There are 21 items I stopped buying because I now make them at home. Once you start crafting your own personal care, cleaning, and household essentials, you’ll likely prefer homemade versions for quality, cost savings, and less waste.
Each new DIY recipe brings that satisfying feeling of accomplishment. When a store item vanishes from my shopping list because I can reliably make it myself, I get genuinely excited.
Recently my daughter asked for a lightweight lotion with a grocery order. Instead of buying one, I made my homemade tallow lotion, which is gentler and made from ingredients I trust. That bottle never needed to be replaced from the store.
Making your own bath and beauty items, cleaners, and home essentials isn’t only enjoyable — it saves money, cuts packaging waste, and lets you control the ingredients in the products you use every day.
Below is a practical list of the 21 products I stopped buying and learned to make, covering skincare basics, cleaning staples, and cozy home items you can create yourself.
From daily skincare to candles and laundry soap, these simple DIYs are approachable and useful.
Why Make Your Own Products?
- Save money over time: After the initial investment in basic ingredients, homemade items typically cost far less per use than their store-bought counterparts.
- Know exactly what’s in them: Homemade products have simple ingredient lists with no hidden fillers or synthetic additives — you choose what goes in.
- Customize to your needs: You can tailor texture, scent, and ingredients for your skin type, sensitivities, or scent preferences.
- Reduce household waste: Making your own items often means reusing containers, reducing single-use packaging, and lowering your environmental footprint.
21 Things I Stopped Buying and Started Making
Ready to start making and buying less? Here are the items I replaced with homemade versions, organized so you can pick what fits your needs first.
Body + Personal Care
Non-Greasy Pumpable Lotion
This pumpable lotion feels like a commercial lotion but uses natural, nourishing ingredients. You can scent it with essential oils or leave it unscented for sensitive skin.
DIY Body Powder
Homemade body powder keeps you dry and comfortable without the additives often found in store options. It’s quick to mix and easy to adjust for scent and texture.
Homemade Deodorant
Natural deodorants can be expensive. Making your own saves money and lets you avoid unwanted ingredients while creating an effective, long-lasting formula.
Homemade Lip Balm
Simple ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax make a moisturizing lip balm that’s eco-friendly when poured into reusable tubes.
All-Natural Lotion Bars
Lotion bars are a compact, travel-friendly alternative to liquid lotion. They’re quick to make and perfect for on-the-go skin care.
DIY Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are fun to customize and make thoughtful gifts. Homemade versions let you pick fragrances, colors, and botanicals for a personal touch.
DIY Bath Salts
Homemade bath salts are luxurious yet surprisingly simple and affordable to make. They make lovely gifts and offer gentle relaxation.
Homemade Shampoo
We’ve used a rosemary-based homemade shampoo for years. It cleans and conditions gently, and making it eliminates the need to buy commercial bottles.
DIY Conditioner
Pair your DIY shampoo with a homemade conditioner to add moisture, shine, and manageability using natural ingredients.
Simple DIY Face Moisturizer
Costly facial moisturizers can be replicated at home with a formula tailored to your skin type. Homemade versions hydrate without leaving an oily finish.
Soap + Skincare
Beginner’s Cold Process Soap Bars
Cold process soapmaking may seem technical, but beginner-friendly recipes yield ultra-moisturizing bars you can confidently make at home.
Turmeric Soap Bars
Turmeric gives a warm color and gentle benefits without staining skin or linens. These pretty flower-shaped bars are made from a few simple ingredients.
Melt and Pour Oatmeal Soap
If you prefer a simpler method, melt-and-pour bases let you customize soap quickly. Honey oatmeal bars are gentle and soothing for everyday use.
Homemade Charcoal Soap
Activated charcoal cleans deeply and is excellent for facial cleansing bars. This cold process charcoal soap is one of my favorites for a clarifying wash.
Cleaning + Home Care
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
This simple three-ingredient cleaner takes minutes to mix and works on counters, appliances, and most surfaces. (Avoid using it on natural stone; for that I have a separate granite cleaner.)
Homemade Toilet Cleaning Bombs
Toilet bombs fizz and clean with minimal effort. Toss one in, let it dissolve, and enjoy a cleaner bowl without heavy scrubbing.
DIY Mattress Deodorizer
Refresh your mattress naturally with a simple deodorizer spray. It’s quick to make and helps keep your sleeping surface smelling clean.
DIY Garbage Disposal Deodorizer Tabs
Instead of buying scented, synthetic tabs, homemade disposal deodorizer tablets clean and freshen the sink area using natural ingredients and a light lemon scent.
Home Essentials
Homemade Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps replace single-use plastic wrap. I use scrap fabric coated with beeswax to make reusable covers for bowls, snacks, and leftovers — they’re easy to clean and reuse.
DIY Wood Balm (Spoon Butter)
Wood balm conditions and protects cutting boards, utensils, and butcher blocks more effectively than plain mineral oil. This homemade blend preserves and waterproofs your wood for years.
Simple Laundry Powder
Making powdered laundry detergent saves a significant amount over store brands. It’s simple to prepare, long-lasting, and can be lightly scented with essential oils if desired.
Homemade Soy Candles
DIY soy candles are cost-effective and let you choose clean fragrances. With a simple method, making candles becomes an enjoyable, low-mess craft.
Where to Get Started
Many readers ask where I source ingredients and supplies. Local health food stores carry some basics, but I order the majority of my supplies online. I also buy bulk items for better value when I plan to make multiple batches.
Sources for bulk and specialty ingredients include well-known online retailers and ingredient suppliers, which makes it easy to keep a steady stock of castile soap, oils, and other staples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. While initial purchases of supplies can create a startup cost, ingredients stretch across many batches, making homemade options far less expensive than comparable natural products in shops.
Yes. Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and citrus or essential oils are effective for routine cleaning tasks and deodorizing around the home.
Start with something you use frequently or a simple recipe to build confidence. Popular starter projects include the all-purpose cleaner, laundry powder, or body powder — each is easy and useful right away.
More DIY Recipes
- 29+ Natural Cleaning Recipes for the Whole House
- Natural Laundry DIYs for a More Sustainable Life
- 12 Must-Have DIY Skin Care Recipes
- 30 Easy Soap Recipes You Can Make at Home
Ready to replace store-bought items with homemade essentials? It’s surprisingly addicting in a good way — practical, creative, and better for your budget and the planet. Try a recipe, and if you like, share which one you made in the comments. Bookmark this list so you can return to more DIY ideas later.