6 Natural Single-Ingredient Plant-Based Beauty Treatments

Our skin is our largest detoxifying organ, responsible for eliminating toxins through our sweat glands. But this also means that our skin is porous and what we put on our skin can be absorbed into our blood stream. David Suzuki has produced a “dirty dozen” list of ingredients to avoid in your cosmetics, as in shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, and skin cleanser. His list contains ingredients such as BHA and paraben (endocrine disrupters), petrolatum (may cause cancer) and parfum (can trigger allergies and asthma, linked to cancer and neurotoxicity). With more than half the reviewed cosmetics containing at least one of the dirty dozen chemicals, it might be time to reconsider those drug store toiletries.

The good news is that it can be really easy and inexpensive to make these products at home. In fact, there’s a good chance you already have the ingredients in your kitchen. Not only that, these products are better than what you buy in the store. You’ll have your friends asking where to get your fabulous skin cream because you look so good!

Avocado

Avocado isn’t just for guacamole! This superfood is full of vitamin A which helps remove dead skin cells leaving your skin super healthy. There are antioxidants in avocado which can protect against premature aging and reduce wrinkles. Avocado is great used as a mask; simply mash one up and apply to your skin for 20 minutes.

Raw honey

Organic raw honey has antimicrobial properties which is great for preventing and treating acne. It’s clarifying, so it’ll open pores, making them easier to unclog. On top of that, it’s a natural moisturizer which is soothing on your skin. Apply the honey topically and clean off after 15 minutes for clean and glowing skin.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used for many years as a home remedy and that’s because it does so much. It can be applied to the skin to treat age spots and can be used as a hair conditioner. For age spots, dilute the vinegar (one part vinegar to two parts water). Apply this toner several times a day for at least a month. To use it as a conditioner, apply to your hair undiluted after shampooing. It’ll make your hair soft and shiny.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is becoming very popular for cooking, but did you know it’s a great beauty treatment? It makes a great moisturizer, simply rub a small amount on your skin. Remember, a little goes a long way! It’s also great to add to hair as a deep conditioning treatment before shampooing to make your hairy silky smooth. Melt a little in your hands and add to dry hair. Wrap it in a towel for a half hour and then wash out. It can also be used as a sunscreen (it has an SPF of 4–6), bug bite relief, shaving cream, and stretch mark oil.

Almonds and oats

Both of these can be used as a facial scrub. Simply put them in a processor and turn them into a powder. Add some water to make a scrub which is great for exfoliating, moisturizing and cleansing. Add milk instead of water and apply to dry or sunburned skin to sooth and promote healing.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is well known for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation for skin irritations, but did you know it is also a great moisturizer and it can help treat acne? Aloe can be applied undiluted topically, simply rub into your skin. It can also be used internally, simply add some to your favorite smoothie to help heal and soothe your gut.