Take a look at the products in your beauty cabinets and under your kitchen sink.
Now pick up one of the bottles and read the list of ingredients.
Odds are you have no idea how to pronounce the majority of them, much less have any idea what they actually are.
Many hygienic and household cleansing items contain toxic ingredients that are linked to various health concerns such as reproductive issues, cancers, skin irritation, endocrine disruption and more.
In addition to health concerns, many of these products can cause major problems for the environment as well.
Microplastics, often labeled as polyethylene, polypropylene, or methacrylate, are tiny plastic particles found in face wash, toothpaste and household scrubbers that are the leading pollutant in our oceans.
If you aren’t concerned about health or the environment, at least be concerned for your wallet.
Buying a separate product for each step in your personal hygiene routine and each household chore can get unnecessarily expensive.
The seven items listed below are all-natural, multi-use products that are sure to improve your health, cut down on your environmental impact and save you a few bucks.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is nature’s magic medicine that builds your immune system, keeps your heart healthy and fights bacteria, viruses and fungi.
In place of lotions and hair gels, try massaging coconut oil into your skin and scalp after a refreshing shower, as it’s known to heal and moisturize.
Aside from being used for cooking and baking purposes, coconut oil is a key ingredient in several DIY all-natural hygiene products including lotions, body scrubs, conditioners and even toothpaste.
Try one of these easy DIY coconut oil recipes for the perfect all-natural alternative.
Epsom salt
Have you ever soaked in a hot bath with Epsom salt? If not, I highly recommend it.
Not only do Epsom salt infused baths melt away your stress and pain but also draw out heavy metal toxins from your body.
Epsom salt also works as a natural exfoliate for DIY hygiene and cleaning products.
Olive oil
Olive oil has been a vital necessity to many cultures for centuries and rightfully so.
This oil is rich in antioxidants, helps prevent inflammation and protects against heart disease.
In addition to cooking and baking purposes, olive oil hydrates dry hair, moisturizes and soothes the skin and can even be used as shaving cream.
Castile soap
Castile soap, the king of all soaps in my opinion, is an extremely versatile cleanser derived from vegetables.
Unlike your average soap, castile soap is free of synthetic toxins, vegan, biodegradable and certified fair trade.
As advertised by Dr. Bonner’s Castile Soap, castile soap has over 18 uses including face wash, body wash, shampoo, laundry detergent and dish soap.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another gift from our ancient ancestors.
Its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities are why the ancient Greeks used it to treat anything from wounds to the common cold.
Vinegar is also one of the strongest natural cleansers as it can fight tough grease in the kitchen, unclog drains and remove stains.
Baking soda
Believe it or not, baking soda isn’t just for whitening your teeth.
It’s a great remedy for acid reflux, cold and flu symptoms, urinary tract infections and even bug bites.
Baking soda is also used in a variety of DIY hygienic products including deodorant, toothpaste and lotions.
Essential oils
What if I told you your signature perfume most likely contains a variety of synthetic chemicals in it, some of which are actually considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency?
Companies can get away with using these chemicals because they hide behind the word “fragrance” – an all-encompassing ingredient that is not regulated by the government.
This is why essential oils are truly essential – they are the natural solution to perfume.
Not to mention, each one has its own added benefits.
For a more detailed list click here, but for some benefits of my favorite three, try these:
Tea tree oil: antibacterial, antifungal, acne treatment
Lemon oil: improves skin complexion
Lavender oil: antibacterial, stress reducer, acne treatment
by Caroline Kelly
CougarBuzz 