DIY vegan cosmetics – plastic-free body care
Image: shutterstock.com / Kerdkanno
Many cosmetic products still involve animal testing or contain animal-based ingredients. If you want to be sure that no animal has had to suffer for your personal hygiene and save a lot of packaging waste at the same time, it is best to make your own cosmetics products following Nadine Schubert’s recipes.
All-rounder coconut oil
Coconut oil is a real all-rounder. Among other things, it replaces make-up remover, shaving foam, and hair conditioner. You can also use it to make your own deodorant or body lotion.
DIY body lotion
• 35 g shea butter
• 25 g almond or olive oil
• 35 g coconut oil
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (as desired)
Put everything in a metal bowl and melt in a water bath. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then place it in the fridge, and let it set. Stir the cold mixture with a hand blender until it is frothy. Finally, pour the body cream into a sealable glass jar. The body lotion will last for several months and does not need to be kept in the fridge.
Clarity in a swarm of certifications – the V-Label for cosmetics
Plant-based products are continuing to rise in importance for a growing number of people. This applies to personal care items as well. A ProVeg survey on the labelling of cosmetic products has shown, however, that people following a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle often find it difficult to recognise whether a product meets their requirements. The V-Label offers transparency and clarity for toiletry and cosmetic products.
Plastic-free body scrub
Scrubs are another problematic care product. Not only do they come in plastic bottles, but they often contain a lot of microplastic. It is easy to mix up an efficient and fragrant scrub yourself with just a few ingredients which can be found in almost every kitchen.
DIY: body scrub
• 1 cup of white sugar
• ¼ cup of coarse cane sugar
• ½ cup of vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, or rapeseed)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional: 20 drops of essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and decant into a jar.
Tip: Salt or dried coffee grounds are also suitable for making body scrubs.
Anneliese Bunk and Nadine Schubert
Besser leben ohne Plastik
Only available in German
oekom 2016, 112 pages, €12.95
ISBN 978-3-86581-784-6
