Exfoliating Face Wash (made with Frankincense, Lavender + Tea Tree essential oils)

I've used so many different face washes over the years.  When evaluating what I wanted in a good face wash I decided I wanted something that promotes healthy skin, works to deter blemishes, gently exfoliates, and smells nice, but at the same time does not contain harmful ingredient (like parabens, etc.) or cost a fortune.  After looking around, I decided I would just make my own... for $6.24!  

Just as in other posts, I want to mention that I only use Young Living essential oils.  Young Living is the only company that makes PURE, THERAPEUTIC GRADE essential oils in a completely transparent way that they guarantee with their "Seed to Seal" process.  If you plan on following this recipe or any other that involves essential oils, PLEASE note that the $4.00 bottle of Lavender you find at the drug store is not the same thing.  The quality, purity and grade of oils is not the same.  Please do your research and know what you're using on your body.  To get your own Young Living Essential Oils click here.

What you will need:

1/2 cup purified water (free)

1/2 cup organic coconut oil ($2.00)

1/2 cup Dr. Bonner's Castile Soap ($2.25)

1/3 cup baking soda ($.21)

4 drops Young Living Tea Tree (Melaleuca A.) Essential Oil ($.48)

4 drops Young Living Lavender Essential Oil ($.40)

3 drops Young Living Frankincense Essential Oil ($.90)

Empty  glass bottle with a pump top (this is the most expensive item - I got mine at Target for $9.99, but I'm sure you could shop around)
Glass container to combine ingredients (I like to use a glass measuring cup)
Stainless Steel Wisk

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature.  I place my jar in a pot of water on the stove to warm it up enough to liquefy it.

While my coconut oil was warming, I combined the purified water, castile soap, and baking soda in the glass measuring cup.  I then added the coconut oil and wisked it together to make sure it was mixed well.

In glass pump bottle, I added the drops of Tea Tree (4), Lavender (4), and Frankincense (3) essential oil and then used a funnel to pour in the water-castjle soap-coconut oil-baking soda mixture.  

To use, shake gently and squirt a few pumps into your hand.  Massage into skin gently, avoiding eyes, then rinse.  

Why Tea Tree, Lavender, and Frankincense?

Tea Tree Essential Oil:  Also known as Melaleuca Alternifolia is cleansing and great for maintaining healthy skin.

Lavender Essential Oil:  Has a relaxing scent, but also soothes rashes, cuts, burns, scrapes and acne.

Frankincense Essential Oil:  Extremely valuable oil, used to promote healthy skin, especially for scars, wrinkles, and moles.

Homemade Body Wash for Babies and Kids (made with Valor + Lavender Essential Oils)

On my quest to eliminate the chemicals and synthetic ingredients in our lives, I have started making my own everyday beauty and body care items for my family.  One of my favorites (and a favorite of my kids) is a Homemade Valor + Lavender Body Wash.  Not only is it gentle and clean, but also smells great!

Just as in other posts, I want to mention that I only use Young Living essential oils.  Young Living is the only company that makes PURE, THERAPEUTIC GRADE essential oils in a completely transparent way that they guarantee with their "Seed to Seal" process.  If you plan on following this recipe or any other that involves essential oils, PLEASE note that the $4.00 bottle of Lavender you find at the drug store is not the same thing.  The quality, purity and grade of oils is not the same.  Please do your research and know what you're using on your body.  To get your own Young Living Essential Oils click here.

What you will need:

1 part purified water

1 part organic coconut oil

1 part Dr. Bonner's Castile Soap

3 drops Young Living Valor Essential Oil

3 drops Young Living Lavender Essential Oil
Empty bottle with a pump top (I use an empty 21 oz. Burt's Bee's bottle)
Glass container to combine ingredients (I like to use a glass measuring cup)
Stainless Steel Wisk

Combine the castile soap and water in the glass container.  This time I was making enough to fill two bottles, one for each bathroom, so I did 1 1/2 cups of each.  

Coconut oils is solid at room temperature.  I place my jar in a pot of water on the stove to warm it up enough to liquefy it and then poured it into the soap and water mixture.

From there I wisked it together really good to make sure all the ingredients were blended well.  I added 3 drops of Valor and 3 drops of Lavender essential oils to each bottle and then used a funnel to pour the castile soap-water-coconut oil mixture into the bottles.

If you wanted to do a different scent you can, but I find Valor and Lavender smell great together.  Therapeutically they are also both relaxing.  The Lavender promotes healthy sleep and the Valor can help balance emotions.