Do-It-Yourself Cosmetics

Who doesn't love the bubbly, cleansing effect of shampoo? The ingredient that produces this satisfying sensation, sodium lauryl sulfate, may seem like a harmless addition to cosmetic products. However, it is rumored to be a carcinogen and many consumers have taken steps to avoid using shampoos, toothpaste and other products that contain it. Whether or not the concern over the ingredient's long-term life threatening effects is valid, why not go the natural route and make your own cosmetics?

On a recent trip to the grocery store, my sister and I discussed doing just that. While wandering the aisles, we considered whipping up our own concoction of hair cleansers, toothpaste, and cleaning solutions. Not knowing where to begin or which recipes would be most effective, we found ourselves perusing the organic section for a chemical-free solution to our worries.

Avoid potentially cancer-causing ingredients and save some cash too with Carla Emery's easy recipes for homemade cosmetics. She answers the call for consumers who are looking for an inexpensive, safe alternative to store-bought toiletries. Mix them up yourself or make a spa day out of it with your sister and friends.

Chamomile Shampoo

Barb Ingram, Santa, ID, says she uses this formula: Put 1 T. soap flakes, 1 t. borax, and 1 oz. powdered chamomile flowers into a basin. Add 1⁄2 pint hot water. Heat until thick lather is formed. Wet hair with warm water, massage, rinse, and wash again.

Homemade Toothpaste

Create a mixture of 4 t. baking soda, 1 t. salt, 1 t. mint flavoring, and just enough water to get a toothpasty texture (about 1⁄2-1 t.). Keep any moist homemade toothpaste in a covered container so it won't dry out.

Oatmeal Mask

Mix together 2⁄3 c. oatmeal and enough honey to make a pasty consistency. Optionally, add 2 t. rose water.