10 Ways To Save on Natural Skincare

by Amy Radhakrishnan

Looking for alternatives to pricey skincare products that won’t compromise gorgeous skin? We explore affordable natural skincare solutions.

Skincare products can be expensive. Fortunately, many alternatives are available, often found in your kitchen cabinet, ensuring gorgeous glowing skin without the price tag.

Here are 10 frugal alternatives to skincare.

1. Body/Facial Scrubs

A tub of body scrub would only last you a month or so, which can quickly escalate your expenses. To avoid this, use granulated sugar instead. Simply run it through the grinder once so that you still retain the coarseness of the sugar crystals. Make sure to use the scrub on the body, as it might be too abrasive for the face.

Another alternative is steel rolled oats. It is excellent at sloughing off dead cells and is gentle on facial skin.

Related: DIY Salt Scrubs for Silky Skin

2. Makeup Remover

Use regular olive oil as a substitute for your makeup remover. Simply dab a cotton pad in a bit of olive oil, swipe over the face and eyes, let it sit for a minute and then wipe off. The oil will loosen even tough waterproof mascara.

You can also use raw milk to remove dirt and grime from the face.

3. Shampoo

You can make your own shampoo by combining dishwashing detergent liquid and baby oil in a ratio of 3:1. The baby oil protects your hair from damage and keeps it soft, while the soap will wash off residue and buildup from the scalp.

You could also try an herbal alternative, such as acacia root.

Sign Up for Savings

Subscribe to get money-saving content by email that can help you stretch your dollars further.

Twice each week, you'll receive articles and tips that can help you free up and keep more of your hard-earned money, even on the tightest of budgets.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

4. Conditioner

Use regular mayonnaise instead of expensive conditioner. A dollop is enough for a full head of hair. Leave it on for a minute and then rinse as usual.

Honey is another great alternative, as it is a natural humectant that attracts moisture.

5. Hair Removal

Make your own wax at home by combining equal parts sugar and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to boil and then let it set. You can then go ahead and use this homemade wax like any of the store-bought versions. You can use strips of cloth from old used clothes to save further on wax strips.

Waxing is a better alternative to shaving as it pulls out hair from the roots, resulting in a cleaner finish.

6. Blackheads

Blackhead removal strips are extremely expensive. Instead, try using Elmer’s glue. Simply coat your nose or any other area you wish to remove blackheads with the glue. Let it dry and then slowly peel off in the opposite direction of application.

So, if you apply the glue downwards, once it dries, simply pull the layer in an upward direction. This method is very effective for removing blackheads and whiteheads.

7. Night Cream

Olive oil is an excellent substitute for expensive night creams.

Wash your face as usual before retiring for the night. Take a few drops of olive oil and gently massage it into your face.

The oil deeply nourishes the skin while helping to eliminate free radicals, which result in aging. For added antioxidant benefits, you can even add a few drops of lemon juice to the oil.

8. Face Mask

For an anti-aging face mask, combine equal parts ground oatmeal, honey, yogurt, and cocoa powder. Let it remain on the face for 20 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water, followed by a splash of cold water.

For dry, flaky skin, combine equal parts honey and lemon juice. Let it remain on the face for 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.

9. Skin Serum

Instead of expensive skin serums, you can make your own using Vitamin C tablets. Simply take about eight Vitamin C tablets and crush them to a fine powder consistency. Stir the powder into 10 ml of distilled water. Pour the solution into a dark glass jar and let it sit overnight to allow the Vitamin C to dissolve.

You can start using the solution the very next night. Make sure to store the jar in a dark place away from direct light.

10. Hair Straightening

Shampoo your hair as usual. Follow it up by rinsing your hair with a cup of milk. Let the milk remain on the hair for 20 minutes. Then rinse off.

When the hair is semi-damp, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle it and let it air dry. You will have straight, shiny, frizz-free hair.

Reviewed December 2023