These DIY natural skincare products are paraben free, sulfate free and fragrance free - you can even find most of them in your grocery store!
From Korean makeup to budget beauty buys and cruelty-free makeup, we at Honeycombers Hong Kong love everything beauty. However, we also understand that it’s important to embrace your bare face and feel confident in your own skin without using harsh chemicals. Check out our alternative beauty guide – a rundown of the best DIY natural skincare products that you probably already have in the pantry. Double yum!
The best DIY natural skincare products you already have at home
1. Coconut Oil
One of the best natural skincare products, this versatile oil is great for your skin and your hair. Coconut oil hydrates the skin, has antibacterial properties and helps fight acne, and even has the ability to block the damaging effects of UV rays from the sun. Use the oil as a deep facial cleanser, a makeup remover, a moisturiser and a hair mask. Coconut oil has been used by some as a mouthwash, also known as oil pulling, to kill bacteria in the mouth and help whiten teeth.
Shop coconut oil at these natural health food stores around town
2. Shea Butter
Need a 100% natural moisturiser? Grab some shea butter! It’s derived from seeds of the Karite tree, and is rich in vitamins A, E and F. Not only does it hydrate your skin, it also smoothes the skin, aids in collagen production, fights wrinkles and reduces inflammation. Shea butter has also been used as a base for natural deodorants – just add a few drops of essential oil and baking soda and you’re ready to go!
oGreen.hk, Room 1703, 17/F, Omega Plaza, 32 Dundas Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2780 1182, 旺角登打士街32號歐美廣場17樓1703號鋪
3. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a mild hypoallergenic oil that is safe for babies, a natural remedy for eczema, and is great for your skin and your hair. This natural skincare product is light, can be easily absorbed in the skin, moisturising and can reduce acne due to its high vitamin A content. You can use it as a substitute for an eye cream, as a makeup remover and a leave in hair-conditioner. We are big fans of this natural skincare product.
Shop iHerb Hong Kong online
4. Green Tea
Green tea is full of antioxidants, can be used as a skin toner, reduces inflammation in the skin, reduces signs of ageing, controls sebum production, fights acne, reduces dark eye circles and puffy eyes, and even stimulates hair growth! Green tea is incredibly accessible as it can be found in almost every supermarket and grocery store in Hong Kong. It can be used internally and externally on the skin. This is definitely one of the best natural skincare products you will find.
Marks & Spencer has branches across Hong Kong
5. Jojoba Oil
Found in many cosmetic and beauty products as a replacement for animal fats, jojoba oil is a refined oil that acts as a natural skin conditioner. The oil helps lock moisture into the skin, and can help those with oily skin (oily skin tends to be a result of the skin being stripped of natural oils and lacking moisture) modulate sebum production and reduce overall oiliness.
Shop iHerb Hong Kong online
6. Honey
Honey is filled with antioxidants and antibacterial properties, and has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. It is used to lighten scars, soothe sunburn, hydrate the skin and brighten the skin’s overall complexion. Use raw honey as a mask, mix with coconut oil to apply topically to scars, or even combine it with raw brown sugar to make a gentle exfoliator.
Green Common has branches across Hong Kong
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just great for salads, but is also great for the skin. The oil contains antioxidants and Vitamin E, which helps moisturise and smooth the skin, and prevent it from premature ageing. Add sea salt or brown sugar to olive oil to create an exfoliator, or mix in some baking soda to create a toothpaste!
Get the best olive oil from Il Bel Paese