There are many products that are worth investing in rather than buying the cheapest option. Items with harsh chemicals or questionable additives can affect your health, so choosing natural or higher-quality ingredients can be both safer and more cost-effective over time.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I avoid aluminum-laced deodorant and harsh chemical soaps. My aim is to reduce the number of synthetic chemicals I put on my skin. For most people, making that change alone significantly lowers the chemical load our bodies must process.
Paying more for safer products is one approach, but you don’t always have to buy the pricey brands — you can make many effective, natural alternatives at home. While there’s an initial cost to buy ingredients in larger quantities, the per-use cost usually ends up much lower. I purchased large tubs of shea butter and bentonite clay, which felt like a bigger investment at the time, but the cost per ounce was far less and the supplies have lasted for years.
Skin Care Products You Can Make At Home To Save Money
Lip Balm
Homemade lip balm is one of my favorites. Commercial balms often feel too waxy, too greasy, or don’t last. Making your own lets you customize texture and ingredients so it suits your needs exactly. Once you try a batch tailored to you, you’ll likely prefer it to store-bought versions.
Tooth Powder / Toothpaste
There’s debate about fluoride and some ingredients in commercial toothpastes. Many people prefer to avoid those chemicals, especially for children. Tooth powder is simple to make and avoids plastic tubes, while homemade toothpaste recipes let you control the ingredients and add remineralizing elements if desired.
Homemade Deodorant
The underarm area has delicate skin and lymph nodes close by, so many choose to avoid aluminum-based antiperspirants that plug pores to stop sweating. Natural deodorants keep you fresh without that concern. Homemade versions are easy to make, effective, and allow you to skip questionable additives.
Baby Lotion
Homemade baby lotion can be incredibly gentle and nourishing. A simple, natural lotion worked well for my baby’s sensitive skin and was gentle enough for my face too. Making your own lets you avoid fragrances and preservatives that often irritate delicate skin.
Body Lotion
A more advanced body lotion uses richer, skin-nourishing ingredients but remains easy to prepare. Homemade lotions are excellent for dry areas like heels and elbows and avoid the unnecessary additives found in some commercial products.
Bar Soap
Making bar soap is straightforward and rewarding. You can create gentle, moisturizing bars that retain natural oils instead of stripping them away like many mass-market soaps do. Simple cold-process or hot-process soap methods produce quality bars with minimal fuss.
Liquid Soap
Once you’ve made bar soap, turning some into liquid soap for bathroom dispensers is quick and easy — typically just bar soap and water. It’s convenient and reduces packaging waste.
Cough Drops
Homemade cough drops let you soothe sore throats and coughs with natural, gentle ingredients rather than relying on over-the-counter formulations. They’re a comforting option when family members are under the weather.
Cough Syrup
Homemade cough syrup follows the same idea: mild, effective ingredients you recognize and trust. I’ve even had little ones accidentally taste it with no adverse effects — something I’m glad about compared with many commercial options.
Homemade Itch Relief
Natural itch relief sprays are excellent for bug bites, poison ivy, and other irritations. A soothing, homemade blend can provide fast relief without the unnecessary chemicals found in many commercial products.
Homemade Sun Butter (Sunscreen)
Commercial sunscreens include ingredients some families prefer to avoid. Homemade sun lotions made with mineral-based ingredients can be an alternative for those who want to limit chemical exposure while still protecting skin from sun damage.
Homemade After Sun Spray
If you get sunburned, an after-sun spray can be a lifesaver. Homemade versions are soothing and hydrating for sunburned skin and are gentle enough to apply repeatedly during recovery.
Homemade Facial Exfoliant
Simple facial scrubs made from a few natural ingredients can be highly effective. A gentle exfoliant helps remove dead skin cells and can leave your complexion refreshed without harsh microbeads or abrasive chemicals.
Homemade Sugar Scrub
Homemade sugar scrubs exfoliate and nourish skin at the same time. They slough off rough patches while the oils you include help moisturize, leaving skin soft and smooth.
Homemade Stretch Mark Cream
While stretch marks may not be completely reversible, nourishing the deeper layers of skin can improve collagen support and reduce their appearance. Homemade creams made from natural butters and oils feed skin without unnecessary additives.
Homemade Facial Astringents
Many commercial astringents use harsh chemicals to tighten skin temporarily. Homemade astringents made with gentle, natural ingredients can tone and refresh skin without irritating it.
Making your own personal care products is approachable and often healthier than many store-bought alternatives. Using natural, chemical-free ingredients reduces exposure to unnecessary additives and can save money in the long run.
Want more home remedies? Be sure to follow my remedies board on Pinterest where we’re adding more recipes every day!
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