The Natural Beauty Workshop

A Guide to Making Bath Bombs

Though they come in a rainbow of colors, shapes, and sizes, all bath bombs share the same base elements.  A combination of acids and bases provide the fizzing action, while powdered ingredients, such as milk powder, salt, or starch, provide filler.  Finally, a binding agent works to keep everything packed tightly together.  Aromatics, colorants, and other additives are often included as well, but really, you could create a basic bomb from just three ingredients: Baking Soda, Citric Acid, and water.  

While plenty fizzy, such a simple bath bomb would be a little lack luster, especially compared to the amazingly creative bombs being made by artisans and crafters nowadays.  By tweaking each component of a bath bomb, you can create truly uniqe recipes.  We'll go into detail on each element to show you how.

Acid & Base Combo

Theoretically, you could use any skin safe acid and base combination to create the fizzy bubbles that bath bombs are known for, but the classic pairing of Baking Soda and Citric Acid is tried and true.  Start with a ratio of two parts Baking Soda to one part Citric Acid, and you are guaranteed to pack your bomb with fizzy action.  The acid and base combo should make up between 60% and 90% of your total bath bomb recipe.

Powdered Ingredients

While not strictly necessary, powdered ingredients help to improve the benefits and texture of bath bombs. so I highly recommend including them in your recipe.  Almost any skin safe powder can be used to amp up a bath bomb, but the most commonly used are Milk Powders, Salts, Starches, Clays, Honey Powder, Grain Powders, and Herb Powders.  Choose your ingredients according to your imagination.  Powdered ingredients can fill up to 40% of your total bath bomb recipe.

Colorants

Bath bombs are quite versatile when it comes to color.  You can use both water based and oil dispersible colorants, but they must be used in different ways.  Water Based Dyes, which are usually liquid, can be added to water based binding agents, or they can be added to the powdered ingredients using salt.  Dye the binding agents or salts before adding them to the recipe.  Liquid or powdered, oil dispersible colorants, such as Oxides, Micas, or Oil Dispersible D&C Dyes can be added to oil based binding agents, or they can be mixed in with almost any powdered ingredients.  The amount of colorant that you add to the recipe can be adjusted to yield different shades of color.  Just remember that using too much colorant could dye skin and bath fixtures.  When in doubt, use less.

Something to keep in mind when choosing your colorants is the nature of each type of colorant.  D&C and FD&C Dyes provide bright, bold color, but they can fade and bleed over time.  Micas and Oxides are less likely to bleed.

You can also incorporate color into your bath bombs by working with naturally colored powdered ingredients.  Many Clays and Herbs yield beautiful colors when included in bath bomb recipes. 

Aromatics

Scenting bath bombs is equally versatile.  The ingredients most commonly used to scent bath bombs are Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils, but bath bombs can also be scented with Absolutes, Attars, or CO2 Extracts.  Light scents can even be added by using an aromatic binding agent such as Hydrosol or Floral Water.  Finally, aromatic oils and butters can also help lend natural scents.  Ingredients like Cocoa Butter or Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil can add a subtle touch of scent to bath bombs.  

When scenting your bath bombs, keep skin safety in mind.  You should never use more Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil than is safe for one bath.  Try to keep your aromatics at a ratio of 1 - 5% of your total recipe.

Additives

Visual elements,  such as flower petals, sugar decorations,  or whole herbs should be included with the powdered ingredients when calculating your formula.  These ingredients can be added in with the other powders, or they can be embedded during shaping or molding.

Binding Agents

Pulling this all together are your binding agents.  There are two types of binding agents commonly used in bath bombs, oil and water. Whichever agent is used, it should make up between 10% and 20% of your total recipe.

Oil Based Binding Agents

Hard Butters and Oils, such as Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, or Coconut Oil, can be used to bind bath bomb ingredients without setting off their chemical reaction.  They also add moisturising benefits to the bombs.  Because these kinds of bombs will only harden when the oils cool and set, they are best molded individually.  With a little practice, these types of bath bombs can be shaped with ballers or scoops, but it can be a little tricky.  When using these binding agents, your bombs are likely to be softer and more fragile than when using water based binding agents.

Water Based Binding Agents

Because water sets off the chemical reaction within bath bombs, it makes using a water based wetting agent more than a little tricky.  However, when done right, it results in rock hard bath bombs that are virtually indestructable.  The hardness can vary depending on technique, ingredients, and mold shapes.

As mentioned earlier, any water based ingredient can be used as this type of binding agent.  Hydrosol, Floral Water, or plain water are the best to use.  It can also be helpful to add a little alcohol to the agent to ensure that it dries quickly.  

Assembly

Start off by preparing all of your components individually.  Combine your powdered ingredients, and create your binding agent.  Next, slowly add the binding agent to the powders, continually stirring to keep the ingredients moving.  If you are using an oil based binding agent, simply drizzle the liquid in a little at a time.  For a water based binding agent, using a spray bottle works best.  Wet the mixture a little at a time until it reaches the consistency of snow.  The mixture should pack and bind in your hands, but it should not be too wet.  When you've reached the right consistency, pack the mixture into molds, or shape it with scoops or ballers.  Allow the bombs to air dry for 3 to 6 hours, and then should be packaged in air tight containers.  

Basic Recipe

Use this basic formula to create your own unique bath bomb recipes!

• 1 part Citric Acid
• 2 parts Baking Soda
• 1 part Powdered Ingredients
• 10 - 20% Binding Agent
• 5% Aromatics
• Color as desired

Natural Beauty Workshop Recipes

We've shared some wonderful bath bomb formulas over the years. Check out the following recipes for inspiration!

• Chocolate Peppermint Bath Bombs
• Milk & Honey Hearts
• Bath Tub Whoopie Pies
• Easy Bath Tub Fizzies
• Coco Lime Bath Cookies
• Rainbow Sprinkle Bath Tub Cookies

Usage

Using a bath bomb is the funnest, and easiest step.  Simply drop the bomb into a warm tub of water and enjoy the bubbles and scent. 

Bath Bomb Ingredient Kits

From Nature With Love carries two great ingredient kits to help you get started. Each kit comes with Citric Acid, Baking Soda, a copy of Elaine Stavert's Bath Bomb Book, and a variety of additional ingredients.

Our All Natural Bath Bomb Kit comes with a variety of natural herbs, clays, and aromatics that you can use to create beautiful, eco-friendly bath bombs. 

Our Classic Colors & Scents Bath Bombs Kit includes a selection of fun Colorants and Fragrance Oils. Use this kit to create bright colored, strong scented bath bombs.

Blending Handmade Perfume Oils

Blending a beautiful aroma is much like any other artistic endeavor.  If you were painting, for instance, you would pay attention to the colors and composition, building a base of neutrals so that the carefully placed bursts of color would be highlighted.  So it is with a great perfume.  Base notes, such as musk, patchouli, or vanilla, build a sturdy foundation that allows mid and top notes, such as grapefruit, geranium, or bergamot to sing.  The experience should start with a zing, and end in a mellow comfort.  In past articles, we've gone over the details of building an aroma.  Once you've crafted a masterpiece from your aromatic notes, how will you use it?  While a blended aroma can be used to scent any number of bath & body products, it is best showcased in a perfume.

Photo by Life Soap Simple via The Natural Beauty Workshop Flickr Photo Group

Perfume Oils are the simplest method of handmade perfumery.  Aromatics are simply dropped into a suitable carrier, and agitated until fully mixed.  You carrier oil should be considered carefully for color, scent, and stability.  Ideally, you are looking for an oil that has no scent of its own, and is very stable.  An oil that lacks color is often ideal, as your aromatics may have colors of their own to showcase.  Some perfumers also choose to tint their perfumes to add to the overall esthetic.  A colorless carrier makes that a lot easier.  Alternatively, you can choose a colorful or fragrant carrier purposely to blend with your perfume.  For instance, Berry Seed Oils often yield a slightly fatty, acidic aroma that could balance a heavy perfume nicely.  For general purposes, I usually recommend Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba, Clear as good, plain carrier oils with high stability.

The next order of business for your perfume oil is to determine the ratio of aromatics to carrier oil.  Most aromatics cannot be used at full strength, and so they must be diluted.  This is important for safety, but also helps the perfume to be less overwhelming.  Natural aromatics are especially strong, and would be far too fragrant for comfort if used at full strength.  Perfume oil should consist of 1% to 5% aromatics.  Keep the strength, toxicity, and irritant value of the aromatics you are using in mind when deciding on the exact proportion.  When in doubt, it is safer to use less aromatics.  After all, the user can always apply more perfume if they prefer a stronger scent.

With these principles of blending handmade perfume oil in mind, I've created a base recipe for you to experiment with.  This recipe uses a ratio of 3% aromatics.  I'll include some notes later on to help you increase or decrease that ratio as needed.

Handmade Perfume Oil Recipe

• 1 ounce Jojoba, Clear (or another stable Carrier Oil)
• 21 drops Aromatics (Essential Oils, Absolutes, CO2 Extracts, Attars, or Fragrance Oils)

Other Ratios

• 7 drops Aromatics to 1 ounce Carrier Oil = 1%

• 14 drops Aromatics to 1 ounce Carrier Oil = 2%

• 21 drops Aromatics to 1 ounce Carrier Oil = 3%

• 28 drops Aromatics to 1 ounce Carrier Oil = 4%

• 35 drops Aromatics to 1 ounce Carrier Oil = 5%

Helpful Links

• Building an Aroma
• Aromatic Notes
• Using Natural Herbs to Color Products
• 1 oz and 1/3 oz Roll On Bottles

Milk Powder Recipes

We've posted tons of recipes here on The Natural Beauty Workshop that use these, and other Milk Powders.  Check them out, and get started on one of these amazing projects right away!

• Fun & Fruity Facial Masks
• Rainbow Sprinkle Bath Tub Cookies
• Engergizing Facial Mask
• Bath Tub Whoopie Pies
• Coco Lime Bath Cookies
• Milk & Honey Hearts
• Cappuccino Milk Bath
• Creamy Rice & Coconut Scrub

Making Powdered Milk Baths

The notion of bathing a beauty queen in buttermilk the night before her big pageant may seem a little wacky, maybe even extreme.  But folks in early Americana may have been on to something with that particular tradition.  Buttermilk, and other dairy products, contain a gentle exfoliator called lactic acid.  This mild acid can gently loosen, and even dissolve hardened sebum, and dead skin, allowing it to be gently buffed away with the help of a washcloth or body brush.  It can also help to soothe irritation, and moisturize dry skin.  This leaves skin with a fresh, healthy glow, so radiant that it just might win you that pink satin sash after all.  

Milk Bath recipes are generally made up of two parts Milk Powder, one part Grain Powder, and a variety of optional Additives.  They can also be scented with the help of Essential Oils, Fragrance Oil, Absolutes, or CO2 Extracts.  

Milk Powders
The heart of any Milk Bath recipe is, of course, the Milk Powder.  Milk Powder comes in many varieties.  Here is a little background info on each:

Whole Milk Powder
The classic, Whole Milk Powder provides a skin nourishing bounty of vitamins and minerals, with minimal dairy aroma.  It pairs wonderfully with almost any aroma or fragrance.  Whole Milk Powder now comes in an Organic Variety as well.

Buttermilk Powder
Buttermilk contains a higher portion of acids than Whole Milk Powder, boosting its exfoliative powers.  It also has a slightly sour scent that can be covered up my most aromas and fragrances.

Goat's Milk Powder
The most pungent of Milk Powders, Goat's Milk Powder must be fragranced with its natural aroma in mind.  Luckily, it pairs nicely with strong aromas, such as Lavender.  It is very high in vitamins A, B, and E, boasting a beta carotene content that is three times higher than Whole Milk.  Due to a complex blend of helpful acids, Goat's Milk Powder is by far the most superior of the Milk Powders when it comes to hydration, exfoliation, and nutrition.  

Coconut Milk Powder
Coconut Milk Powder makes a delightful alternative for conventional Milk Powders in Milk Bath recipes.  It's yummy Coconut Scent, and creamy consistency is a pleasure to use.  Keep in mind, however, that this ingredient is not suitable as a vegan alternative, due to the presence of milk proteins in its ingredients. 

Yogurt Powder
Yogurt Powder posesses very similar properties to Whole Milk Powder, and can help to cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate the skin.  Try pairing Yogurt Powder with fruity scents or ingredients to create Bath Smoothies!

Grain Powders
Powdered Grains add soothing properties to Milk Baths, amping up their beauty boosting abilities, and making the bath more pleasant.  While the classic ingredient is Oat Flour (or fine Oatmeal) there are a number of possible ingredients that could be used to create a unique Milk Bath recipe.

Oat Flour, Fine
A classic ingredient for skin care, Oat Flour lends soothing properties to Milk Baths.  It has little to no aroma or color, making it perfect for inclusion in specialty recipes.  Oat Flour is also available in an Organic variety.

Rice Powder, Fine
Finely milled White Rice Powder posesses natural starches that will help turn the bath into a milky white wonderland.  In Milk Bath Recipes, it should be used in smaller proportions than Oat Flour, since its fine grain will not disperse as readily at Oat Flour, and can leave a grainy feeling on the bottom of the tub. 

Nut Flours & Meals
Chickpea Flour or Almond Flour can add nutritive benefits to Milk Bath formulations, but should not be added directly to the tub.  Since these Nut Ingredients will not disperse into the bath water well, they can leave the bottom of the tub scratchy, and unpleasant.  To include these ingredients, pack them into a Tea Ball or a Tea Bag, allowing the properties, but not the texture of the Nut Ingredients into the bath water. 

Additives
Many nutritive ingredients can be added to Milk Baths to enhance them.  Other ingredients are added to help increase the slip or flow of the finished product.

Honey Powder
Honey is an excellent natural cleanser, and a classic addition to Milk Bath recipes.  Honey Powder makes it easy to include honey in your recipe.  This spray dried powder is blended to make it free flowing, and easy to use.  Honey Powder is also available in an Organic variety.

Herbs
Finely powdered Herbs can be added to Milk Baths to enhance their properties, increase their beauty, or add scent.  Since Herb Powders don't disperse fully into bath water, it may be a good idea to include them inside a Tea Ball or a Tea Bag to keep them from making the tub bottom scratchy or uncomfortable.  If you are using a Tea Ball or Tea Bag, you can use whole herbs as well as powders.

Salts
Generally, Milk Baths are not Salt based, but sometimes Salts are included in the recipe.  Some salts, such as Bolivian Pink, or Himalayan Pink, can add beauty and color.  Others, such as Dead Sea Salt, can add rich mineral content.  The most highly used in Milk Baths is Dendritic Salt, which is often used as a carrier for aromatics. We'll discuss that more when we talk about scenting Milk Baths.

Aloe Vera Spray Dried Powder
Spray Dried Aloe Vera Powder is dehydrated juice from the aloe plant.  This soothing ingredient can be easily included in Milk Baths, as it dissolves readily in water. 

Corn Starch
Corn Starch is sometimes added to Milk Bath recipes to help thicken and soften the bath water, as well as ensure the free flowing nature of the finished powder.  

Kaolin Clays
Gentle Kaolin Clays are perfect for adding detoxifying properties to a Milk Bath.  Due to their mild nature, Kaolin Clays don't tend to over dry most skin types.  They come in a lovely variety of colors, which can add beauty to your Milk Bath as well. 

Coral Calcium
Our responsibly harvested Coral Calcium contains a dizzying array of nutritive minerals.  Add this powder to your Milk Bath to amp up its nutritive value.

Scenting Your Milk Bath
The best way to add a scent to your Milk Bath is with the help of a carrier ingredient.  Dendritic Salt and Baking Soda both work quite well.  Simply mix your aromatic with a few tablespoons of either Denritic Salt or Baking Soda until it has been fully absorbed.  Then, add the mixture to the rest of your Milk Bath.  You can use any type of skin safe aromatic you like in your Milk Bath, but be sure to go easy on the dosage when it comes to Essential Oils.  The user will be soaking in a hot tub, both inhaling the fumes, and coming into contact with the Oils topically.  A little will go a long, long way.  For this purpose, we recommend adding no more than 2% Fragrance or Essential Oil to a Milk Bath's total weight or volume. 

Base Recipe
Use this simple base formula to create your own amazing Milk Bath recipes from scratch!

• 2 cups Milk Powder
• 1 cup Oat Flour or 1/4 cup Rice Powder, Fine
• Up to 1/2 cup Honey Powder, Kaolin Clay, Salt, or Corn Starch
• Up to 2 tablespoons Aloe Vera Spray Dried Powder, Coral Calcium, or Herbs
• 1/4 cup Dendritic Salt or Baking Soda with up to 2 teaspoons Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil mixed in

This recipe should be used at a rate of 2 to 4 tablespoons per bath.

Emulsion, The Magic Trick of Creams and Lotions

Water and Oil don't mix on their own.  When it comes to creating a cream or a lotion, something must be done to water and oil based ingredients in order for them to combine.  Emulsion occurs when water is allowed to encapsulate oil molecules with the help of a stretchy ingredient called an emulsifier.  Lecithin is a common emulsifier found in nature.  In cooking, the lecithin contained in egg yolk allows chefs to create luscious emulsified sauces such as mayonnaise or hollandaise.  Creams and lotions are created in a very similar way.  Only when it comes to lotions and creams,  other ingredients must be used to maintain a stable, long term emulsion.  Emulsifying Wax is an ingredient that has been especially formulated for this purpose.  It contains just the right amounts of wax and emulsifier to maintain a stable emulsion in most simple cream or lotion formulas.  For beginners, I often recommend this ingredient.  It is very easy to use, even when you are creating your own recipes from scratch.  

You can also create an emulsion with the help of natural ingredients.  However, unlike Emulsifying Wax, natural emulsifiers must be used in conjunction with each other in order to work.  The best combination to start with is Beeswax, Liquid Lecithin, and Borax.  Together, these ingredients can help to create a stable emulsion of fats and waters.

To create a basic emulsion formula, try working with this simple formula:

• 1 part Emulsifier
• 3 parts Oil / Vegetable Butter
• 6 parts Water or Hydrosol

The emulsifier part can be 100% Emulsifying Wax, or a combination of 80% Beeswax, 10% Borax, and 10% Liquid Lecithin.  Try experimenting with the amount of water, oil, or emulsifier you have to create unique textures.  You can also try switching Beeswax for other waxes, such as Candelilla, Carnauba, Bayberry, or Floral Wax.  

To create the emulsion, start by heating the waxes and oils/butters together, along with the lecithin, if you are using it.  In a separate container, heat the waters along with the borax, if you are using it.  When both phases have become hot, and the waxes have fully melted, begin whipping the water phase. Slowly pour a very thin stream of the oil/wax mixture into the water phase while continually whipping.  After the ingredients are fully combined, continue to whip the mixture for at least a full five minutes.  The mixture should become thick and opaque.  

Depending on your ingredients your mixture can vary in texture and appearance wildly.  Achieving a stable emulsion may also require some tweaking of these ratios depending on the ingredients you choose.  Becoming an expert on making creams and lotions is an adventure!  Embrace experimentation, and don't lose heart when formulations break or fail.  It is all part of the learning process.  For a more in depth look into handmade emulsions, check out Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions by Donna Maria, an indispensable guide to cream and lotion making.  

Do you have a favorite emulsion recipe to share?  If so, please share it with us in the comments below!

Oils of Africa

Africa boasts a long lived tradition of creating skin and hair care recipes from the natural ingredients provided by its rich and varied landscape.  As these ingredients gain popularity in commercial formulations, they have also become readily available to natural skin and hair care artisans, lending a fresh perspective on these traditional ingredients.  

An incredibly popular ingredient for soap making, Avocado Oil is a rich, moisturizing ingredient that is also great for dry skin formulations, and intensive hair treatments.  High in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Panthothenic acid), Vitamin D, E, minerals, protein, lecithin and fatty acids, Avocado Oil makes a nutritive addition to skin and hair care formulas.  Avocado Oil can be a little heavy, so use it sparingly in light formulations such as facial recipes or massage oils.  Use it liberally in moisturizing soaps, intensive conditioners, and balms. 

Avocado Tree - Photo by Joachim Huber

Baobab Oil is golden in color, with a light, nutty aroma.  It contains a high level of essential fatty acids, as well as a nutritive boost of vitamins A, D, and E.  Baobab Oil is great for moisturizing both skin and hair.  It can help to improve elasticity, regenerate cells, all the while leaving pores clean and clear.  An excellent ingredient for eczema or psoriasis, Baobab Oil continues to be a boon to the natural skin care industry, as it has for centuries in Africa.  

Baobab Tree - Photo taken by Geoff Wilson

Manketti Oil, or Mongongo Oil, is derived from trees that grow throughout the African continent.  The nuts of this tree produce a highly emollient oil that can help protect the skin from harsh winds and dry climates.  It is used in a traditional Kwangali hair oil treatment, and makes an excellent ingredient for moisturizing formulations such as body butters, salves, balms, and ointments. 

Marula Oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, making it one of the most nutritive African skin care oils.  Marula is a great choice for dry skin formulations.  In addition to being highly moisturizing, it can also help to reduce redness and heal damaged tissue.  Use Marula in healing ointments, balms for chapped skin, moisturizing lotions and soaps.

Marula Fruit - Photo by Sarahemcc

Also known as Behen Oil, Moringa Oil is light in texture, but carries a lot of weight in the world of natural skin care and medicine.  Its potent antioxidants have made Moringa Oil a sought after ingredient, even by ancient cultures.  Today, the oil is popular for use in massage and aromatherapy applications.  It also makes a great addition to light lotions, creams, and body or hair oils.

Moringa Flower - Photo by Ton Rulkens

Papaya Oil is high in Oleic Acid, making it a highly moisturizing oil.  Its moisturizing properties, paired with its light texture make Papaya Oil an ideal ingredient for skin and hair care.  Papaya Oil can be used in almost any kind of formulation.  Use Papaya Oil in light lotions and creams, body scrubs, and hair conditioners or oils.  Papaya Oil also makes a great massage oil.

Lady Selling Papayas - Photo by Elin B

Maracuja (Passion Flower) Oil is an exceptional ingredient for personal care.  It contains a huge amount of Vitamin C, a component not often found in skin care ingredients.  Vitamin C can help to energize skin's appearance, adding an extra punch to facial formulations.  Maracuja is also highly moisturizing and rich in fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorous.  Its light texture makes it extremely versatile. It can be used in facial serums, creams, lotions, lip balms, or even hair care products.  

Maracuja (Passion Flower) by Gilberto Santa Rosa

Kalahari (Watermelon Seed) Oil is also known as Ootonga Oil in Africa.  It has a delightfully light texture while being highly moisturizing, making it a versatile ingredient in both hair and skin care.  Kalahari Seed Oil can help to restore skins elasticity, and is often used in belly oils and balms for expecting mothers.  The oil is also popular for use as an alternative to mineral baby oils.  Kalahari Oil is an excellent conditioner of both the hair and skin.  It is great for use in scrubs, soaps, and light lotions and hair oils.

Yangu Oil, also called Cape Chestnut Oil is a traditional ingredient in African Skin Care.  Generations of African people have used natural Yangu Oil to condition their hair and skin.  It is currently a popular ingredient in cosmetics and bath & body products due to its high content of essential fatty acids.  Yangu Oil may also provide a degree of ultra violet protection.  It makes an excellent ingredient for soaps, lotions, shampoo bars, hair conditioners, or balms.

Try out each of these amazing ingredients with our sampler.  Our Oils of Africa Sampler contains 1 oz. sizes of the following:

• Avocado
• Baobab
• Manketti
• Marula
• Moringa
• Papaya
• Maracuja (Passion Flower)
• Kalahari Melon (Watermelon) Seed
• Yangu (Cape Chestnut)

Garden Spa: Fresh Herb Facials

Summer garden's burst with a bounty of tasty, nutritious vegetables and herbs.  While you are reaping the harvest, consider reserving a small portion of the bounty to put toward skin care.  Fresh herbs and veggies can be used to create simple, beneficial formulas to soothe, cleanse, or moisturize your skin.  Pluck the ingredients in these recipes from your own garden, or visit a local farmer's market to take advantage of the best that nature has to offer during the summer months.

When you are working with fresh masks, it is important to keep the mixtures as clean and sterile as possible.  Treat the masks with the same care that you would fresh food.  Only touch the mixtures with clean utensils, never your fingers, and store any leftover mixture in your refrigerator for up to three days in a clean, labeled container.

Yogurt Mint Mask (Normal and Sensitive Skin)

This simple mask is made with pureed fresh mint, plain yogurt, and gentle Kaolin Clay.  The lactic acids in yogurt gently exfoliate the skin while the Kaollin Clay draws out toxins and dirt that can clog pores and endanger your complexion.  Fresh Mint gives this mask a cool, refreshing aroma that will leave you feeling blissfully refreshed.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. Fresh Mint Leaves, rinsed, dried, and chopped
• 1 tbsp. Plain Yogurt
• 1 tbsp. White Kaolin Clay

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, combine Kaolin Clay and Plain Yogurt.  Mix the ingredients until they become smooth, then transfer them to a blender or food processor.  Add the mint leaves, and blend until the leaves have been finely minced.  Remove the mixture and transfer it to a clean container.  Refrigerate the mixture for up to three days, then discard it. 

Usage

Apply a liberal amount of the mask to your clean face.  Wait 15 - 20 minutes before rinsing with clean, tepid water.  Follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Cucumber Honey Mask (All Skin Types)

Cucumber is known for its abilities to cool and refresh the palate.  It can do those things and more when used in skin care.  Fresh Cucumber can help reduce puffiness and calm irritated skin.  It also makes a nice cleanser.  Mint and Cilantro are also great at cooling, refreshing, and increasing circulation in the skin.  Honey Powder and Kaolin Clay increase the cleansing properties of this recipe by drawing out dirt, toxins, and excess oil.

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp. Fresh Cilantro Leaves, rinsed, dried, and chopped
• 1 tsp. Fresh Mint Leaves, rinsed, dried and chopped
• 1 tbsp. Honey Powder
• 1 tbsp. Yellow Kaolin Clay

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, combine Kaolin Clay, Honey Powder, and chopped Cucumber.  Mix the ingredients until the powders dissolve, then transfer them to a blender or food processor.  Add the Cilantro and Mint leaves, and blend until the leaves have been finely minced.  Remove the mixture and transfer it to a clean container.  Refrigerate the mixture for up to three days, then discard it.

Usage

Apply a liberal amount of the mask to your clean face.  Wait 15 - 20 minutes before rinsing with clean, tepid water.  Follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Lemon Basil Mask (For Oily or Acne Prone Skin)

This recipe is great for acne prone skin.  Basil, Honey and Lemon help to clean up excess oil and sebum, which can lead to breakouts.  Gentle Kaolin Clay and soothing Chamomile Tea complete the recipe by drawing toxins from the skin and taking the edge off irritation. 

Ingredients

 

• Fresh Basil, rinsed, dried, and chopped
• Honey Powder
• Multani Mitti Clay
• Fresh Lemon Juice (about one wedge)
• Chamomile Tea or Dried Chamomile Flowers
• Boiled Water

 

Directions

Begin by steeping the Chamomile in boiling water.  Set the tea aside to steep and cool while you work on the rest of the recipe.  Combine the chopped herbs in a blender, 

In a small mixing bowl, combine Kaolin Clay, Honey Powder, and Chamomile Tea.  Remove the mixture and transfer it to a clean container.  Refrigerate the mixture for up to three days, then discard it.

Usage

Apply a liberal amount of the mask to your clean face.  Wait 10 - 15 minutes before rinsing with clean, tepid water.  Follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

How have you incorporated fresh herbs into your own soaps or skin care products?

Essential Oil Blends for Natural Deodorants

Previously, we posted a really popular article on Making Your Own Natural Deodorants.  Making your own deodorant may seem sort of mysterious, or daunting, but it's actually a very simple process.  Deodorants can be made in several varieties too.  Cream Deodorants are smooth, spreadable mixtures, similar to oil based body butters.  Solid Deodorants can be poured right into our Stick Tube Deodorant Containers to create your classic rub-on deodorant.  Spray Deodorants are also surprisingly simple to make.  Once you select a base recipe, the next step is to create a blend of Essential Oils to use in your deodorant.  You can choose a blend to serve a purpose, or just because you like its scent.  Here are some basic blends that you can use for your next batch of Natural Deodorant.

Herbalicious

• 2 parts Mandarin
• 1 part Basil 
• 2 parts Chamomile 

Pretty in Pink

• 1 part Nerolina
• 1 part Vanilla
• 2 parts Jasmine
• 2 parts Chamomile

Mountain Man

• 1 part Tea Tree
• 1 part Pine
• 1 part Juniper
• 2 parts Mandarin
• 1 part Myrrh

Paisley Queen

• 2 parts Geranium
• 1 part Nerolina
• 1 part Lemongrass
• 1 part Patchouli

Mr. Sandman

• 2 parts Sandalwood
• 2 parts Vanilla
• 1 part Cypress
• 1 part Frankincense

The Rub: A Guide to Home Massage

When it comes to home massage it usually takes two to tango.  This creates a wonderful opportunity for closeness and quality time, whether your partner is a spouse, a significant other, or your child.  A gentle loving touch can help to bring you closer together while promoting comfort, health, and relaxation.  For some tips on home massage, check out Beauty by the Batch's article, Tips For Gentle Home Massage.  You can learn even more by picking up a book on the subject.  Check out the Book Store at From Nature With Love for some great books on massage.

When you are ready to try your hand at massage, you'll need a good massage oil to use during your session.  You can choose a simple Carrier Oil, or create a special blend using one of The Natural Beauty Workshop's many Massage Recipes.  We've highlighted some of our top picks for each below. 

 Carrier Oils for Massage

• Sweet Almond Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Chardonnay Grape Seed Oil 
• Hazelnut Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Perilla Seed Oil

Massage Recipes from The Natural Beauty Workshop

• Ginger Wood Massage Oil
• Cooling Cucumber & Mint Body Oil
• Kapha Massage Bar
• Mochacchino Massage Melts
• Organic Body Oil
• Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars

Shampoo Bar Ingredients

Shampoo Bars are often made very similarly to bar soaps.  In fact, formulating a soap bar that includes ingredients that are beneficial to the hair is a great way to invent your own shampoo bar recipe.  From Nature With Love carries an extensive variety of ingredients that can be helpful to hair.  Try creating a cold process, hot process, or hand milled soap recipe using some of the following ingredients.  Click on each link to learn more about the  individual ingredients, and what they can be used for in hair care.

Vegetable Butters

• Aloe Butter
• Avocado Butter
• Cupuacu Butter
• Olive Butter
• Shea Butter
• Organic Nilotica Shea

Vegetable Oils

• Acai Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Argan Oil
• Amla Oil
• Arnica Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Baobab Oil
• Black Cumin Seed Oil
• Brazil Nut Oil
• Broccoli Seed Oil
• Buriti Fruit Oil
• Camellia Seed Oil
• Camelina Oil
• Carrot Oil
• Castor Oil, Pale Pressed
• Coffee Oil, Green
• Copaiba Balsam Oil
• Jojoba, Natural
• Kiwi Seed Oil
• Manketti Oil
• Marula Oil
• Meadowfoam Seed Oil
• Passion Flower Oil(Passionfruit), Refined
• Pequi Oil
• Vegetable Squalene
• Watermelon Seed Oil
• Yangu Oil (Cape Chestnut)

Essential Oils & CO2 Extracts

• CO2 Extract: Arnica Flower Total
• CO2 Extract: Chia Seed (Spanish Sage) Total
• CO2 Extract: Helio Carrot (Root) Total
• CO2 Extract: Oat
• CO2 Extract: Rosemary Select, Cineole Type
• Essential Oil: Bay, Dominican Republic
• Essential Oil: Cedarwood, Virginia
• Essential Oil: Juniper Berry, India
• Essential Oil: Neroli, Tunisia
• Essential Oil: Rosemary, Spain
• Essential Oil: Sage, Spain
• Organic Essential Oil: Yarrow

Herbs

• Amla Powder
• Bhringraj Powder
• Hibiscus Petal Powder
• Sandalwood Powder
• Shikakai Powder
• Stinging Nettles

Powdered Extracts

• Powdered Extract: Burdock Root 4:1
• Powdered Extract: Calendula 5:1
• Powdered Extract: Chamomile 4:1
• Powdered Extract: Green Tea Leaf 50%
• Powdered Extract: Oat Straw 10:1
• Powdered Extract: Stinging Nettles 4:1

Other Ingredients

• Lanolin Oil
• Silk Peptide Powder

Why are shampoo bars worth the effort?  Check out Beauty by the Batch's recent article on Shampoo Bars to find out more.  Shampoo Bars: Cleanse Your Hair Naturally and Inexpensively.   

What ingredients do you like to include in your Shampoo Bars?  Please let us know in the comment below.