Are you a fan of natural cosmetics? Why not take advantage of the new school year to introduce your little ones to them as well? Healing balm, detangling spray, lice repellent, and even acne serum—here are five recipes that are as beneficial for their health as they are effective.
There’s no need to remind you of the benefits of natural ingredients when it comes to skincare and cosmetics. In fact, more and more major brands are revising the compositions of their products to make them as natural as possible. But sometimes it’s much easier to grab ingredients from our own kitchen cabinets. If you’re used to making your own body, hair, and face care products, you might not have yet ventured into natural cosmetics for children. It’s worth noting that their delicate skin requires a bit of extra caution.
Always prioritize high-quality products, preferably organic. Use well-washed or even sterilized equipment. Lastly, be careful with ingredients that could cause skin reactions, such as essential oils. As a reminder, essential oils should not be used on children under 3 years old. For older children, as well as adults, it’s always a good idea to place a drop of essential oil on the inner elbow before incorporating it into a recipe to ensure there’s no risk of an allergic reaction. Once these basic guidelines are clear, you can get into the kitchen and test out different recipes with your kids—a great way to spend time together before school starts. It’s the perfect combination of useful and enjoyable!
To help your kids sleep at night: A calming pillow spray
Difficulty falling asleep, or waking up in the middle of the night? Sleep issues affect nearly one in three children under 6 years old. To help them have peaceful nights and get back into a school routine more easily, here’s a soothing pillow spray that promotes relaxation at bedtime.
Ingredients:
- 75 ml orange blossom or Roman chamomile infusion
- 5 ml red mandarin or sweet orange essential oil
- 12 drops bitter orange seeds or bergamot essential oil
Recipe: In a bowl, mix the essential oils. Add the infusion and mix again. Transfer the preparation into a glass spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray the mist on sheets and curtains about 15 minutes before bedtime. Store this product away from light and heat for up to three to six months.
To untangle hair: A gentle detangling spray
If your child runs at the sight of a comb and every hair-brushing session ends in tears, this recipe will be a lifesaver. The best part? It’s super easy and quick to make.
Ingredients:
- 100 ml water
- 1 tablespoon oats
- A few drops of vegetable oil (coconut, avocado, or castor)
Recipe: In a bowl, soak the oats in water overnight. The next day, strain the oats, keep the water, and add the vegetable oil. Pour the liquid into a container. The detangler is applied to wet hair after shampooing and doesn’t need to be rinsed out. Note that this natural product only lasts for up to three days in the refrigerator.
To heal wounds: A soothing balm
For bike accidents or skinned knees on the playground, it’s best to be prepared. This natural balm has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, antibacterial, and healing properties. However, it’s recommended to wait two to three days after the injury (once healing has begun) before applying it.
Ingredients:
- 23 grams coconut oil
- 5 grams aloe vera gel
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops true lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Italian helichrysum essential oil
Recipe: After softening the coconut oil in a bain-marie, pour it into a bowl. Add the aloe vera and blend the two ingredients together. Once cooled, add the essential oils. Mix and transfer into a sterilized 30 ml container. This balm can be stored for up to three months, away from heat and light.
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For teens: An anti-acne serum
Hormonal changes during puberty lead to acne for nearly 80% of teenagers—a real annoyance during such a sensitive time. However, it’s possible to reduce breakouts naturally. And beware of misinformation! Instead of harsh products that damage the skin, it’s better to use natural cosmetics made from specific vegetable oils.
Ingredients:
- 20 ml jojoba oil
- 10 ml black cumin oil
- 10 drops manuka essential oil
- 10 drops rosemary verbenone essential oil
- 10 drops geranium bourbon essential oil
Recipe: In a bowl, mix all the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a container, preferably a tinted glass bottle. Before using, warm a few drops of the serum between your hands. Apply morning and night on clean skin, avoiding the eye area. This serum can be stored for up to three months away from heat and light.
To prevent a back-to-school classic: Lice repellent
This natural recipe will help you face the new school year with peace of mind. Every September, lice return to classrooms. Instead of waiting until everyone’s scratching their heads, prevent infestations with this 100% natural spray.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml lavender infusion (or witch hazel)
- 40 drops true lavender or lavandin essential oil
- 17 drops grapefruit seed extract
Recipe: In a bowl, mix the essential oil. Add the lavender hydrosol and stir. Then add the grapefruit seed extract and mix again. Transfer the preparation into a 50 ml tinted glass container for better preservation. Apply directly to hair and clothing before school. This product can be kept for up to three months, stored away from light and heat.
