Over the years I’ve experimented a lot with my skincare, looking for the perfect thing. This clay cleansing bar with bentonite clay, nourishing oils, and moisturizing butters may be my new favorite.

Soap dries my skin out, and a brief stint with a conventional soap in high school resulted in a breakout the likes of mount Vesuvius. I’ve tried honey face wash (love!) but I wanted to give oil cleansing a try. These clay cleansing bars combine the gentle nature of oil cleansing, with the clarifying benefits of clay. The result is a soap-free cleansing bar that makes skin vibrant.

Clay Cleansing Bars: Oil Cleansing Upgraded

The oil cleansing method has gotten popular recently. Essentially it involves rubbing oil on your face and then rinsing with water. If you’ll think back to freshman chemistry, like dissolves like, and that’s the concept used here.
It’s worked wonderfully for many of its disciples and has been an epic failure for others. So why does oil cleansing seem to only work some of the time?

Different carrier oils have different properties that are better for different skin types. Some are high in linoleic acid, which is better for acne-prone skin. Some have high amounts of oleic acid, which is better for dry skin. It can take some experimenting, but choosing the right carrier oil for your skin type is key here.

The Power of the Seed by Susan Parker is my favorite book to learn all about natural carrier oils. If oil chemistry isn’t your thing though, no worries. I’ve included recipes for each skin type so you can find your perfect match. Beauty shouldn’t have to be complicated.

What is a Clay Cleansing Bar?

It may sound fancy, but we’re just combining carrier oils, butters, and clay together to make a gentle facial bar. You can use rose or pink clay to make a pink clay cleansing bar for drier or mature skin. I like bentonite clay for blemished skin since it draws out impurities. There are lots of natural options to choose from!

The clay powder helps to gently exfoliate skin while the oils and butters soften.

How to Make Clay Cleansing Bars

These clay cleansing bars are a creative way to oil cleanse with the added benefits of clay. I’ve included two different clay bar recipes for various skin types.

Bentonite clay is high in minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and helps draw toxins from the skin. This healing clay also oxygenates the skin by pulling excess hydrogen from skin cells for smooth, supple skin. It’s also great for detoxing the mouth and is the main ingredient in my chai remineralizing toothpaste. 

Kaolin clay is great for normal or drier skin types. It’s also gentle for sensitive skin and stimulates circulation. Rose kaolin clay, also known as pink clay is similar. The pink version of kaolin gets its gorgeous color from iron and is also good for mature skin.

Bentonite Clay Cleansing Bar

The clay cleansing bar for acne and blemished skin uses grapeseed oil, which is lightweight and packed with acne-fighting ingredients. You’ll also find tea tree essential oil which helps reduce the appearance of acne and addresses the root cause.

I’ve also included a tiny bit of tamanu oil for its remarkable skin regenerating abilities. Tamanu is perfect for those with acne scars or blemishes! Yes, tamanu is strong smelling, but it’s not noticeable once it’s in the clay cleansing bars.

Facial Cleansing Bar Recipe for Mature Skin

If you’re not in the oily, acne-prone skin camp, then there’s a mature skin bar. Honestly, I don’t have mature skin yet. I’m not even 30. However, I do want to age gracefully, so I use plenty of anti-aging ingredients in my skincare routine.

Geranium and lavender are some of my favorite skin soothing essential oils. These help keep skin smooth and blemish free. The carrier oils I’ve chosen are anti-inflammatory and full of vitamins and amino acids to support healthy skin.

The anti-aging clay cleansing bar uses sweet almond oil that’s moisturizing, but not too greasy. You’ll also find rosehip seed oil, which has been nicknamed the wrinkle eraser. Avocado oil rounds it out with its ability to increase collagen, keeping skin firm and full. I also like using avocado oil in this blend for varicose veins.

How to Use Your Clay Cleansing Bar

1. After the bar has completely cooled, pop it out of the mold and onto a towel lined countertop. It will need to be in the fridge for at least an hour, and you want to make sure it’s firm before removing it.
2. Cut off a small piece of the bar to use. These melt if they’re held in the hand, so I find it easiest to remove some as needed.
3.  Rub the clay cleansing bar piece all over your skin in circular motions with either your fingers or a washcloth. Rinse well with water. Your skin should feel soft and moisturized. Pat it dry with a clean towel, and that’s it!

Shelf Life and Storage

Keep your clay cleansing bar in a cool place, away from direct heat and light. Be sure your hands are clean before touching the product and don’t allow the bar to get wet (bacteria loves water!). I use a butter knife to cut off a small slice to use.

If stored properly the cleansing bar should last 6-12 months.

Why Use a Scale?

I’ve included the measurements for this recipe by weight in grams, and also in teaspoons/tablespoons if you don’t have a scale. I love my scale and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made when it comes to skincare making supplies. I don’t have to get a bunch of measuring spoons dirty, it all goes in one bowl.  The results are more consistent too since creating skincare by weight is more accurate.

To use my scale, I  set the bowl on and hit tare, add an ingredient, then hit tare before weighing each additional ingredient. Seriously, I use it ALL the time, and I only had to replace the batteries just this year.

Have you ever cleaned your skin with clay or oil before? Let us know how it went. And be sure to share this post with a friend!

The post Unique Clay Cleansing Bar Recipes for Clear Skin appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

DIY Honey Face Wash

I have a love/hate relationship with soap. Even the purest natural soap makes my skin feel like it’s been attacked with a bristly scrub brush and then doused in lemon juice. Unless it’s hand soap, like this lemon thyme foaming soap, the rest of me doesn’t get along with soap too well. When I discovered DIY honey face wash I decided to give it a whirl.

So I stopped using soap on my face.

I’ve tried a lot of different face washes, but I wanted to create a homemade honey face wash recipe without any drying ingredients. Something that would be gentle, yet effective for clear skin.

Soap and I are Frenemies

In middle school my face was riddled with acne, so my dad insisted I try Ivory soap. It was pure. It was great for skin. What could happen?

My face was so red, blotchy, and inflamed afterward, that I looked like I’d been stung by an angry beehive. And it felt like it too. No more Ivory soap for this girl.

A few years ago I used a natural cleanser on my face whenever I’d remember to. It was still drying though. Soap may remove dirt, but it can irritate more sensitive skin, especially for those with acne or eczema.

DIY Face Wash Without Castile Soap

Castile soap is popular in the natural health world, but it can be harsh on the skin. Our skin’s pH is naturally acidic at about 4.5, while castile soap has a high pH closer to 9. A skincare routine that overuses soap cleansers can harm the skin’s protective acid mantle.

Recently I switched to a DIY honey face wash. Since there’s no soap in this, my skin feels soft, moisturized, and yes, even clean! Washing your face with a jar of sweetener may sound nuts, but raw honey has amazing properties. This makes it the perfect choice for delicate facial skin.

Honey Face Wash Benefits

There’s a long history of use when it comes to honey in skincare. Before Gen Z was even born and TikTok wasn’t even a sparkle in a web developer’s eye, Cleopatra and the ancients were slathering on the honey. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it on skin burns and wounds. Indigenous tribes used it to clean their skin. Honey helps the skin repair itself and modulates the skin’s immune system.

According to a 2013 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, “Honey in dermatology and skincare”, raw honey is:

• clarifying to help give skin that dewy look
• full of anti-oxidants
• calming to skin
• nourishing
• softens skin
• antibacterial
• reduces acne and breakouts
• helps lock in moisture
• emollient and humectant
• anti-aging and reduces the appearance of wrinkles
• full of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and amino acids
• restores damaged skin
• regulates skin pH
• anti-inflammatory

What is the Best Honey to Wash Your Face With?

Unfortunately, a lot of the cheapo grocery store honey is laced with corn syrup. I prefer supporting small businesses and getting raw honey from local farmers. Raw honey hasn’t been processed so it has more beneficial properties for smoother, healthier skin.

Manuka honey is even better, but it can be on the pricey side. This honey has all of the same benefits as raw honey but in a higher concentration. My top pick for face wash with honey is manuka, with raw honey (even better if it’s local), coming in at a close second.

DIY Face Wash with Essential Oils

I had to add essential oils to this recipe as well. Because different oils have different properties, certain ones work better with different skin types, though many are all-purpose.

The Best Essential Oils for Homemade Face Wash

• Lavender– soothing and calming to the skin, and supports healthy cellular regeneration.
• Lemon– reduces the appearance of spots and discoloration.
• Frankincense – reduces the appearance of scars and wrinkles, soothing and evens skin tone.
• Geranium – reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and promotes healthy circulation.
• Cedarwood – helps clarify skin, soothes red and irritated skin, good for oily skin.
• Tea Tree – helps regulate oil production and reduces the appearance of acne.

The Best Carrier Oils for a Homemade Honey Face Wash

There’s a lot to be said about what carrier oil to use for what skin type. Sweet almond oil works great with my normal skin type. My husband has irritated, acne-prone, and dry skin, so I used rosehip seed and evening primrose oil in his honey face wash. Avocado and olive oil are great for more mature or drier skin.

Preserving the Honey Facial Cleanser

Because this DIY face wash uses water, be sure to use clean, sterilized utensils and containers. Filtered, preferably distilled water, is another must. I use filtered water from our Berkey filter that I also boiled. You don’t want any bacteria enjoying your honey face wash!

The honey helps act as a natural preservative too. That being said, this will keep best in the fridge, or should be used within a few weeks.

Using Hydrosols in Your DIY Face Wash

Another option is floral hydrosols. These are the byproducts of essential oil distillation and are infused with the health benefits of the plant. Hydrosols come preserved and usually last about a year, depending on the brand. Rose hydrosol is my favorite because it smells amazing while it soothes and calms skin. You can find hydrosols from Plant Therapy here.

How To Make Honey Face Wash

If you don’t want to bother with either distilled water or hydrosols, you can nix them and just use the honey and oils. This version of homemade face wash with honey is a little thicker and will need to be stored in a jar. To apply the honey and oils to your face, simply scoop up a little and massage into damp skin.

Lately, I’ve been using pure, raw manuka honey on my face as a mask. When I wash it off my skin feel’s full, nourished, and moisturized. I’ll follow it up with a little skin cream with essential oils.

Are all of These Oils Necessary?

No, but you’ll likely see better results. You can customize the essential oils used to your preference and exact skin type. If you don’t have one called for in a recipe, then just add some more of what you do have. The nice thing about a homemade face wash is you can customize it!

Honey Face Wash For Mature or Dry Skin

• Avocado oil is very moisturizing and penetrates deep into the skin.
• Rosehip seed oil is great for wrinkles and blemishes but is too drying on its own.
• Sweet almond oil is less greasy than avocado and combines everything together nicely.
• If you want to keep it simple, just use 2 tsps olive or avocado oil and skip the other carrier oils.

Honey Face Wash Q&A

Can I leave Honey on My Face Overnight?

Probably, but it would be really sticky. I’m imagining hair stuck to my face and raw honey slathered on my pillowcase. A face wash with honey works just as well and doesn’t make sleeping uncomfortable.

Is Honey Good for Your Face Every Day?

Although I don’t use this face wash every day, I would imagine that it would be fine. It’s soothing and moisturizing so it’s not going to dry out or irritate skin with lots of use. You may find that your skin is so dewy and moisturized though, that you don’t need to use it every day.

Does Honey Make Skin Glow?

Define glow. If we’re talking about a dewy, vibrant look where the skin is plump and moisturized, then yes. This honey face wash is nourishing skin from the outside in because of all of its nutrients.

Can Honey Remove Dark Spots?

While a lot of people report using honey for dark spots, that’s not exactly how it works. Honey won’t lighten skin like a bleaching cream will, but it can improve it. Scars, acne marks, and damaged skin will all improve with a honey face wash. So if the darker discoloration is from skin blemishes, then honey can address those blemishes.

Is it Good to Wash Your Face With Honey?

Is honey good for your skin? Oh let me count the ways. It’s so much better than conventional face wash with toxic chemicals, but I’d argue it can even trump many natural face washes. It can be hard to find a soap based face wash that’s perfect for your skin type, which is why I love honey. It’s good for acne-prone skin, dry skin, oily skin, and mature skin.

Is Honey Safe to Use For Face Wash?

In general yes. However, if you’re allergic to bees or pollen you might want to do a small patch test on your skin or skip it altogether. If someone eats honey all of the time with no problem it probably won’t hurt their skin though.

Prefer to Buy Honey Face Wash?

If you don’t want to mess with making your own DIY honey face wash, then there are a few options. Use plain, raw manuka honey. Apply it to a wet face, massage it in, and then wash it off. Easy peasy.

If you want to purchase a ready-made product, here are some natural honey face washes that nourish the skin without harsh chemicals:

• Vitamin C and Manuka Honey Gel Cleanser – Now Solutions
• Clean Bee Gentle Facial Cleanser – Farmacy
• Honey Cleanse Face Calming Wash – Beloved Beauty

Have you ever used honey on your face? Are you up for trying it? Leave a comment and let me know!

Sources:

• Burlando, B., & Cornara, L. (2013). Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 12(4), 306–313.
• McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Cent Asian J Glob Health. 2016 Aug 4;5(1):241. doi: 10.5195/cajgh.2016.241. PMID: 29138732; PMCID: PMC5661189.
• Parker, S. (2015). Power of the Seed: Your Guide to Oils for Health & Beauty.

The post DIY Honey Face Wash for Blemish Free Skin appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

As a nanny, teacher, and caregiver, I’ve had more than my fair share of germ exposure. At home I often use homemade foaming hand soap, but that won’t work when I’m grabbing a  grocery cart at Walmart. A natural DIY hand sanitizer with essential oils is just the thing to safely keep nasty germs at bay.

More than Dry Skin

A few years ago the FDA banned triclosan, the active ingredient in many hand sanitizers. Scientists speculate this chemical may contribute to antibacterial resistance and according to the FDA it’s not safe for pregnant women. But the ingredients that replaced triclosan aren’t much better.

Hand Sanitizers can Cause Skin Damage

Most hand sanitizers, even natural ones, use crazy high amounts of alcohol – about 70 percent. It may kill germs, but it’s also doing something more sinister to our health. Alcohol breaks down the skin’s protective acid mantle, which destroys the body’s natural defenses, and damages its ability to defend against further damage. Hand sanitizers can also cause wrinkles along with the damaged skin.

Cancer risk

Even worse, one study found 3 percent alcohol applied to skin for two days, caused cell death to jump by 26 percent! The more often alcohol is used on skin, the greater the damage. Even in small amounts alcohol causes inflammation and destroys our cells ability to defend against cancer causing free radicals.

We can’t completely avoid germs, but we also don’t want to destroy skin cells in the fight against bacteria.

Natural Hand Sanitizer Without Alcohol

Conventional brands rely on alcohol to kill germs but there’s more than one way to get the job done. Essential oils have a wide array of antimicrobial properties that kick germs butt. I chose cinnamon leaf and orange essential oil for this recipe, or you can buy a pre-made germ fighting blend. Tea tree, clove, oregano, thyme, and bay essential oils are also good germ fighting options.

How to Make Scented Hand Sanitizer

Take a whiff of most hand sanitizers and your nose will be left with a burning sensation from all that alcohol. The artificial fragrances some add to mask the smell only add to the health risks. Essential oils are my go to because they help fight germs and smell amazing.

Hand Sanitizer with Essential Oils

Certain essential oils may smell nice, but they don’t play so nice with skin. Cinnamon is one of those. Cinnamon bark and cassia cinnamon can easily irritate skin, causing rashes and burns when used in too high a concentration. While cinnamon bark in general should be kept below .07 percent, cinnamon leaf is safe up to .6 percent.

However, cinnamon is a germ fighting powerhouse so I’ve included cinnamon leaf in my diy hand sanitizer recipe. Orange is another favorite antibacterial essential oil of mine and is gentle on skin. Unlike some citrus oils, orange is not phototoxic and won’t increase sun damage.

Is Homemade Hand Sanitizer Effective?

That’s the magic question, isn’t it? A study published by Oxford University Press looked at cinnamon’s effect on bacteria. Researchers discovered cinnamon essential oil is effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. A 2017 study, Essential oil components of orange peels and antimicrobial activity, found orange essential oil is also effective against a wide array of pathogens.

There’s a catch though. We have to use enough essential oil for it to kill the germs. When we overdilute essential oils they lose their efficacy, are a wasted effort, and can be dangerous.  The diy hand sanitizer recipe below uses essential oils that are diluted so they’ll be both safe and effective.

What About WHO?

But hold up… doesn’t the World Health Organization (WHO) say only alcohol makes a working hand sanitizer? While it’s true the WHO recommends you put 75-80 percent alcohol on your hands, I’m not comfortable with that for the reasons mentioned earlier. Groups like the CDC and WHO have their place, but they also don’t recognize the growing body of literature showing the antimicrobial properties of essential oils on skin. The best solution is to always wash your hands with non-antibacterial soap and water, but hand sanitizers help in certain situations. Like at the gas station or grocery store.

This recipe is for those that prefer a more natural option. Like any homemade product though it isn’t officially tested and verified to be 100% effective. Personally I feel much better using this homemade hand sanitizer for myself and my kids. If you want to opt for an alcohol version though, then feel free to replace the distilled water with 70% isopropyl alcohol and 1 tsp glycerin.

Natural Hand Sanitizer: Not Just for Hands

DIY hand sanitizer spray is good for your hands, but I also use it on door knobs, shopping cart handles, and strangers on airplanes. I actually don’t spray down strangers with homemade hand sanitizer, but my friend Debbie does… or at least the air around them.

However you choose to use it, DIY hand sanitizer will make the germs scream and run in terror. Without destroying your skin and causing free radical damage.

Know someone who needs this recipe? Share the love with the social share buttons below!

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How Does a DIY Toner Work?

A toner is a product that tightens and reduces the appearance of pores. A face wash will cleanse and remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil, but it won’t minimize the pores.

Using the right toner will also restore the skin’s pH. Skin is supposed to have a pH of about 5.5, but soap has a pH between 7 and 10. A toner helps restore the acid balance on our skin which helps keep out harmful pathogens. This is also why I don’t use alcohol on my skin or DIY hand sanitizer... it destroys the protective acid mantle.

Why an Apple Cider Vinegar Toner?

Raw apple cider vinegar is acidic, which helps to restore the skin’s proper pH. When pH is happy our skin won’t be too dry or oily and there’s fewer acne and blemishes. Mint is refreshing and invigorating, but it also doubles as an astringent to tighten pores.  This herb is also great for acne and clear skin since it’s anti-inflammatory.

This toner can be made two ways, as an infusion, or with essential oil.

To make an herbal toner infusion:

Fill a clean glass jar halfway full of dried mint or stuffed full of fresh mint. Pour raw apple cider vinegar on top of the herb until the jar is full. If you’re using fresh herbs be sure that no plant material is sticking up out of the vinegar or it may mold. Close the jar and let it sit for 2-3 weeks. Once the vinegar has infused, strain and discard the herbs.

Benefits of Mint for Skin

Peppermint may not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to toner. Toothpaste maybe, but on the face?? This herb can work wonders in a skin regimen though. Peppermint is stimulating and refreshing, helps balance oil production, and soothes. It can calm skin irritation and improves attention and focus. Despite its long list of impressive benefits, I regret to say peppermint won’t clean the kitchen for you though.

A skin soothing mint toner to tighten pores and refresh skin. 

The post Simple Apple Cider Vinegar Toner With Mint appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

The Downside of Lotion

Homemade lotion can be tricky. Regular lotion can separate, spoil quickly, or your toddler may decide to finger-paint with it. Lotion bars however are portable and don’t contain water so they last much longer.

I’ve tried other lotion bars before, but they were hard to apply.  Rock solid lotion bars are good for storage, but pose some difficulty when you try to melt it on skin. Beeswax makes lotion bars firm, but then they’re harder to use. Thankfully I came up with a solution to cut down on the beeswax and still get a solid lotion bar.

The Secret to the Best Lotion Bar Recipe

Cocoa butter is one of my favorite ingredients since it adds firmness to recipes, but isn’t as hard and waxy as beeswax. Cocoa butter also smells like chocolate. Who can say no to chocolate?? This butter is also the secret ingredient in my non-waxy lip balm recipes in my e-book, Body & Skin.

Coconut oil is the other star ingredient in this recipe. It’s high in medium chain fatty acids and deeply nourishes skin. Since coconut oil is solid at room temperature (especially in the winter when skin is drier), it helps keep the bars firmer than liquid oil.

And of course you can’t have white chocolate peppermint lotion bars without peppermint. Peppermint is invigorating and energizing. Mint essential oil is frequently used to soothe digestive upset and promote clear breathing. Even though we’re using mint for its scent, you’ll still get the aromatherapy benefits of the essential oil.

Shaping the Lotion Bars

I have several molds that I use for lotion bars that are different shapes and sizes. Hard plastic or silicone molds both work, but I prefer silicone since I find them easier to use.   I don’t mind using the same mold for food, since the lotion ingredients are non-toxic and edible. Be sure to wash the molds well before using them for food though. Muffin tins will also work in a pinch.

These moisturizing and portable lotion bars are just the thing for dry skin. It doesn't hurt that they smell like chocolate mint!

Have you made lotion bars before? What’s your favorite way to stay moisturized?

The post Silky Chocolate Mint Lotion Bar Recipe appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

I used to struggle with acne, hence my acne blasting facial mask, but hormone balance has made a world of difference. Every so often some pimples still rear their ugly heads, which is where this exfoliating yogurt face mask comes in. It gently exfoliates, renews, and nourishes for glowing skin.

Liquid Exfoliator

Salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, and even baking soda can be harsh on face’s delicate skin. Exfoliating is a must though to slough away dead skin cells and reveal the healthy, glowing skin underneath. Liquid exfoliants are growing in popularity for their ability to do just that, without being too harsh on skin. There’s a problem though.

Liquid exfoliators rely on natural acids, like glycolic, salicylic or AHA acids, to strip away part or all of the epidermal layer. Skin is exfoliated, blemishes are diminished, and skin regenerates. While these acids are natural, these products have much higher acid levels than what’s found in nature (Kontochristopoulos & Platsidaki, 2017).

Peeling off your face

Some chemical peels can cause swelling, itching, redness, burning, and /or permanent skin color changes. Deep chemical peels use carbolic acid to takes off most of the skin on the face and can cause liver, kidney or heart damage (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

Stripping off part of your face sounds scary, so why do people do it? There’s a much gentler way to exfoliate, without organ failure risk ! Alpha hydroxy acids, found in dairy products do have some major skin benefits (Kilikita, 2018). AHA helps to:

• Reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and lines
• Improve the appearance of dark spots
• Stimulate collagen to keep skin smooth, firm and with fewer wrinkles.
• Shrink pores
• Treat mild to moderate acne
• Improve acne scars

A natural way to AHA

It’s possible to have the benefits of a liquid exfoliant, without resorting to harsh, isolated chemicals. Yogurt contains lactic acid, the Alpha Hydroxy Acid in some commercial liquid exfoliants. Unlike chemical peels that contain 5-10% lactic acid, commercial yogurt contains about 1% organic acids (Romanowski, 2012).

Homemade yogurt that ferments for 24 hours has a much higher lactic acid content than store bought. As the milk cultures, good bacteria turn the lactose (milk sugar), into lactic acid. The end result is a low sugar, probiotic packed yogurt rich in gut healthy lactic acid (Culture’s for Health, n.d.).

Superfood yogurt face mask

Not only is yogurt beneficial for gut health, but it’s pretty awesome for skin too. Like our gut, skin has its own little eco-system. The skin microbiome needs the same care as our gut microbiome and topical probiotics are a great way to do that. Researchers also found that yogurt protects against sun damage.

Yogurt fermented with lactic acid increases DNA repair and improves skin immunity after UVB ray damage. Over time, eating yogurt and collagen rich foods protect skin from redness and sunburn after UV radiation exposure (Morifuji, 2019).

Like our gut, skin contains trillions of bacteria and fungi that have a symbiotic relationship with us. A healthy skin microbiome helps keep us healthy and wards off infection.

“The microbiome and skin immune system “talk” to each other regularly, dampening inflammation. When the microbiome is out of line the immune system can release various antimicrobial peptides… Likewise, our good bacterial residents can inhibit the release of inflammatory compounds from the immune system.” (Fitzgerald, 2016).

Lemon for skin health

Citrus fruits contain malic, ascorbic, and citric acid, though citric acid is what gives them their tart taste. These acids, like lactic acid, help to gently exfoliate skin. Ascorbic acid is also known as vitamin C and is essential for our skin to make collagen, the main protein in connective tissue.

Even though limes are more sour, lemons contain more vitamin C. When the British Royal Navy took limes on an expedition to prevent scurvy, they found out the hard way that lemons were better suited for the job (Compound Interest, 2014).

Bottled lemon concentrate isn’t as effective as fresh. Researchers found  fresh lemon juice contains about 1.44 grams of citric acid per ounce of juice, while bottled only has 1.1 grams (Penniston, et al, 2008).

Camu Camu for collagen power

While lemons contain a good amount of vitamin C, camu camu berry blows them out of the water. With a whopping 760% dv of vitamin C per teaspoon, camu camu is a rich source of this antioxidant. Not only does vitamin C help skin produce collagen for smooth, luscious skin, but it fights free radical damage. Collagen creams contain molecules that are too large for skin to absorb, but trigger the skin to make it’s own collagen can yield impressive results (Compound Interest, 2014).

Which Yogurt is best for skin?

Homemade yogurt that’s fermented for 24 hours will have more beneficial lactic acid and probiotics than store bought. I make yogurt almost every week in our Instant Pot, but I’ve also made it in the oven and crockpot before. I work 2 jobs, homeschool, and have 2 kids (including a toddler) but homemade yogurt is still doable for our family.

There are plenty of easy yogurt making methods that require little hands on time for big results. Homemade yogurt is runny at first, so I strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours in the fridge until thickened.

If you don’t want to use homemade yogurt, then I’d opt for a grass-fed Greek yogurt. Organic Greek yogurt would be next best. Regular organic yogurt is thin and may make for a sad yogurt face mask since it could drip right off.

Exfoliating Yogurt Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 tsp yogurt, preferably homemade and strained, or organic Greek yogurt can be used
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 tsp camu camu powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Use your fingers to apply the mask liberally to the face.
3. After about 15 minutes remove the mask with warm water and a washcloth.

How to care for your face after a yogurt face mask

While this won’t strip off half of your face like a deep chemical peel, some precautions are sill in order. Skin may be more sensitive to sunlight after exfoliating and more prone to sunburn. It isn’t necessary, but you can follow up the yogurt face mask with a moisturizer, like this homemade rose lotion.

References

• Compound Interest. (2014). Sourness and Scurvy – The Chemistry of a lemon. Retrieved from https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/03/03/sourness-scurvy-the-chemistry-of-a-lemon/
• Cultures for Health. (n.d.). The benefits and perils of a long culturing time for yogurt. Retrieved from https://www.culturesforhealth.com/learn/yogurt/benefits-perils-long-culturing-time-yogurt/
• Fitzgerald, K. (2016). Your Skin Microbiome: Why It’s Essential For A Healthy Glow. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-23996/your-skin-microbiome-why-its-essential-for-a-healthy-glow.html
• Kontochristopoulos, G., Platsidaki, E. (2017). Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars. Clinical Dermatology. 35(2):179-182. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.10.011.
• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) Chemical Peel. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473
• Penniston, K., Nakada, S., Holmes, R., Assimos, D. (2008). Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Commercially-Available Fruit Juice Products. Journal of Endourology. (3): 567–570. doi: 10.1089/end.2007.0304
• Kilikita, J. (2018). Acids Decoded: What Are AHAs, BHAs And PHAs In Skincare? Retrieved from https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/a41177/acids-for-skin-benefits-aha-pha-bha/
• Romanowski, S. (2012). The Natural Exfoliator Hiding in Your Fridge. Retrieved from https://www.self.com/story/can-you-exfoliate-with-yogurtYour Skin Microbiome: Why It’s Essential For A Healthy Glow

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Bugs are more than annoying

Both of my parents have Lyme disease. Even their dog has Lyme disease. This bug-borne illness has become a national epidemic and we’re told the only way to avoid bites is to douse our skin in pesticides. DEET is common, but it’s also been linked with brain damage, insomnia and seizures.

DEET’s instructions warn not to breathe it, don’t let it touch skin, and don’t get it in the mouth. My toddler’s fingers are CONSTANTLY in his mouth. And when it’s hot in the summer I have more skin exposed. So, don’t breathe, don’t let it touch you, and wash it off before bed.

Let’s be real, who does that??

It’s a game of Russian roulette between the bugs and the bug spray. There are natural options, but how can we know they really work?

Pesticides ain’t what they used to be

The bad news is bugs have evolved to be less resistant to certain chemical pesticides. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene found mosquitos are only fooled by DEET once, then they ignore the repellent (source). The good news is scientists are researching natural pesticides to help remedy the problem. Consumer demand also helps drive research into essential oils as bug repellent.

Keep mosquitos away naturally

Some essential oils work better to repel bugs than others, while some only repel certain bugs. Our individual body chemistry also comes into play, so one blend may work beautifully for you, but not so much someone else. There is substantial research done on which essential oils are best to repel bugs, but there’s a few tricks to get them to work.

How do you make natural bug repellent?

Essential oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly. Not so great when you want them to stick around and ward off blood sucking pests. A water based spray won’t dilute the oils, and they evaporate quickly. Goodbye bug protection. Essential oils in an oil-based product creates a longer lasting protective barrier on the skin.

Reapply and take cover

Natural bug repellent won’t protect as long as a synthetic pesticides. This isn’t a big deal either, as it can be re-applied every few hours. I’ve found wearing a light, long sleeve shirt and pants provides an additional safety net, without making me feel like I’m in a sauna. Mosquitos can still sting through fabric, so clothing has to be loose.

What essential oils repel bugs?

Some bug repellent essential oils aren’t safe for kids, and some are expensive or hard to find. For these homemade bug repellent lotion bars I’ve created a blend of essential oils research has shown to be effective, safe for all ages, affordable, and easy to find. If you prefer to buy a pre-made blend, Plant Therapy has this kid-safe one, and this one for older kids and adults.

This study looked at several different essential oils and found that amyris, citronella and catnip, were 100% effective at repelling mosquitos for a little over an hour. This blend which included lemongrass and cedar essential oil performed as well as high strength DEET at repelling mosquitos and nymph ticks.

I also use geranium essential oil in my bug repellent lotion bars for its ability to deter a wide variety of insects, including flies, mosquitos, and ticks.

Why these dilution ratios are so important

Lemongrass can irritate the skin if used above 1%, so I’ve kept it at .5%. This way the bug repellent lotion bar can be rubbed liberally over skin without issue. However, if using it on a very young child, omit this one.

Citronella is typically used between 5-10% to make an effective repellent, and there are no known contraindications. It seems like it’s a lot, but reducing the amount will also reduce how effective it is. I’ve opted for the lower end of the spectrum and used a 5% dilution.

Geranium is approved for little ones and is safe to use on an adult in concentrations as high as 17.5%. That’s a little overkill for this recipe though, so I’ve used it at a 1% concentration. You could add more if you prefer, but I already found the scent of this blend to be very strong.

Amyris is also kid safe and technically has no known maximum safety rate.  I still wouldn’t make a habit to apply it undiluted though, as this can cause sensitization. I’ve used it at 5% here. Amyris has a deep, woodsy, base note to it and helps ground the blend.

Note on Vitamin E: Most vitamin E oil products are diluted in a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil and won’t help preserve the product. The vitamin E linked to in the recipe is non-gmo and undiluted. While it’ not technically a preservative, vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps extend the shelf life of the carrier oils.

Choose the Perfect Storage Container

Lotion bars can be poured into a mold to make all sorts of gorgeous patterns. I use moulds like these, then store my lotion bars in re-usable metal tins.

My favorite way to store these homemade bug repellent lotion bars though is in a twist up tube, like this one. Since I’m using bug repellent in the summer when things like to melt, a tube keeps the lotion bar from getting messy.

How Do the Lotion Bars Feel?

These have a heavier feel and don’t soak into skin like a lightweight lotion. We want that protective barrier though to help the scent from the oils last longer. You could also use candelilla wax which isn’t as heavy as beeswax, but would still firm the bars up nicely. I didn’t have any candelilla wax on hand to test it but let me know if you try it!

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Anti-itch Essential Oils

Lavender and tea tree essential oil are very soothing to itchy, irritated skin. Even better they’re safe for kids. When dilutions are reduced in an attempt to be “safe,” it can sometimes be harmful instead … here’s why. A 41% dilution may seem like a lot of essential oil, but the recipe works best that way.

Whoa, is that safe??

Bug Bite Treatment for Babies

You may have heard that little ones need a .25% or a .5% essential oil dilution to be safe, but there’s more to the story. It depends on which oil you’re using, how much, what you’re using it for, the child’s health and body type, and their age.  It’s important to remember that dose and dilution are NOT the same thing. If that sounds confusing, consider this.

Breaking Dose Down

If I used a .5% dilution of a harsh oil like peppermint in a head to toe body lotion, that’s a lot of essential oil absorbed into the skin. If however I’m using a 20% dilution of a gentle oil, like lavender as a spot treatment, then the dose is much less.

In scenario number one the child would have a total dose of 4 drops applied to the skin if we use 4 teaspoons of lotion. In scenario number two the dose of lavender essential oil in 1/16 teaspoon would be .002 drops. That’s a huge difference!

How to Use Essential Oils for Bug Bites

Both lavender and tea tree essential oil are generally safe to use occasionally as a spot treatment undiluted. I’ve tried to strike a middle ground here and use a total 40% essential oil dilution. I know it sounds like a lot, but the total amount of essential oil on the skin is low.

Treat Bug Bites that Are Swelling and Hot

Bug bites often feel itchy and inflamed, but mint essential oil has menthol that cools the skin. Peppermint is too harsh for infants respiratory systems and should not be applied directly to little one’s chests. The rules change when we’re talking about a spot treatment though.

How to Dilute Mint Essential Oil

Tisserand recommends using a .5% peppermint dilution on children ages 3-6, however that’s more for a product that’s applied all over the body, like lotion. Since this is a spot treatment I’ve used a 1% dilution. For adults it’s safe to use a 5% peppermint dilution all over the body. And 1% was the general dilution given in my Vintage Remedies pediatric course (now the Franklin Institute of Wellness) for babies.

Spearmint is gentler than peppermint so I prefer to use it with little ones. There aren’t any hard and fast rules here, but I’m comfortable using spearmint in this blend for ages 1 and older. If it’s for 3 and up then I’d use either spearmint or peppermint.

Extra Healing Tamanu

This sticky, green oil is thick and deeply nourishing to damaged skin. Tamanu is a nice addition to a soothing bug bite stick, but isn’t strictly required. It calms the itch, helps prevent infection, and reduces pain.

“With its unusual composition, tamanu oil absorbs deeply into all three layers of the skin, where it has been demonstrated to rapidly regenerate new skin, repair nerves, and diminish scarring… Open wounds and serious breaches of the body have reportedly been repaired with treatment with the oil. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and analgesic, while being non-toxic and non-irritating.” – Parker

A Note on Measuring Ingredients

I figured this formula in millileters so it would be an accurate dilution ratio for the essential oils. I use these dropper pipettes to measure carrier oils (like tamanu) and essential oils. Not everyone has containers that measure in millileters so I’ve also included directions for measuring spoons.

If you opt to use measuring spoons the recipe won’t be quite as accurate. Droppers aren’t so helpful when it comes to beeswax though so I stuck with teaspoons here.

Bug Bite Relief Stick

Ingredients:

Yields about 4 bug bite relief sticks

• 4.8 ml, 1 scant teaspoon tea tree essential oil
• 4.8 ml, 1 scant teaspoon lavender essential oil
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
• 2  cocoa butter wafers, or 1 teaspoon
• 2.5 ml, ½ tsp tamanu oil or sweet almond oil
• 4 drops spearmint OR peppermint essential oil
• Heat safe glass jar (an 8 ounce mason jar or a small glass measuring cup with a spout work well)
• Pot
• Cooking strainer
• Lip balm tubes .15 oz – get them here

Directions:

1. In a small, heat safe glass jar add the beeswax, shea butter and grapeseed or tamanu oil. Place the strainer in the pot, then put the jar on the strainer. Add enough water to the pot so it comes about 1/3 of the way up the jar.
2. Turn the heat to medium and allow the mixture to melt completely, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon.
3. Once the wax and shea butter are melted, add the essential oils, stir a little and turn off the heat.
4. Immediately pour the balm into your lip balm tubes. The mixture will harden quickly, so place it back in the water to soften if needed.

To use: Apply as needed to soothe itchy bug bites. Keep the balm away from direct sunlight and store in a cool place.

• I’ve found that a glass container with a small spout works best to pour into the tiny tubes. I’ve used a Pyrex glass measuring cup before, but my favorite tool for this is a glass beaker.
• If you don’t want to mess with lip balm tubes then this could be put into a 1 ounce metal tin instead. The balm may be a little tougher to get out though.

References:

Parker, Susan M. (2015). Power of the Seed: Your Guide to Oils for Health & Beauty (Process Self-reliance Series). Process. Kindle Edition.

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There’s a whole lotta reasons to use a homemade baby wipe solution. This recipe takes less than a minute to pull together, it’s gentle on baby’s skin and saves money on disposable wipes. Booh ya. It’s one of the essentials in my diaper bag and unlike other baby wipe recipes, doesn’t use mineral oil or conventional baby soap.

Why Make Homemade Baby Wipes?

Yes, it adds another thing to my to-do list, but honestly this recipe is so simple I don’t even notice it anymore. It uses essential oils that keep my baby’s bottom clean, fresh, and rash free. It’s super simple, and much cheaper than buying natural baby wipes at the store.

Homemade Baby Wipes Without Baby Oil (aka Mineral Oil)

The phrase “baby oil” sounds so harmless, but baby or mineral oil isn’t what it seems. Mineral oil and petroleum jelly are both highly refined by-products of the fossil fuel industry. There’s some research that shows mineral oil is a potential endocrine disruptor may be linked with cancer and ironically may contribute to skin disorders. Baby oil is mineral oil with added fragrance, which has been linked with issues like cancer and brain cell death.

This study concluded:

“Our findings indicate a high potential for endocrine and dioxin-like activity of some PS (Petroleum substances) extracts.”

According to Oxford dictionary dioxins are:

“a highly toxic compound produced as a byproduct in some manufacturing processes… It is a serious and persistent environmental pollutant.”

Some research shows that if mineral oil is refined enough, no harmful chemicals remain in the final product. However, I prefer to stay on the safe side and opt for choices that I can feel good about.

Choosing a Carrier oil for the Homemade Baby Wipes

There are plenty of options here, and really just about any liquid oil would work. I tend to reach for olive oil the most often for this recipe. It’s what’s readily available in my kitchen cupboard so it’s convenient. Grapeseed oil, fractionated coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil are all good choices. Virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and while I love it for many things (like this calendula salve for eczema), it doesn’t work for this recipe.

Homemade Baby Wipes for Diaper Rash

I haven’t really needed to use a diaper cream since using this recipe. If the baby sits in his cloth diaper too long though his bottom gets red, so I’ll use some homemade diaper rash cream. 99% of the time though, the soothing oils in this baby wipes solution prevents irritation and redness.

(update: I got lazy and started using store bought wipes. My little one has had several rashes since then so maybe I need to switch back to the homemade wipe solution!)

Easy Baby Wipes Solution with Essential Oils

I usually stick to lavender essential oil to keep the homemade baby wipe solution simple. It’s by far my favorite oil since it’s gentle on skin, baby safe, and soothes almost any skin issue imaginable. Here are some other essential oils that are also good options for a diaper wipe solution.

These are soothing and calming to skin, have antimicrobial properties, and are baby safe when properly diluted.

• Melaleuca (tea tree) –  – antifungal (helpful for fighting yeast rashes)  get it here
• Lavender – It’s calming to both skin and mind – great for fussy babies! Antibacterial, helps with rashes, cuts, scrapes and itchy skin. get it here
• Chamomile – Anti-inflammatory, helps with sores and wounds, calming. get it here
• Geranium – Used for wounds, eczema, burns and dermatitis. get it here
• Cedarwood – Antiseptic, soothes nervous tension and anxiety. get it here

How to Use Cloth Baby Wipe Solution

I like storing my wipe solution in a small squirt bottle. I use a peri bottle that the hospital gave me after the birth, but any repurposed squirt bottle would also work.

You could also put the solution in a spray bottle, however I found it takes much more effort to get the wipes wet enough this way.

The wipes solution can be poured over a box of cloth wipes and stored in a wipe warmer. This only works if you use all of the wipes within a few days or they get moldy. I don’t want to make wipe solution every day, so I never do it this way.

Prevent Mold on Your Homemade Baby Wipes

The wipe solution lasts about a week before it goes bad. I’ve found that I use it within 3-4 days, so that’s never been a problem. If you’re using it in a wipe warmer though and pre-soaking the cloth wipes, then mold is more of a concern. Using an anti-fungal essential oil, like tea tree offers some mold protection, but its not a preservative.

How to Make Homemade Baby Wipe Solution

The soap cleanses baby’s skin, even stinky messes. The oil moisturizes, protects and allows the wipe to glide smoothly across the skin. The essential oils help soothe and prevent skin issues.

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp castile soap, Dr. Bronner’s and Dr. Woods are my favorite
• 1 tsp liquid carrier oil (olive, avocado, grapeseed, etc.)
• 2-3 drops essential oil (my favorite is lavender)
• Water (filtered or distilled)
• 8 ounce squirt or spray bottle (I use this)

Directions:

1. Put the carrier oil and essential oil into your container, then add water until it’s almost full.
2. Add the soap, put the lid on, and gently shake to combine. Don’t add the soap first or there will be lots of suds!
3. Shake gently before each use. Apply liberally to a cloth wipe and wipe as usual.

Tip to make it even faster: I have a soap dispenser in the bathroom with natural castile soap in it. Instead of measuring the soap out, I just put 1 pump in. I also no longer measure the carrier oil, but I just pour a bit in and estimate 1 tsp. Last, I add a few drops of essential oils.

References

• Tarnow, P., Hutzler, C., Grabiger, S., Schön, K., Tralau, T., Luch, A. (2016). Estrogenic Activity of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons Used in Printing Inks. PLoS One. 11(1): e0147239. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147239
• Mackerer C, Griffis L, Grabowski, Reitman, F. (2003). Petroleum mineral oil refining and evaluation of cancer hazard. Appl Occup Environ Hyg. 18(11):890-901. DOI: 10.1080/10473220390237467
• Tolbert, P. (1997). Oils and Cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 8(3):386-405.
• Svendsen, K., Hilt, B. (1997). Skin disorders in ship’s engineers exposed to oils and solvents. Contact Dermatitis. 36(4):216-20.

The post How to make 1 minute Homemade Baby Wipes Solution (with only 3 ingredients!) appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

Maybe I’m weird, but I have a thing for fabulous smelling cleaners like this citrus splash all-purpose spray. As a housekeeper for over 12 years I’ve now traded the noxious fumes for natural scents like lemon, orange, and pine needle. Lemony fresh countertops and minty toilets are my jam. I use homemade cleaners like this disinfectant spray with essential oils to power away germs. And make my lungs happy.

Disinfectant Spray Woes

I have a bone to pick with cleaning commercials. You know, the ones that say your bathroom isn’t clean unless it smells like bleach? Or how about those happy people spraying disinfectant cleaners on the baby’s high chair? Conventional cleaners aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Conventional disinfectant sprays warn that they can cause skin and eye damage. The cleaner has ingredients linked with asthma, brain cell damage, and breathing issues. Oh and did I forget to mention cancer?

Which Essential Oils are Best for Cleaning?

Certain essential oils are germ fighting ninja’s, without the questionable health effects. This orange eucalyptus disinfectant spray uses essential oils for a great smelling, effective cleaner. Other citrus oils like lemon, grapefruit and lime are also good choices in a cleaner. And if you don’t like the crisp smell of eucalyptus, then fir needle, pine, tea tree oil and pine are fabulous at disinfecting surfaces.

Thyme oil contains thymol, a natural and potent antiviral. So potent it’s one of the only EPA recommended natural disinfectants for certain viruses and other pathogens (when used as directed). This recipe uses the amount of thymol necessary to meet the EPA and CDC standards, assuming your essential oil has at least 40% thymol content. If you’re not sure, look at that batch’s GCMS report for the breakdown of chemical constituents. And if that essential oil company doesn’t have GCMS reports to verify purity and potency I recommend switching to a company that does (like Plant Therapy).

There are plenty of natural disinfectant options without resorting to chlorox, chlorine bleach, or other harsh chemicals.

Citrus Oils that Need Trashed

I had no idea until recently that essential oils expire. Citrus essential oils oxidize and lose their therapeutic effectiveness after about a year. Older essential oils can also cause sensitization or phototoxicity, aka skin burns (Nesmith, 2014). While senior citizen essential oils may be past their prime for medicinal use, they still work for cleaning.

Instead of pitching that citrus oil, put it to use in this natural disinfecting spray. Fresh orange oil de-greases, sanitizes surfaces and I use it in my all purpose cleaner.

Vodka: Not Just for Cocktails

I don’t drink, but I have a gallon of vodka in my kitchen. Alcohol not only extracts an herbs beneficial properties for tinctures, but is an effective homemade disinfectant cleaner. Since alcohol evaporates quickly, this helps the cleaner dry fast while it ups the disinfecting power. It also helps disperse the essential oils into the cleaner, and preserve the spray.

Best Disinfectant Cleaners

According to the CDC you need a 60-90% alcohol concentration to tackle bacteria, fungus, and viruses. While I don’t like alcohol in my homemade hand sanitizer, it works beautifully in a disinfectant spray. Vodka usually starts at a 40% alcohol concentration, so you’ll need at least 120 proof vodka in this recipe.

Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol ranges from about 70-90% alcohol and is usually cheaper than vodka. Everclear can be harder to come by but it’s about as close to 100% alcohol as you can get. Any of these can work depending on what’s available. It can be hard to make a diy disinfectant with alcohol levels that high, so the essential oils fill in the gap. The vinegar, alcohol, and antimicrobial essential oils combine forces to make a germ whopping cleaning solution.

Don’t worry, the house won’t smell like a bar. I expected the vodka smell to overpower the spray, but it isn’t too noticeable because of the essential oils. Rubbing alcohol would also work if that’s what you have. It does smell strong at first, but alcohol evaporates quickly.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Non-Alcohol Alternative

If your cleaning products like to skip the alcohol, hydrogen peroxide makes an effective disinfectant. Unlike other sanitizing cleaning sprays, hydrogen peroxide cleaners need much less active ingredient. According to the EPA and Centers for Disease Control, just .5-1% hydrogen peroxide will kill most pathogens, including viruses. This means that the end product needs to have a .5-1% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. I’ve included this option in the disinfectant spray recipe.

Is it Safe for Kids?

I use natural cleaners to protect the health of my family, especially my little ones. Eucalyptus get a bad rap for causing breathing issues in babies, but there’s more to the story. While I wouldn’t recommend diffusing eucalyptus essential oil in a baby’s bedroom, the small amounts used in a cleaner don’t have the same effect. Eucalyptus cleaner in a open area is safe for most people of all ages.

What About Breathing Issues?

Certain essential oils can make asthma worse. However researchers have found eucalyptus can help asthma symptoms. Other research has shown that the D-limone in citrus oils can worsen asthma (Buckle, 2015). If your child has serious health issues like asthma or epilepsy, then clean when they’re out of the room and use ingredients that are safe for their condition.

For the majority of kids though, a eucalyptus orange sanitizer spray is a safe way to clean the house (Franklin Institute of Wellness, 2018).

Natural Orange Eucalyptus Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp orange essential oil (lime, lemon, grapefruit or bergamot will also work)
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil or 12 drops Thyme essential oil 
• 1/2 cup alcohol (at least 120 proof vodka, 90% isopropyl alcohol, or everclear)
• White vinegar
• 16 oz spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Pour the alcohol and essential oils into the spray bottle.
2. Add the vinegar until the bottle is almost full. Leave enough room for the sprayer.
3. Put the spray top on and shake vigorously to combine.
4. Shake well before each use, and spray surfaces around the house to disinfect, like faucets, doorknobs, and light switches.

Disinfectant Spray Without Alcohol

While I don’t recommend sniffing this cleaner regardless, some find that the high alcohol levels cause some issues. If you prefer not to use alcohol (or can’t find the right kind), then hydrogen peroxide works well. Alcohol and vinegar can mix, but hydrogen peroxide and vinegar shouldn’t be mixed (usually).

When combined they form a completely different chemical with it’s own properties: peracetic acid. On it’s own this acid works great as a disinfectant.  However, household concentrations of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide aren’t strong enough to make peracetic acid that’s potent enough to neutralize microbes. Instead we’re left with an ineffective disinfectant.

This recipe works best when used on clean surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down and won’t disinfect microbes when there’s dirt and dust on the surface.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp orange essential oil (lime, lemon, grapefruit or bergamot will also work)
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil OR 12 drops Thyme essential oil 
• 1/3 cup and 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Distilled water
• 16 oz spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Pour the hydrogen peroxide and essential oils into the spray bottle.
2. Add the water until the bottle is almost full. Leave enough room for the sprayer.
3. Put the spray top on and shake vigorously to combine.

How to Use DIY Eucalpytus Disinfectant

Unlike certain disinfectant cleaners … cough*lysol*cough … this one doesn’t need washed off of surfaces before using them. I use this to sanitize my countertops and cutting board. It also works well on stainless steel since it doesn’t leave a soapy residue and dries fast . You can also spray and leave it on toilet seats, door knobs, and other surfaces where germs like to party.

References

• Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy Essential Oils in Healthcare. St. Louis, MO. Churchill and Livingstone.
• Franklin Institute of Wellness. (2018). Essential Oils in Your Child’s School. Retrieved from https://franklininstituteofwellness.com/essential-oils-classroom/ on March 25, 2019.
• Nesmith, R. (2014). Do Essential Oils Expire? Retrieved from https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2014/05/28/do-essential-oils-expire/
• EPA. (2020, March 26). Pesticide Registration: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
• Science Direct. (N.D.). Peracetic Acid. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/peracetic-acid

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