  ( Use other oils/butter combos and/or beeswax for this recipe too)
  • 5-6 Tbsp. of Coconut Oil
  • 1/4 cup of Baking Soda
  • 1/4 cup of Cornstarch/ Arrowroot Powder
  • Essential oils (optional)
Alcohol/ Antibacterial Wipes ( I read that someone used alcohol wipes as a refresher)

Lemon Juice (diluted)

Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted)

More Recipes
Recipe Mama Deodorants

Enojy and Share!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Simple Skin Lotion

(he really looks like he's enjoying this spritz, lol!)

This "lotion" is very simple to make and very light.  Using either hydrosols, distilled water with essential oils and/or extract blends, just add vegetable glycerin.  Veggie glycerin is a natural humectant and a little goes a long way.  It can be used in hair and skin care products.  You can use this as a hair, body or facial lotion.  You can also add it to toners if you like also. 

Recipe Example:

95%   Rosewater/ Rose Hydrosol
2.5%  Veggie Glycerin
.5%    Preservative

You can increase or decrease the amount of v. glycerin depending on skin type and personal preference. 

When chosing your ingredients remember use water soluble extracts and add some type of emulsifier with EOs or just shake well before every application.


Enjoy!

DIY Conditioners/Shampoos

I am currently looking into shampoo and conditioner bars, but not liquids/creams.  Personally, I don't want to deal with all the preservation of water based products for safety reasons and lazy ones as well.  So here is some brief info to get you started on formulating your own conditioners/shampoos...

Conditioners/shampoos......How do you formulate conditioners/shampoos? 

If you want to keep it simple you can use all oil mixtures and do hot oil treatments, but that's more of a deep conditioner. 

If you want a daily/rinse out conditioner, like what we find generally in stores it will be a mixture of oils, extracts, hydrosols/AQUA, basically emuslions of stuff.

You can also get really specific and use ingredients like Sodium lactate, GuarSilk, or  Raspberry Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol. etc.  It all really depend on what your looking for; simplicity and/or cosmetic chemistry. 

Here are a few questions you need to answer before you start formulating:

The first question you need to answer is, Is this for personal use or for sell?   If this is for sell, you obviously don't want to include food ingredients, right?  If your making only enough for one time usage, bananas, eggs, avocado, etc are ok.  You also want to consider shelf life and preservation. 

What am I looking for in this conditioner?  Do you want it to be light, thick and rich, rinse ability, anti-frizz, shine, silky, etc.

Some ingredient idea;
  • Shea butter
  • Hibiscus extract
  • Coconut Oil
  • DL Panthenol
  • Essential Oils
  • Hydrosols(water phase)
  • Guar Silk
  • Jojoba Oil
Also you need to get a preservative that will work for the combination of ingredients chosen, so do your research.

What form do you want the conditioner/shampoo?  Bars (solid), creams, liquid....

Another simple method of making your own conditioners and soaps, is to find a company that makes a base that meets your specifications and allows for customization, i.e. herbs, oils, extracts. I think many companies actually do this and then sell.  Refer to my post about using bases.

Take a moment to peruse the blog to find more posts on conditioners and shampoo info and a little research never hurts either!

Conditioner Bar How To-  these are light conditioners, so may not work for dry hair like mine, but nothing beats a failure but a try.  I also would remove some unnatrual ingredients, but you get the general point of formulation from here

Hope this helps!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Current Skin Regimen

Part of the reason for this blog was to share my DIY adventures in creating my own natural skin and hair care regimen.  Here is my current skin care Regimen for winter/spring  ( I will be changing my skin oisturizer and refresher for the summer soon, so stay tuned!)


Daily OCM Cleanser
2-3x week Cleansing Grains w/ Lavender EO and Honey
Witch Hazel and Rose Water Toner( Thayer's brand)
Jojoba/Grapeseed Oil Moisturizer ( I use sparingly because my skin is so oily)  Aloe Vera Gel w/ Fennel Seed Extract
Lavender Water as refresher and to set makeup Herbal Facial Spritz
1x/wk  Facial Steam and Bentonite Clay Mask
Occasional Deep Pore Cleansing/ 2nd Method when I remember

I have been sticking to this regimen as much as possible and I have noticed smaller pores, fewer breakouts, if any, even during the hormonal weeks, lol smoother skin and fewer blackheads and whiteheads.


Pics Coming Soon, I am such a procrastinator, ugh!

DIY Shaving Cream

Simple recipe for Shaving Cream I found. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sunflower oil
  • 1/4 cup of unscented glycerin soap
  • Container
Instructions:

  1. In double boiler melt cut glycerin soap chunks
  2. Add Sunflower Oil
  3. Pour mixture into container and let set
Application:

Wet soap/cream with water and produce lather with shaving brush.  Work cream onto skin and shave.


Easy Peasey Lemon Squeezey!!

DIY Shaving How To

Shaving can be a pain in the butt for multiple reasons.  Not only are many hair removal products full of chemicals, but they cause skin irritation as well, i.e. Nair ( that stuff kills my skin).  Many of the cans of shaving creams are wasteful as well and cost too much for the amounts you get.  So, here is a cheap and easy way to shave and avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs, etc.
  • Prep skin with oil/butter.  Rub into skin so that it is absorbed.  Some recommend exfoliation prep to get rid of dead skin too, but I've never done that. 
    • This helps with allowing the blades to pass over the skin smoothly ( stop razor burn), while moisturizing the skin.  I randomly used my current OCM mixture because I was being lazy and didn't want to look for my other oils/butters, but  it worked great, lol!

  • Apply soap/cream and shave  ( Many recommend using a shaving brush to assist with spreading the cream and skin absorbing moisturizing ingredients)

  • Apply After Shave
    • I made a Aloe Vera Gel w/ tea tree oil blend.  FYI:  You really need to dilute the tea tree oil in the aloe, otherwise it will burn, lol!  Lessons learned!
    • The Aloe Vera gel cools and soothes skin and tea tree oil acts as antiseptic & antibacterial preventing razor bumps and ingrown hairs. 
Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Herbal Hair Grease

This is for those with dry scalp and/or like to oil their scalps.  I must say, I haven't oiled my scalp really since I went natural.  This is like the hair grease that you find in drugstores minus all the petrolatum, mineral oil and other chemicals.  I made this similar to how I made the unpetroleum jelly. 

This recipe was requested by my mother, who has scalp issues and loves her hair grease.  Plus she was tired of hearing me talk about the petrolatum in things and said I should just make her something.  She just wanted a hair grease with tea tree oil, but I had to add more herbal benefits, since I've had these herbs for months and haven't really used them.  ( See links for each herbs benefits)


I made  4oz jar to try it out.


Formula:

Phase 1

Jojoba Oil   23.5%
Castor Oil   24%
Shea Oil      23.4%
Beeswax     3%
Vitamin E Oil 1%
Olive Oil  Infusion(nettle & hibiscus)  23.4%

Phase 2

Preservative  .5%
Rosemary Extract  .3%
Tea Tree Oil   .3%

At the last minute I decided to add 6 drops of Lavender EO for smell.

Instructions:

  1. Make Herbal Infusion (20% dried herbs and 80% Carrier Oil)
    1. Using a double boiler gently heat the oil and herbs for 2 hours, stirring occasionally with stainless steel spoon    Make sure heat is low so as not to cook the herbs and oil, thus causing rancidity.
  2. Let cool and then strain iinfusion and place in cobalt glass jar, label with date
  3. Measure out each oil using a digital scale and place into stainless steel bowl.
    1. For example, jojoba oil 23.4% of 4oz would = .94oz. 
  4. Measure out Beeswax
  5. Place Oil mixture into double boiler and add beeswax.  Let mixture heat on medium until beeswax melts.  Not too hot though
  6. Measure out each part of phase 2 and place into stainless steel bowl
  7. Let oil mixture cool a little and add Vitamin E Oil, Stir
  8. Add Oil & beeswax mixture to Phase 2, Stir
  9. Add EO if desired
  10. Allow mixture too cool and place into sterilized jar.  Label with date. 


Preservative should give it shelf life, but I did not have this officially tested by a chemist. 

Voila!



After using this grease for the past few days, I must say I like the feel, but it lacks staying power like the petroleum laden ones you find at beauty supply stores, etc.  This means you just have to apply daily or every other day depending on your scalp.  It gives the scalp a very soothing feel and tingle(tea tree oil).  I have been using it to keep my hair moist, while wearing a protective style and sealing the ends of my braids. 

I will be changing the formula around next time for for staying power though!!  I must say I am very surprised by this recipe and would have never thought to make it, if it weren't for my mother...

Enjoy!!!
     

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Soap Queen TV: How to make Shampoo and Conditioner

Here is a cool video,  It kind of just gives me inspiration to try this out on my own (preservation system, ugh), but I'm not interested in the shampoo because it has sulfates and my hair is super dry.  I barely use shampoo now because most products dry my hair out.  As for the conditioner, it sounds pretty cool, but I would probably up the moisturizing ingredients!!  Anyhoo, enjoy the inspiration!

Enjoy!

Ayurvedic Shea Butter Hot Oil Treatment

So, while perusing etsy, I came across this Ayurvedic Body/Hair butter and thought it would be cool to try as a hot oil treatment.    I would only use this butter as a hot oil treatment since I don't really care for it as a daily sealer, I don't know why.  I guess it would depend on what Ayurvedic herbs I used, Anyhoo. This recipe would add the Ayurvedic benefits without all the mess and head dunking it takes to remove Ayurvedic pastes.   I have not yet made this, but here is how I would make it:

Ingredients:
  • Shea Butter Hot Oil Treatment
    • 2 tbsp Shea Butter
    • 1tbsp Coconut Oil
    • 2 tsp Honey
    • Ayurvedic Infused EVOO
      • Orange Peel
      • Brahmi
      • Hibiscus
      • Bringraj
      • Methi
 You can use any or all  of these Ayurvedic herbs in your oil infusion,  but remember to not use too much, there can be too much of a good thing.  Sometimes  when formulating we get so excited about all the herbal possibilties and overdo it. 

Instructions:
Simply use the same method of application as the Shea Butter Hot Oil Treatment

Find Oil Infusion Intructions here

Other Ways to Use Herbal Oil Infusions
Ayurvedic Butter/Pomade Recipe ( Coming Soon!)
OCM Cleansing Method
Hair Oil
Skin Oil


Refer to my Ayurvedic post to learn about each herb.


Voila!!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Saturday, April 9, 2011

OCM w/ Neem Oil


I will be trying a new OCM (What is this?) blend to further assist with my acne issues.  My face is "clear" but I still suffer from blackheads and milia (whiteheads).  I will be adding Neem Oil.  Now, this stuff stinks, but I hope if I use it at small amount, it won't linger all day.  I don't use ACV as an astringent anymore because the smell would linger too long and I would smell it during my workouts.  No Bueno!

OCM Blend

60% Castor Oil
15% Neem Oil
10% Apricot Oil
15% Grapeseed Oil

What is your OCM blend?

Enjoy!

Neem Oil



Neem Oil has a lot of benefits for the skin and hair.  It does have a strong smell though, so users beware.  Here are some of the benefits of neem oil.  Because of the smell, I will only be using it in my OCM at about 10%.

Info Source- http://www.discoverneem.com/
  • Relieves dry skin.
  • It soothes itchiness, redness and irritation.
  • It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections, as in acne, boils and ulcers.
  • anti-bacterial
  • anti-viral
  • anti-septic
  • anti-diabetic
  • anti-fungal
  • blood-purifying
  • spermicidal
  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Head Lice
  • Brittle nails and nail fungus
Hair Care
  • Promotes shiny, healthy hair,
  • Dryness
  • Prevents premature graying
  • Hair Loss
Enjoy!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Natural Deodorants & Anti-Perspirant



If you are trying to become more natural in your daily regimen and/or have skin sensitivity issues when it comes to anti-perspirant, natural deodorants may be what your looking for.  Below you will find natural deodorants that you can use to create your own or look for in products.  But there are a few things you need to know about natural deodorants:

  • Deodorants vs Anti-Perspirant
  • Natural deodorants will not last 24 hrs depending on person so you will need to refresh during the day
  • You may stink the first week as your body adjusts

Essential Oils- Create you own blends
Information Source
Clary Sage - Nutty, musky and herbaceous, astringent, deodorant, aphrodisiac

Eucalyptus- Strong, woody and camphor-like; analgesic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, deodorizing

Frankincense- Clean, dry, woody, fruity, pepper; anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial

Grapefruit - Citrus and floral; antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal

Lavender - Fresh, herbaceous and floral; anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, deodorant

Lemon - Clean, citrus, sugary, spicy; antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal

Myrrh- Hot, smoky, herbaceous; anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent

Patchouli- Earthy, smoky, spicy, and musky; antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, helps eliminate toxins

Peppermint  - Fresh, minty and herbaceous; analgesic, anesthetic (mild), antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent

Rosemary  - Strong, fresh and woody; antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent

Sandalwood - Soft, sweet, woody and balsamic; antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, calming

Sweet Orange- Sweet, sugary and citrus; antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal
Tea Tree Oil- Fresh and camphor-like; antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, fungicidal

Ylang Ylang - Very sweet, floral, balsamic and spicy; antiseptic

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)- helps with sweat absorption

Corn Starch- assists with sweat absorption

Alcohol wipes-  quick wipe will help refresh, since stink is a result of bacterial growth

Another popular natural deodorant is deodorant crystals.  They are very popular. 

You can use the EOs and "anti-perspirant"  to create your own deodorants.  You can use coconut oil, olive oil, aloe butter, etc to make application easier and feel like the traditional antiperspirants  sticks we are used to as well.

Enjoy!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Sea Salt Spray!!


So, I recently ordered me a closure piece ( hair extensions) because I'm feeling lazy and impatient with my hair so, I hope this protective style will save me from unnecessary damage.  ( I get this way at least once a year, LoL).  Anyhoo, in the care instructions they talk about using sea salt spray....What?  So Apparently sea salt spray is a hair stylists staple and kept secret.  It works wonders for hair extensions and hair!!  Plus, if you can actually find a bottle, it will run you $25 and up.....ridiculous. SMH!

For those with dry hair you need to add moisturizing ingredients to the mixture.  I have yet to try this spray, but I will try it on both my hair extensions and my own hair.  I will post updates!

Have you ever used sea salt spray?

So what does sea salt spray do for your hair?

Your Hair& Hair Extensions
  • Assist with creating beach wave look
  • Intensify curl patterns
  • Hair and Scalp refresher
  • Helps Loc's lock up faster
  • Helps with eliminating frizzes
  • Assist with tangling and product build up (hair extensions)
How to use:
On damp hair, spray and scrunch!

Easy Peasey Lemon Squeezey!


How to make it:  ( Create your formula)

Ingredients
  • Distilled Water
  • 1 tsp sea salt per 8oz H2O ( if you have oily hair, you can add more)
  • 1/2 tsp of conditioner of choice ( combats dryness)
  • Hair Gel (provides hold)
  • Aloe Vera Juice/Gel (optional)
  • EO (Optional)
  • Oils (optional)  Will not mix well, so will need to shake
  • Emulsifier if oils added
  • Preservative ( it is water based, but you might not need much because of the salt)
Instructions:

  1. Warm up water on stove or in microwave (does not need to be hot)
  2. Add Sea salt, stir and allow to dissolve
  3. Add other ingredients desired
  4. Pour mixture into clean spray bottle
Voila!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Making Your own Hydrosol



Uses:
Skin care
Aromatherapy
Hair Care Recipes
Facial Toner
Facial Refresher
Use it in as your water phase in recipes

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Emulsifiers



An emulsifier is the ingredient used in lotions and creams, lipsticks, balms, etc that combine water and oil.  As you know water and oil are not soluble (will not mix on their own).  I know you all remember those science fairs with the jugs of oil and water to demonstrate that oil and water do not mix.  Well the ingredients that make your lotions and creams possible are emulsifiers. 

Emulsifiers enable the oil and water to stay together enabling your oils to be surrounded by water, thus creating a cream.   To make an emulsion you need to divide your recipe into two phases, the oil and water phase.  Place all ingredients in their respective phases and heat each phase.  Depending on if you are doing a oil in water or a water in oil emulsion, you will had the second phase slowly to the first while continuously mixing. 

If you mess up one of part ( temperature, emulsifier,mixing) of the process,  your emulsion will not work. 

Here are some Emulsifiers, but every provider will have their own list/names and descriptions.
  • Candilla Wax
  • Beeswax
  • Polowax - Emulsifying Wax NF
  • Acacia gum
  • Oliwax
  • Jojoba Esters

Some give your products different feels/benefits, but it depends on what your looking for.  For example I read that if you want your lotion to have that greasy feel use beeswax, but if not you should use Polowax. 

You can also use co-emulsifiers to make your formulation more stable.

Examples ( but there are plenty more)

  • Borax w/ Beeswax
  • Cetyl Alcohol
  • Cetearyl Alcohol

Enjoy!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Formulators Supplies Needed


Suggested thing you'll need to formulate

Stainless Steel Spoons
Stainless Steel Bowls
Stainless Steel Double Boiler/ Pyrex Double Boiler(heat resistant)
Digital Scale (0.1 gram measurements)
Patience
Glass Bowl
Cheese Cloth/Strainer/Stainless Steel Tea Infuser
Notebook for Formula & Notes
Pyrex measuring cups
Glass Storage Jars (cobalt/amber depending on ingredients)
Plastic bottles/jars  (cobalt/amber depending on ingredients)
Cleaning Supplies
Ph test strips
Thermometer
Coffee Grinder/Food Processor
Whisk
Stick Blender
Gloves
Labeling System
Cool Dry Storage Place
Oven/ Microwave/Drying Cupboard
Ziploc bags
Large pot
Raw Ingredients!!

Herbal Extracts



Another way to use herbs and utilize their benefits in your formulations are extracts.  There are three different types of herbal extracts.

Alcohol Based Extracts/Tinctures

These extracts are made using 80 proof or higher grain alcohol and herbs.  These types of extract are used for medicinal purposes i.e digestion,acne, etc.  They are to be ingested by blending into your beverages or even just taking the drops.  These are the types of extracts you will typically find in Whole foods and other health food stores if not marked otherwise.  Shelf life is estimated to 1-2 yrs and should be stored in cobalt/amber glass jars. 

These types of extract are NOT to be used for most cosmetic applications.

Glycerin Based Extracts

These extracts are water soluble and can be used in the water phase of cosmetics.  They are also good for giving to children, those sensitive to alcohol etc.  The self life of these extracts are much shorter and should be used within 6 months.

Apple Cider Vinegar Based Extracts

These extracts can be used for herbal hair rinses or added to facial mud masks.  They also have a very short and should be used within a week.

When purchasing extracts pay attention to if they are made with alcohol and are water soluble or oil soluble for your formulations. 

Enjoy!