Clara’s natural cosmetics workshop

Disclaimer:

Some of the information contained in this article are opinions that are not fully supported by science. While we generally agree that natural cosmetics have benefits, and we support DIY production when possible, we invite all of you to fact-check this article for more detailed information.

During the picking olives volunteering team, Clara from Spain prepared a very interesting workshop on natural cosmetics. We learned how to make our own deodorant and toothpaste.

She explained to us the importance of why it is better to produce our own cosmetics as they are better for our endocrine system and for the environment.

“Our skin not only sweats, it also drinks, it is not only for the exit of toxins, more hardly but they can also enter. The skin also breathes. The level of absorption depends on the kind of skin, for sure, but nowadays we put a lot of chemical stuff on it that ends up harming our endocrine system. But it is not only that: also the environment to produce it and to throw it away.”

Why make your own toothpaste?

1. Less plastic
2. Less money spent
3. Avoid those ingredients for your health and the environmental health:
● Triclosan
● Fluoride
● Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
● Propylene Glycol
● Artificial sweeteners
● Dietanolhamine
● Parabens

Cleaning products and cosmetics contain endocrine disruptors, that are man-made
chemicals that may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, known as the
endocrine system.

Recipes for toothpaste

Here are a few recipes, some simple and some complexes, so you can get an idea of how many ingredient possibilities there are for homemade toothpaste (a lot!) After the recipes, the description of the ingredients, is even more, important than the recipes, to understand what we are doing.

MY PROPOSAL
Toothpaste in powder:

● 2 teaspoons of pulverized sage leaves (but we have to ask if we can collect so
much sage)
● 1 teaspoon of lemon verbena
● 1 or 2 tablespoons of baking soda with calcium carbonate
● 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
● 1 tablespoon of sifted ashes (they must not be from conifer woods or anything
with resins)
● 1 teaspoon of white clay

Deodorant. Reasons to not use conventional deodorant:

1. Aluminum compounds and salt.
2. Talc. This common ingredient found in baby powder is known for its ability to
resist moisture and absorb oils.
3. Parabens.
4. Propylene Glycol.
5. Triclosan.
6. Phthalates.
7. Alcohol
8. Also avoid CFCs and plastic.

Ingredients citric deodorant:

● The skin of three oranges.
● The skin of three lemons.
● 1 cup of sea salt.
● 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
● 1 liter of water.

Preparation
Grate the skins of both citrus fruits and boil them in a liter of water. Once the preparation boils, strain very well and reserve for shower time. When preparing the water for the bath, add the previous preparation and, later, add the sea salt and the three tablespoons of bicarbonate. Use this mixture as a deodorant and relaxer for the body.

👉 If you are interested in knowing more recipes and more information about them, look at this link to the pdf that Clara made.