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DIY Natural Personal Care: Your Kitchen Cabinet Beauty Counter

Ever flip over a bottle of deodorant or a jar of moisturizer and feel like you need a chemistry degree to pronounce the ingredient list? Same. Turns out, some of the best personal care products are hiding in your pantry already. Grab a mixing bowl — here are four DIY favorites that are simple, satisfying to make, and refreshingly easy to pronounce. 

DIY Deodorant: Ditch the Mystery Ingredients 

This one’s a gateway drug into DIY beauty — ridiculously easy, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. 

What you’ll need: 

• 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted) 
• 3 tbsp baking soda 
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch (the moisture-absorbing MVP) Optional: 10-15 drops essential oil (tea tree, lavender, or citrus all work beautifully) 

How to make it: Whisk the baking soda and arrowroot together first, then stir in the melted coconut oil until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. Pour it into an empty deodorant container or a small jar, then let it set up at room temperature — or pop it in the fridge if patience isn’t your strong suit. 

Good to know: Baking soda is a natural odor-fighter, but it can be a little feisty on sensitive skin — if you notice any redness, just dial back the ratio. And remember, this is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, so it’s managing odor, not sweat. Also, coconut oil turns liquid above 76°F, so don’t be shocked if your stick gets a little melty in summer. 

DIY Toothpaste: Minty Fresh, Minus the Mystery Two ingredients. That’s it. This is about as simple as DIY gets. 

What you’ll need: 

• 3 tbsp coconut oil 
• 2 tbsp baking soda 
• Optional: a few drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil 
• Optional: a tiny pinch of stevia for a hint of sweetness 

How to make it: Stir it all together into a paste, store it in a small sealed jar, and use a dab on your toothbrush just like the store-bought stuff.

Good to know: Baking soda is a gentle stain-lifter, but it doesn’t have fluoride — still the gold standard for cavity prevention — so consider swapping in with your regular toothpaste rather than replacing it entirely if cavity protection is a priority. Also, go easy with the brushing pressure; baking soda is mildly abrasive, and enamel doesn’t grow back. 

DIY Face Moisturizer: Whipped, Glowy, Simple 

This one feels the fanciest to make, and it kind of is — whipping it turns it into a fluffy, luxurious body butter texture. 

What you’ll need: 

• 2 tbsp jojoba oil (a close match to your skin’s natural oils) 
• 1 tbsp shea butter 
• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel 
• Optional: 3-4 drops vitamin E oil for a little extra antioxidant boost and shelf life 

How to make it: Gently melt the shea butter (double boiler or short microwave bursts), stir in the jojoba oil, then fold in the aloe once it’s cooled slightly. Whip with a hand mixer if you want that light, cloud-like texture. Store in a clean jar. 

Good to know: Great for dry or normal skin, but it may feel heavy if you’re oily or acne-prone — patch test first. And since aloe brings water into the mix, skip the preservative-free myth: keep it refrigerated and use within 1-2 weeks. 

DIY Tinted Nourishing Sunscreen Balm: Rich, Silky, Beautifully Tinted 

This one’s a labor of love — a rich, deeply moisturizing balm with a gorgeous natural tint from cocoa powder. Think of it as a decadent treat for dry while providing sunscreen. 

What you’ll need: 

• 2 tbsp beeswax (1/8 cup) 
• 4 tbsp tallow or tallow balm (1/4 cup) 
• 4 tbsp virgin coconut oil (1/4 cup) 
• 6 tbsp raspberry seed oil (3/8 cup) 
• 4 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide (1/4 cup) powder 
• 1 tbsp (or more) organic cocoa powder, for antioxidants and that gorgeous tint How to make it: 

1.  Combine everything except the zinc oxide and cocoa powder in the top of a double boiler.

2.  Once fully melted, whisk well to combine. 

3.  Add the zinc oxide and whisk thoroughly, then whisk in the cocoa powder. 4.  Let the mixture cool slightly.

5.  Once it just starts to thicken but is still pourable, transfer it into your storage container of choice — glass jars or silicone molds both work great. 

6.  Let it fully solidify before use. 

Good to know: This is a nourishing, tinted body balm sunscreen. It’s not tested or formulated to provide reliable UV protection, but when used and applied as a sunscreen youcan expect the protection to be reliable as you would an SPF 30+ sunscreen.  

The Takeaway 

Deodorant, toothpaste, moisturizer, and this tinted balm are all genuinely fun, satisfying weekend projects — and there’s something a little magical about using products you made yourself, from ingredients you can actually pronounce. 

Cheers to DIY,
Cami Grasher
CTN Root Cause Health Coach | Hormone & Metabolic Specialist

Get a 10% discount on health and wellness plans at with the code: LAJOLLA10

This article is for general informational purposes. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or existing skin conditions, patch test new products and consult a dermatologist with specific concerns.

Media credit: Image licensed from Adobe