Many people who are into zero-waste and green living spend a lot of time making homemade lotions, potions, and cleaning supplies. I’m not a big fan of DIY, but I do have a few simple things that I make at home. In today’s post, I’m sharing one of my recipes—an easy DIY body powder you can make in 5 minutes with 4 ingredients you probably have in your kitchen cupboards.
This post was originally published in March 2021 and updated in February 2024.
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Why I don’t do a lot of DIY
The main reason I don’t do a lot of DIY is I just can’t be bothered. My goal is to produce less waste and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. But, when it comes right down to it, I am pretty lazy. If I find a plastic-free or low-waste option to buy, I will always opt for it over trying to make something at home. The money I might save just isn’t worth the time and effort to me.
About 18 months ago, I took a soap-making class at Molloy’s, the local small business where I buy my bulk cleaning and laundry supplies. The class was fun and very interesting, and I loved the soap I made. On the downside, it was messy and took a bit of effort.
So, while I admire people who make their own everything, I don’t see me ever getting into DIY in a big way.
My DIY criteria
After the soap-making experience, I established some things that need to apply for me to make my own household or personal care products. If I’m tempted to consider DIY, I ask myself these questions.
- Can I make this in 10 minutes or less?
- Do I already have the ingredients in my house?
- Will it save me money?
- Do I already have all the tools and equipment to make it?
If I can’t answer yes to all these questions, I’ll skip the DIY and buy the most eco-friendly product I can find instead. As I’ve said many times, green living is about progress not perfection. If we’re making an honest effort, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up over the choices we make.
With that in mind, if you’re interested in giving DIY a try, check out these easy recipes that meet all four criteria:
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DIY body powder
I’m old enough to remember when body powder was sold in tins. These days, I haven’t been able to find it packaged in anything other than plastic. That’s why I decided to try making my own.
Getting this recipe right took a bit of trial and error. At first, I made it with only cornstarch and baking soda but I found it pretty clumpy. I decided to try a mix of cornstarch, arrowroot powder and baking soda. That seemed to do the trick.
If you like scented powder, add a few drops of essential oils. Personally, I like the scent of lavender oil, but you could be adventurous and use any scent you like.
Here is my recipe if you want to give it a try.
Easy 4-ingredient DIY body powder
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) cornstarch
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) arrowroot powder
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) baking soda
- 12 drops essential oils (optional)
How to
- Sift all ingredients together to mix well
- Transfer to a kitchen shaker or empty powder container.
That’s it. It really is that easy! It literally takes less than 5 minutes to make.
If I dream up any other super easy concoctions, I’ll be sure to share them in a future post.
Do you make any of your own household or personal care products? Tell us about them below.
Do regular people actually have arrow root in their kitchens? Can this be made without it?
Good question, Sue. I’m a pretty conventional cook, but I have arrowroot flour in my kitchen for a few recipes that I make. I buy it in smaller quantities at our local bulk food store. You could try substituting regular all-purpose flour.
Great idea, but does anyone know where to buy a kitchen shaker? My plastic empty powder containers seem to discourage re-use by being glued closed 🙁 Thanks Michelle
I know. I wanted to use an empty plastic container too but couldn’t get the lid off. I ended up finding a stainless steel kitchen shaker on Amazon. You may also find one at a local baking supply store.
Great to know and sounds easy, which I like!
Thanks Christy. Yes, I am all for simplicity!
I don’t normally make my own personal products. However, I’ve made hand cream out of coconut oil and olive oil. 😀
That sounds interesting, Rachel. I have started using coconut oil and almond oil as facial moisturizer.
I like that you make it and then keep it in a container which I associate with cinnamon sugar! I don’t use body powder (yet) but welcome your easy DIY recipes.
Thanks Will. Cinnamon sugar definitely sounds more appetizing than my body powder.