The Return to Natural Products
- Janet Rodriguez
- Jan 31
- 9 min read
Since ancient times, civilizations have turned to nature to care for their skin and bodies. Soaps, oils, and lotions crafted by hand with natural ingredients were the foundation of personal care. However, over the centuries, the introduction of industrial chemicals altered this ancestral practice, causing negative effects on both health and the environment. Today, there is a renewed interest in returning to natural products, not only as a way to care for the body but also as a means of protecting our planet. In this article, we will explore the history of natural skincare products, the benefits of using them, and how we can easily prepare natural alternatives at home.
Antiquity: The Beginning of Natural Care
Historical records show that civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used natural ingredients for skincare. For example, the Egyptians combined plant-based oils like olive oil with wood ash to make soap. They also used aloe vera and honey to hydrate and heal the skin. In Ancient Egypt, people washed their hair with a mixture of water and lemon juice, taking advantage of the cleansing properties of citric acid, and conditioned it with olive or almond oil to keep it healthy.
In India, Ayurveda promoted the use of essential oils and herbs such as turmeric and sandalwood for skin care. In the Americas, Indigenous cultures used plants like calendula and aloe vera to heal wounds and keep skin soft.
In medieval Europe, personal hygiene was limited; people washed their hands, faces, and beards with water from basins, and full-body baths were infrequent.
For laundry, people relied on rivers and streams, where clothes were scrubbed against flat stones or rubbed with sand to remove dirt. Women wrung out clothes by hand, used soap made from animal fat boiled with lye, and scrubbed garments on a washboard.
Industrial Revolution: The Introduction of Chemicals
With the arrival of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the mass production of personal care products increased significantly. To meet growing demand and reduce costs, the industry began incorporating various chemicals into its formulations. Among these, parabens were widely used as preservatives due to their effectiveness in preventing bacterial growth and extending product shelf life. However, later research has indicated that parabens can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the hormonal system and being linked to fertility issues and skin allergies.
Similarly, sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), were used for their ability to create foam and effectively cleanse. However, prolonged use can cause skin and scalp irritation by stripping away natural oils, leading to dryness.
Synthetic fragrances were added to provide appealing scents to products. However, these fragrances can contain toxic compounds that cause irritation, allergies, and, in some cases, also act as hormonal disruptors.
Additionally, other chemicals like phthalates were used to fix fragrances and improve product texture. However, phthalates have been shown to interfere with the endocrine system and have been linked to adverse effects on reproductive health.
The incorporation of these chemicals allowed the cosmetic industry to mass-produce and offer products at more affordable prices. However, over time, the potential health risks associated with their use have become evident, leading to a growing demand for more natural products free from potentially harmful substances.
Benefits of Natural Skincare Products
Health and Safety:
Being free from harmful chemicals, natural products reduce the risk of allergies, irritations, and long-term issues such as premature aging.
Environmentally Friendly:
Natural ingredients are biodegradable, and their production generates less pollution, contributing to the planet’s sustainability.
Nutrient-Rich:
Plant-based oils, butters, and herbal extracts contain vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that deeply nourish the skin.
Affordable and Customizable:
Making products at home with simple ingredients is a more budget-friendly option and allows for customization to meet each person's specific needs.
Solutions for Returning to a Natural Lifestyle
Returning to a natural lifestyle is not only possible but also practical and rewarding. Below are some simple recipes to create natural skincare and household products:
Natural Soap
Ingredients:
500 g of olive oil
300 g of coconut oil
100 g of shea butter
150 g of caustic soda (lye)
350 ml of distilled water
Essential oils of choice (lavender, eucalyptus, etc.)
Instructions:
In a glass container, dissolve the caustic soda in distilled water. Let it cool.
Heat the oils and shea butter until melted. Mix well.
Slowly pour the lye mixture into the oils, stirring constantly.
Add essential oils and mix until a creamy texture is achieved.
Pour into molds and let harden for 24 hours. Cure the soap for 4 weeks before use.
Handmade Oat and Honey Soap
Ingredients:
500 g of glycerin soap base
50 g of ground oats
2 tablespoons of pure honey
10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the soap base: Cut the glycerin soap base into small pieces and melt it using a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until fully liquid.
Add ingredients: Mix in the ground oats and honey, stirring well to avoid lumps. Add the lavender essential oil if desired.
Pour into molds: Pour the mixture into silicone molds and let it cool for at least 2 hours or until fully solidified.
Unmold and use: Once solid, remove the soaps from the molds and let them dry for 24 hours before using.
Natural Shampoo https://amzn.to/3WbF1gx
Ingredients:
1 cup of coconut milk
1 cup of liquid Castile soap
1 teaspoon of almond oil
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients in a bottle.
Shake before use. Store in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Natural Nettle and Rosemary Shampoo
Ingredients:
1 cup of distilled water
2 tablespoons of dried nettle leaves
2 tablespoons of dried rosemary leaves
1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap
1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
10 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the infusion: Boil the water and add the nettle and rosemary leaves. Let it steep for 30 minutes, then strain the infusion.
Mix ingredients: Once the infusion has cooled, mix it with the liquid Castile soap and jojoba oil.
Add essential oil: If desired, add the peppermint essential oil and mix well.
Store: Pour the shampoo into a clean bottle and shake before each use.
Moisturizing Cream
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of coconut oil
1/4 cup of cocoa butter
2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter using a double boiler.
Add the jojoba oil and essential oil. Mix well.
Pour into a jar and let it cool before use.
Aloe Vera and Sweet Almond Oil Moisturizing Face Cream
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel
1/4 cup of sweet almond oil
1 tablespoon of beeswax
5 drops of rosehip essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the beeswax: Use a double boiler to melt the beeswax until fully liquid.
Mix with oil: Add the almond oil and mix well. Remove from heat.
Incorporate aloe vera: Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the aloe vera gel, whisking constantly until it reaches a creamy texture.
Add essential oil: If desired, add the rosehip essential oil and mix well.
Store: Pour the cream into a clean, dry jar. Store in a cool, dry place and use within the next 3 months.
Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Detergent
Ingredients for Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Powder:
1 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of white vinegar
10 drops of lemon essential oil
1/2 cup of distilled water
Instructions:
Mix the baking soda with the water to form a paste.
Add the vinegar and mix well.
Incorporate the essential oil and store in an airtight container.
Ingredients for Liquid Dish Soap:
1 cup of liquid Castile soap
1/4 cup of distilled water
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
1 tablespoon of baking soda
10 drops of tea tree essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Mix ingredients: In a bottle, combine the Castile soap and water.
Add vinegar and baking soda: Add the vinegar and baking soda. The mixture may bubble slightly.
Add essential oil: If desired, add the tea tree essential oil and mix well.
Store: Shake gently before each use.
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
1 bar of Marseille soap, grated
1 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of sodium carbonate (washing soda)
10 drops of lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients: In a large container, combine the grated soap, baking soda, and washing soda.
Add essential oil: If desired, add the lemon essential oil and mix well.
Store: Store the mixture in an airtight container. Use 2 tablespoons per laundry load.
These recipes will allow you to make natural and effective products for personal care and household cleaning, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Adopting a natural approach to personal care and household management not only benefits our health but also the planet. By returning to the practices of our ancestors and harnessing the goodness of nature, we can reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. With simple homemade recipes, we can all take the first step toward a healthier and more eco-friendly future.
By: Janet Rodríguez
07-01-2025
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