DIY Toxin-Free Moisturiser

What you put on your skin matters more than most people realise.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it doesn’t just sit there — it absorbs. In fact, many ingredients found in everyday moisturisers, lotions and cosmetics can pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream, where they may impact hormones, immune function, and overall health.

The Hidden Issue with Many Store-Bought Moisturisers

Many off-the-shelf skincare products contain synthetic chemicals designed to improve texture, fragrance, shelf life or absorption — but not necessarily your health.

Some commonly used ingredients include:

• Parabens (used as preservatives)

• Phthalates (often hidden under “fragrance”)

• Synthetic fragrances

• PEGs and emulsifiers

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Research has shown that some of these compounds can act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they may interfere with the body’s natural hormone signalling. Over time, repeated exposure has been linked to hormone imbalance, skin irritation, headaches, fertility challenges, and increased inflammatory load on the body — especially in people already dealing with stress, gut issues, PCOS, thyroid concerns, or sensitive skin.

The tricky part? Many of these ingredients are legally approved in small amounts — but cumulative exposure from daily use across multiple products is rarely considered.

Skin Health Is Whole-Body Health

Your skin doesn’t exist in isolation. Breakouts, dryness, eczema, redness or premature ageing are often signs that the body is responding to something internally — whether that’s hormonal imbalance, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or toxin overload.

Reducing the number of chemicals your body needs to process can be a powerful step toward supporting:

• Hormone balance

• Liver detox pathways

• Immune health

• Skin barrier repair

• Overall wellbeing

One simple way to do this is by simplifying what you put on your skin.

A Simple, Toxin-Free Alternative: Make Your Own Moisturiser

This DIY moisturiser uses just a handful of nourishing, skin-loving ingredients — no synthetic fragrances, preservatives or fillers. It’s gentle, hydrating, and suitable for most skin types.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons organic shea butter

• 3 teaspoons organic aloe vera gel
  (Store-bought aloe gel works best for blending; pure leaf gel may separate)

• 2 teaspoons organic argan oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
  (Optional but recommended as a natural antioxidant and skin nourisher)

How to Make It

1. Gently melt the shea butter using a double boiler or very low heat.

2. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly (it should still be soft, not hot).

3. Add the aloe vera gel, chosen oil, and vitamin E oil.

4. Blend well using a small whisk or stick blender until smooth and creamy.

5. Transfer to a clean glass jar and store in a cool place.

✨ Apply a small amount to clean skin as needed.
Always patch test first, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

When DIY Is a Great Start — But Not the Whole Picture

Switching to cleaner skincare is a beautiful step, but if you’re experiencing ongoing skin issues, hormonal symptoms, or inflammation, it may be a sign your body needs support from the inside too.

A qualified naturopath can help you:

• Identify potential toxin or hormone contributors

• Support liver and gut detox pathways

• Address nutrient deficiencies

• Balance hormones naturally

• Create a personalised plan for long-term skin and health support

Small changes add up — and choosing what goes on your skin is one of the simplest places to start.