Ditch the Toxins: The Benefits of Making Your Own Cleaning and Skincare Products

Getting started with DIY products isn’t as hard as you think.  

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy in Terms of Use.

Why Make the Switch?

Are you tired of cleaners that smell strong and cost too much? Do you have a hard time finding personal products that don’t cause a skin reaction or wonder what in the world the ingredients in it even are? 

I remember when I was pregnant with my daughters, trying to clean my bathrooms made me feel so sick. I was always so worried about what the strong smells in the products I was using were doing to my growing baby. Don’t get me wrong, I was perfectly fine with using this as an excuse to not do the cleaning myself 🙂, but we shouldn’t have to feel that way. 

I turned to more natural products, but the price tag on those was extreme most times and never did as good of a job. 

I never really knew that you could just make this stuff yourself. And even if you could, who has the time or energy to make homemade products? Only women who don’t work, have no kids, and lots of time on their hands would be able to do that, right? 

Well, I was wrong! A couple of years ago, I started researching recipes for homemade products because I was trying to save money and cut down on our budget. My skin was also constantly itchy and irritated, and it was driving me crazy! I figured it must have something to do with what I’m using on my skin, so I kept researching DIY cleaning and skincare products. 

I learned that most recipes can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, and that they work even better than most store bought products.  

The Problem with Store-Bought Options

Most store-bought cleaning and personal care products are filled with harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and hidden toxins that can affect your family’s health over time. 

What’s worse, many brands market themselves as “natural” or “safe” while still sneaking in ingredients linked to allergies, skin irritation, and even long-term health concerns. 

On top of that, buying multiple specialized products can get expensive quickly, all while creating extra plastic waste. 

When you look closer, the convenience of store-bought options often comes at a cost — one that impacts both your wallet and your family’s well-being.

Why Homemade is a Safer, Simpler Alternative

Making your own cleaning and personal care products puts you back in control of what touches your family’s skin and fills your home. 

I always knew baking soda and vinegar could clean a burnt pot. What I didn’t realize was how many everyday household ingredients can be used for natural cleaning. With just a few simple, affordable staples, you can make safe, effective, non-toxic products. No harsh chemicals. No hidden toxins. Just clean, natural solutions you already have at home.

Download my FREE checklist to get you started!

The beauty of DIY is that many of the same ingredients you use in skincare and cleaning products are the ones you’d find in your kitchen — the kind you’d cook with or even use in a salad dressing. When your ingredients are that recognizable and wholesome, it’s easy to feel confident they’re safe for your family.

DIY also saves money by replacing multiple store-bought items with versatile staples, and it reduces plastic waste with reusable containers. Best of all, it gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside the products your family uses every day. 

What You’ll Need

Getting started is easier than you think. You only need a few simple, versatile ingredients. Sure, there are endless DIY recipes out there, but you don’t have to start with them. Start small. Use what you already have in your kitchen, plus a few affordable extras.

When I first began making my own natural products, I struggled to know what I actually needed. That’s why I created a one-page cheat sheet for beginners. Inside, you’ll find the must-have ingredients (and nice-to-have extras) for homemade cleaning, bath and beauty, and even outdoor living products. It’s the perfect guide to kickstart your DIY journey with confidence.

Getting Started with Your Beginner’s Ingredient Checklist

This cheat sheet takes the guesswork out of getting started with DIY. No more wondering which ingredients are worth buying or which ones you’ll actually use. Instead, you’ll have a simple, beginner-friendly guide that shows you exactly what you need to make safe, natural, and affordable products for your home and family. 

In addition to your ingredients, there are a few other staples you’ll need. Some of these items you likely have in the house already, but if not I’ve provided you a link to the ones I use.

• Kitchen Scale or Measuring Cups (I highly recommend using a scale. It will make it so much faster for you. And less clean-up as well)
• Funnel
• Hand-mixer and Immersion Blender (primarily for making body butters and lotions)
• Spray Bottles – Glass or Plastic (Glass is better but for products I make for the shower, I prefer to use plastic so it doesn’t break)
• Jars

Depending on the products you plan to start with, some of these items you will not need. And there may be some missing from the list.

The point is to only buy what you need to get started. You can always add to your stock as you go along. You can even find some of these items at your local dollar store, so it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Why You’ll Love Making Your Own Products

Creating your own products isn’t just about saving money — it’s about creating a healthier, simpler lifestyle. When you DIY, you know exactly what’s going into the things your family uses every day. 

You can skip the hidden toxins, cut down on waste, and customize recipes to fit your needs. 

Plus, it’s fun and rewarding to make something yourself! This was a shock to me. I never imagined this would be so much fun to do. I thought I would be worn out and dread it. But now I’m hooked on finding new ways I can remove chemical products from my home. 

Whether it’s a natural cleaner, a soothing body butter, or a bug spray for the backyard, homemade products give you peace of mind and a sense of pride.

• Save Money – Make multiple products from a few versatile ingredients.
  
• Reduce Toxins – Skip harsh chemicals and know exactly what’s in your home.
  
• Cut Waste – Reuse containers and reduce packaging.
  
• Customize Recipes – Tailor scents, textures, and ingredients to your family’s needs.
  
• Fun & Rewarding – Enjoy creative DIY projects, even with kids.
  
• Peace of Mind – Feel confident your home is safer and healthier.

How Will You Have the Time?

Yes you will! If you have time to mix 3 ingredients together, you have time to make your own products. 

Of course, some products take a bit more time to make. But don’t start with them, start with the easy ones that make a big impact, and build from there. 

Personally, I started with a good bathroom and shower cleaner, hand soap and an easy gentle face wash. I can whip all of these products up in a matter of 15 mins and that will last me 1-2 weeks or more depending on the product. So, you won’t be doing this everyday.

Once you see the benefits of it for yourself, you won’t regret the small amount of time it takes to make them.