For the month of May my One Small Change was “to go off the grid” and make our bath and beauty products at home. I have been more and more concerned about all the antifungals, preservatives, fragrances, and colors that go into the shampoos and lotions we used every day. Our skin absorbs so many of the substances we spread on it and I am now aiming to steer clear of these petro-chemicals and go all-natural. (Not au natural, just use natural shampoos.)

So was I successful?

Mostly.

Here is what I was aiming to replace.

• toothpaste, mouthwash
• shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial cleanser
• shaving cream
• body lotion, body oil, moisturizer,
• facial moisturizer, toner, and lip balm

I ended up making and trying all the items I use except mouthwash. I ended up liking and now continue to use:

• shampoo
• body wash
• body lotion, body oil
• facial moisturizer and toner
• lip balm

I couldn’t give up my commercial natural conditioner, toothpaste, and facial cleanser.

My husband…well, he would rather stick to the commercial stuff for now, though I did purchase for him a more natural brand of hair gel, shaving cream, and body wash.

The kids now use homemade shampoo/bodywash, and body oil. But they still use commercial tooth-gel sometimes. The rest of the time they use simply xylitol. (More explanation about this one below.)

As a guide I used my favorite book Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles which I have mentioned here a thousand times. But I was able to adapt and develop a few of my own recipes which I intend to share with you here.

So, without further adeu…

Minty Body Wash

• 8oz unscented liquid castile soap
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drop tea tree oil
• 1t jojoba base oil

Pour all ingredients into a pump or squeeze bottle and shake vigorously. No refrigeration necessary, but best if used within 1 year.

Floral Clean Shampoo

• 1 C distilled water
• 1T calendula flowers
• 1T nettle
• 2t comfrey roots
• 2t orange peel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops calendula essential oil
• 1/2 t jojoba oil
• 1/4 C natural shampoo

In a small saucepan bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat and add calendula flowers, nettle, comfrey, orange peel, and rosemary and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain liquid through a double cheese cloth lined stainless steel sieve  into a medium bowl.

Add essential oils and jojoba base oil and stir to blend. Add shampoo and stir. Pour shampoo mixture into a plastic squeeze bottle.

Refrigerate and use within 4 weeks. I like to decant a small portion I can use in a week’s time and leave it in my shower. I refill it each week.

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The toothpaste I tried is actually a tooth powder made of xylitol and baking soda. I didn’t love the sweet tastes of xylitol. But for the kids I omitted the baking soda and just dip their brushes in Xylitol. This can be swallowed in small amounts, so I just stick their damp toothbrushes into a small tub of the xylitol powder and just stick it on in their little mouths. If you haven’t tried xylitol, it tastes sweet.

For more small changes you can make to make your lifestyle a little greener, click on over to the Hip Mountain Mama’s One Small Change blog! Here is to being green.