As attention has turned to ‘clean’ eating and not putting unhealthy things into our bodies in recent years, the interest in natural and organic cosmetics and beauty products has grown.

Given the skin is the largest organ in the body, it goes without saying that what we put on to it is just as important as what we put into our bodies.

Chemicals and pollutants in the environment, and in cosmetics and toiletries, can be absorbed through the skin and may cause harm.

Interest in a more natural approach to healthy living has resulted in a massive boom in the cosmetics and toiletries industries in the past decade, as they have jumped on the band wagon to market products as being natural, or organic to appeal to a growing market.

But the best way to really know what is going into, or onto, your body is to make it yourself.

Long before the modern cosmetics industry existed our grandmothers and great grandmothers were making their own skincare and perfumes using herbs, flowers and natural oils.

There are a range of wholesome recipes out there showing you how to make your own products.

Here’s one that you might like to try.

Non-Toxic Organic Deodorant Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6-8 tablespoons solid coconut oil
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup arrowroot
• few drops essential oil

Instructions:

• Start by mixing together the arrowroot and baking powder in a bowl.
• Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and mix in.
• Add the coconut oil.
• Either blend by hand or with a mixer.
• It must be pliable but not too wet.
• Use more arrowroot if it feels too soft and wet as it wont dry on your skin and will feel sticky and will leave marks on clothes.

Store in a jar. Keeps for up to three months. Apply using fingers, or put into old deodorant stick.