The ultimate zero waste beauty DIY box to get you started on a chemical and plastic free routine. Contents, how to use and recipes are below.
The Zero Waste Beauty Box Contains:
- 30g bentonite clay
- 35g cornstarch
- 40g food-grade baking soda
- 30ml jojoba oil
- 100ml witch hazel
- 65g aloe vera gel
- 30g charcoal
- 30ml virgin coconut oil
- 100ml apple cider vinegar
- 70g granulated sugar
What we put on our skin should be as clean as what we eat, but most people are unaware of the harmful ingredients in our daily beauty and skincare products.
Do you know what goes into a bottle of face wash?
What chemicals are in your bottle of shampoo?
Are you always trying to understand the complicated labels listing ingredients like alcohol, sulphates and parabens?
In a separate piece of alarming research, it showed that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products. They then come into direct contact with the bloodstream.
Common chemicals found in skincare products:
- Parabens
- Formaldehyde
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
- Petrolatum
- Coal Tar (Blue & Green Chemical Colours)
- Hydroquinone
- Triclosan
- Oxybenzone
- Phthalates (Phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP, Fragrance)
- Fragrance (Perfume, Aroma)
- Alcohol
In recent years, there has been much debate about whether or not these items cause harm to human health. What we do know is that there is no better option than to swap to all-natural, organic, chemical-free products. According to research, the Top 15 most harmful beauty products on the market are: Bronzer, Setting Powder, Brow Liner, CC Cream, Concealer, Blush, Lip Liner, Eye Liner, BB Cream, SPF Foundation, Nail Polish, Lip Gloss, Mascara, Foundation, and Perfume.
The number of products can be overwhelming! This is why going natural is the best option for the new year. At Zero Waste Bali, we embrace a healthy glow from inside out with products that nourish the mind, body and soul.
If you are looking for a way out of your current skincare routine, then there is no better place to start than with our fantastic Beauty Box. Not only does this bundle contain everything you need for an all-natural skincare regime, but each item is 100% plastic-free and kind to the planet.
The Zero Waste Beauty Box Contains:
- 30g bentonite clay
- 35g cornstarch
- 40g food-grade baking soda
- 30ml jojoba oil
- 100ml witch hazel
- 65g aloe vera gel
- 30g charcoal
- 30ml virgin coconut oil
- 100ml apple cider vinegar
- 70g granulated sugar
Bentonite Clay:
This is the holy grail of face masks. Many face masks on the market promote clay as the main ingredient - mixed with many other not so natural additives. So, if you want to use a natural ingredient straight from mother earth; bentonite clay is the one you have been looking for. Bentonite clay comes from volcanic ash and has been long used to treat a variety of skin issues, including rash and irritation, allergic reactions and even to treat the digestive problems. Bentonite clay can be consumed by drinking it with water, to cleanse the digestive tract, sweeping out toxins by binding to them and removing them from the body. It works just the same by applying the clay topically.
Benefits:
- Removes impurities and deeply cleanses the skin.
- Draws out toxins, dirt and build-up from pollution and other daily stressors.
- Rich in magnesium, calcium and iron.
- Clarifies and detoxes the skin and works to reduce redness.
- Replaces clay masks on the market that contain too many ingredients and are harsh on the skin.
- Affordable and long-lasting (a mask of this strength is ideal just once a week).
Cornstarch:
Long used to treat a variety of health concerns, cornstarch is a beneficial ingredient to have in your home. Derived from corn kernel and ground to make a fine powder, cornstarch is a gluten-free product that is primarily carbohydrate that is rich in minerals. You can make great use of this natural product for your beauty routine by creating your own make-up powder or setting powder, deodorant, bug bite treatment, or dry shampoo. Cornstarch is a cheap and effective product that can be easily added to your daily routine.
Benefits:
- Great for oily skin and setting makeup.
- Multiple DIY products can be made with cornstarch.
- Absorbs moisture and helps to treat skin irritation, skin rash and athlete's foot.
- Applied to the feet or underarms, it works to combat sweat and odour.
- Helps to manage oily hair and helps to detangle hair and keep it smooth.
- Soothes sunburn, heat rash and nappy rash.
Baking Soda:
You might be surprised to learn the many incredible beauty benefits of baking soda, also known as Sodium Bicarbonate. The main reason baking soda is so useful for our beauty routine, health and wellbeing is the way it works to alter the pH level in our body. The pH or potential power of hydrogen in baking soda is around 8, on a scale of 0 - 14, meaning it is naturally alkaline. It is considered one of the best medicines in nature. As part of our beauty routine, we can use baking soda for our skin, hair, and oral hygiene.
Benefits:
- Excellent for teeth and gum health and works to reduce bad breath.
- Great for an all-natural underarm deodorant or detoxing treatment.
- Soothes minor skin irritation and works to reduce itching and redness.
- May help to relieve skin reactions to poison ivy and mosquito bites.
- Baking Soda can be used on minor windburn, sunburn and burns.
- Fantastic as a face scrub for exfoliating the skin or as a gentle cleanser.
Jojoba Oil:
The deeply-hydrating and luxurious Jojoba Oil is a must-try for anyone seeking to simplify their beauty products. This is one of the essential oils that can do multiple things for our skin. It may have been one of the worlds best-kept secrets - but Jojoba is now well known in the natural health and beauty scene. Derived from the seed of the Jojoba plant, Native Americans have long used the oil for its many benefits. A key use of this wonderful oil is its antimicrobial properties that work to reduce bacteria on the skin, heal wounds and provide moisture back into dry or damaged skin.
Benefits:
- High in vitamins A and E and antioxidants make it a very hydrating oil for the skin.
- Similar in molecular structure to our own sebum so it won’t make your skin oily.
- Helps to balance out the complexion and give a healthy glow.
- Makes your hair soft and shiny when used as hair oil.
- Anti-inflammatory and ideal for healing skin irritation.
- Rich in amino acids that may help with anti-ageing.
- Use the oil to cleanse or remove makeup naturally.
- Palmitic and Stearic Acid help to reduce dandruff and prevent heat damage from styling.
Witch Hazel:
A commonly used astringent for cleansing and toning the skin on the face and neck, witch hazel is a plant-derived product that can replace harsh toners with too many ingredients. It is useful in treating acne, bruises, burns, haemorrhoids, inflammation, insect bites, itching, pain, and varicose veins. Witch hazel comes from the bark and leaves of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana and has been used in traditional medicine for many years. Simply use a small amount of alcohol-free witch hazel on a cotton round to cleanse the skin as part of your daily beauty routine.
Benefits:
- Witch hazel contains unique properties called Tannins and Gallic Acid which work as anti-inflammatories to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema.
- A simple astringent that effectively removes dirt and cleans the skin.
- It may help to fight bacteria and relieve the symptoms of the cold sore virus.
- All-natural, vegan and plant-based facial toner.
Aloe Vera Gel:
The Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used Aloe vera as part of their regular beauty regime. Without a doubt, the gel of the plant is well known by anyone who has experienced the discomfort of sunburn! It can help relieve the pain associated with sunburn and moisturise the skin to prevent peeling. Aloe vera is a medicinal plant traditionally used since 1500 BC and is said to contain more than 75 compounds including 20 different minerals and 20 amino acids plus water and vitamins! As a herbal remedy for many health concerns, it is worthwhile learning about the benefits of aloe vera. The plant contains powerful antioxidants belonging to a large family of substances known as polyphenols which help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.
Benefits:
- You can use the gel as a natural treatment for canker sores and mouth ulcers.
- The juice has been shown to reduce dental plaque when used as a mouthwash.
- Apply the gel topically to help with the pain of sunburn or red and itchy skin.
- Treat bug bites or stings with aloe vera to relieve inflammation and stop the infection.
- May help with hair growth and strength as it contains Vitamins A, C, E and B12.
- Treat minor cuts and scrapes as a natural way to clean the wound and prevent infections; it can also speed up wound healing as it boosts collagen and nourishes the skin.
Charcoal:
If you are yet to discover the unbelievable power of charcoal in your daily routine - you are going to love everything, this product has to offer! At Zero Waste Bali, we believe that charcoal is an absolute must-have in your Beauty Box. Activated charcoal is an ingredient commonly found in a variety of skincare and health products from supplements to whitening toothpaste; it is used for a variety of reasons. Thanks to its toxin-absorbing properties it provides us with many skin and health remedies for digestive discomfort and food poisoning (often used for travellers Bali belly). The fine black powder is odourless, commonly made from coconut shells, and once heated or activated can work to remove the unwanted substances from our body; truly impressive!
Benefits:
- Purify and refine your pores by applying activated charcoal as a face mask.
- Dirt and other toxins bind to the charcoal molecules and wash away as you cleanse.
- Charcoal powder can be used in face wash, wash masks, exfoliating scrubs, hair masks, toothpaste, deodorant and found in exfoliating sponges.
- Charcoal tablets are available for digestive issues such as food poisoning (seek professional medical advice).
- Have you seen the latest cafe latte trend? Find the recipe for an activated charcoal latte here as an alternative to your morning coffee here.
Virgin Coconut Oil:
The list of benefits that coconut oil holds is seemingly endless. The key to coconut oil is in fatty acids such as linoleic acid and lauric acid, both of which are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. The best type of coconut oil is an organic, raw coconut oil without any added ingredients. 100% pure organic coconut oil works wonders on the skin and as a carrier oil for face scrubs, body scrubs and hair masks.
Benefits:
- Hydrate your skin, especially good for the dry skin on your hands, cuticles, elbows and knees.
- Coconut oil makes a great alternative to shaving lotions and creams.
- Gentle enough to use on sunburn or other skin irritations, insect bites, and rashes.
- Try coconut oil for Oil Pulling for oral hygiene, detoxing, and whitening the teeth.
- Do you suffer from dry lips? Try making a sugar scrub with the coconut oil as a base to remove dead skin cells (can also be used on the face).
- Gently remove eye makeup by applying coconut oil to the cotton round before cleansing.
- Coconut oil makes for a nourishing overnight hair mask -simply put the oil through your hair and wrap it in a towel before you go to sleep and shampoo as normal the next morning.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
If Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is not the first thing you think of as a staple in your skincare routine; we don't blame you. However, it is something we encourage you to try and incorporate wherever you feel you can. The critical reason ACV is so amazing is that it can work to balance our pH and acts as a type of exfoliator due to containing malic acid (may not be suited to sensitive skin). ACV comes from apples and goes through a fermentation process. A popular way to use ACV is to drink it! Yes, you can drink it to reap all of the fantastic health benefits. High in magnesium, iron, amino acids, manganese and minerals that work to reduce heartburn and help maintain cholesterol levels.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a strong ingredient that should always be patch tested first or diluted depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
Benefits:
- Balances the skin's pH.
- Natural exfoliant for unclogging blocked pores and removing dead skin cells.
- ACV contains malic acid that may help dark spots on the skin.
- You can use ACV as a toner to cleanse the skin, or as a mask mixed with raw honey (not suitable for daily use).
- Vegan
- Antimicrobial and Antibacterial
Granulated Sugar:
The last ingredient in our Beauty Box is the sweetest; granulated sugar! Body and face scrubs may contain microplastics, the little tiny bubbles or beads that give the product its grainy texture, which is harmful to the earth. Sadly, the beads never disappear even once they are washed down the drain. Granulated sugar is a zero-waste alternative that dissolves and brings no harm to mother nature. Let’s start by taking a look at how using sugar as a natural exfoliate is good for your skin.
Benefits:
- Revive dull and tired skin by adding sugar to a carrier oil like coconut oil.
- Remove the dead skin cells to reveal a youthful glow.
- Natural exfoliate that does not require chemicals.
- Helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Sugar contains minerals making it even better for an all-over body or face scrub.
- Sugar is gentle enough to use on the face and lips as a way to brighten the skin and leave it super soft.
At-Home Beauty Recipes You Can Make From Our Beauty Box Ingredients
DIY Toothpaste (charcoal, baking soda & coconut oil for whitening toothpaste)
What you will need:
¼ cup Coconut oil
1 teaspoon Activated charcoal
¼ cup Baking soda
Method:
Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure your coconut oil is in a liquid form (you can melt it on the bench in the sun first) and then add the charcoal and baking soda. Store the toothpaste in a glass jar with an air-tight lid. Tip: You can choose to peppermint essential oil to freshen the toothpaste and help give the paste a typical ‘toothpaste’ feel.
DIY Body Sugar Scrub (sugar & coconut oil for a body scrub)
What you will need:
¼ cup Granulated sugar
½ cup Coconut oil
Method:
Combine the coconut oil and sugar in a bowl (add essential oils or zest) and store in an air-tight container or glass jar. The scrub will need to remain in a cool and dry place. Avoid adding any water to your scrub in the shower to keep it fresh, use a spoon to remove the scrub as needed. Tip: You can add the zest of citrus fruit such as lemon or grapefruit, essential oils such as lavender or orange to brighten the smell of the sugar scrub and provide added benefits to nourish your skin.
DIY Face Mask (bentonite clay for a deep cleansing face mask)
What you will need:
1-2 Teaspoons Bentonite Clay
Non-Metal Spoon
Non-Metal Bowl
Water to make a paste
Method:
Add the clay to your bowl, slowly drop in the water until it forms a thick paste and mix this together to remove any lumps. You want to get a smooth paste that you can apply evenly all over your face and neck area. Leave the mask on until it dries hard and wash it off with warm water and a washcloth. It is normal for the skin to feel tight during a clay mask. The mask should not be painful or itching (wash off immediately if this occurs) and always patch test before using a product. Your skin may also be red directly after washing off the mask; this is only temporary. Tip: You can add oatmeal to your clay mask (ground oats into a powder), tea tree oil, organic honey or even yoghurt! The combinations depend on the condition of your skin and personal preference. Bentonite Clay is a powerful detoxifying ingredient that functions well on its own as a 100% clay mask.
DIY Face Powder (cornstarch & cacao for a natural face powder or setting powder)
What you will need:
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch (translucent powder)
1 ½ Teaspoons Cocoa Powder, Cinnamon Powder or Nutmeg Powder (for colour)
Method:
Mix the cornstarch together in a small bowl with your desired powder and use a brush to lightly dust it over your face, or to highlight your cheekbones. The cocoa powder will make for an ideal natural bronzer. Tip: This same recipe can be used to absorb oil from the hair as a dry shampoo.