Do you make your own personal care products?

[NaturalMamma]

I've been using natural products to clean my home for years (baking soda, vinegar, etc.).

I've been using natural/organic personal care soap, shampoo, etc. products as well, but I would like to make my own. I want more control over the ingredients and it would probably save some money in the long run. (Could make great gifts too!)

Any ideas on how to start? I have one book called "Natural Soapkmaking" but haven't started trying any of the recipes yet. (Feeling a bit intimidated about finding all the ingredients)

Would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this topic. Thank you for your help.

Cindi

[MsMary]

Suggestions

The books below are my two favorites. I've used them often and they are great.


Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair: Natural and Healthy Personal Care for Every Body
by Dina Falconi, David Goldbeck (Photographer), Alan McKnight (Illustrator)

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
by Valerie Ann Worwood

[rainbowmoon]

I have to second MS MAry's book recomendation for Dina Falconi's book. I've been making bodycare products for a few years and am always using that book! (I have bunches of other bodycare/soapmaking books but this is by far my most used one)

I like it because her instructions are really simple and the recipes are AWESOME and there are sections for babies,women,men,seniors, teens,etc..( just be prepared to keep your friends and family supplied with the things you make out of this book though.lol)

[VikingKvinna]

I make my own laundry soap, does that count?

I'd like to make more stuff -- have been interested in soapmaking for a while, but it seems so faddish now that, naturally, I'm shying away. But shampoo...now there's an idea...

~nick

[madrone]

I started making my own products between 12 - 5 years ago, going from cleaning products to body care. I have had many slacking times though. I've got quite a few books. One is in the same bunch as your Natural Soapkmaking published by Stoneybrook(?). It's called something like Natural Body. I really like some of the recipes from it. Especially some of the facials (papaya, for example). Some of my first tries were with a group of close girlfriends. Helps a lot to make a little party out of it.

[spyiispy]

As far as lotions & potions....I have two books that have great ideas/recipes in them: Natural Beauty at Home and Natural Beauty for All Seasons, both by Janice Cox. Just a sampling of some of the recipes in there....pineapple body seltzer, body and bounce beer shampoo, alligator pear lotion, orange peel scrub, etc... She also has a website: www.janicecox.com I really enjoy these books when I'm in the mood to experiment (I'm a simple gal at heart). She has a pretty effective deodorant powder recipe in the books.

Lisa