Aloe Vera

Can be used on the skin to help reduce acne, scares, and soothe burns. Aloe vera can also be used on the hair as extra nourishment. I mainly use aloe vera for homemade hand sanitizer as it provides moisture and antibacterial properties.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Before my DIY days I spent way too much money on fancy astringents that really didn't help my troublesome skin. I learned about apple cider vinegar and started making my own astringent!

Baking Soda

This simple ingredient is one of my favorites for DIY recipes. Baking soda can be used for homemade bathroom cleaner, to clean dirty pans (with a bit of water), homemade soft scrub, and bath fizzies. Amazing!

Beeswax

Beeswax is a must-have for creating homemade neosporin, vapor rub, lip balm, and more! Beeswax is a natural ingredient that's added to homemade DIYs that require a spreadable, solid state.

Bentonite Clay

This naturally-sourced ingredient is a powerful and incredibly healing clay. I use bentonite clay for a weekly face mask, homemade foundation powder, and toothpaste.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is one of the most versatile DIY ingredients. I use this concentrated, natural soap for homemade hand soap, laundry soap, surface cleaner, and body wash.

Cleaner Bottles

If you're making homemade cleaners, you need bottles! There are two options: make your own or purchase a set. I like to use vinegar bottles and turn them into cleaner bottles, just add a cute label.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a versatile oil as it can be used for both DIYs and cooking. Coconut oil can be used for homemade neosporin, vapor rub, moisturizer, and preparing your favorite meal! Look for unrefined oil.

Cosmetic Containers

These little containers are very inexpensive for the amount of containers in a box. I use the containers for everything from lip balm to very small batches of homemade lotion for friends.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruit. I use citric acid for homemade bath fizzies to create the homemade fizz my kids love! It's not used very often, but the bath fizzies are just so much fun.

Distilled Vinegar

Distilled vinegar is plain ol' white vinegar. Vinegar is a powerful, inexpensive ingredient. I use vinegar for homemade cleaner, floor cleaning wipes, cleaning wipes, and fabric softener.

Double Broiler

A double broiler is nothing more than just a pot filled with a small amount of water (to create steam) and a bowl over top. This product prevents ingredients from burning.

Dried Herbs

I use dried herbs for making homemade salves. One of my favorites is homemade neosporin. For the neosporin recipe, I use both lavender and calendula. I also add lavender to Sleepy-Time salts for a calming and soothing bath.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are rich in magnesium (a vital mineral the body needs to function well). I like to add epsom salts to a weekly bath for myself and my children. My favorite recipe is the Sleepy-Time Bath Salts.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are extracts from plants which are beneficial for both their scent and health properties. My favorites and most-used are: lavender, tea tree, orange, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil is a liquid coconut oil that comes in handy for DIYs, such as: homemade body wash, bath fizzies, and mixing with essential oils as a carrier oil. Plus, it won't clog drains!

Measuring Spoons

Just like with cooking, measuring spoons are vital for accurate measurements when making DIYs. I personally prefer measuring over weighing for my simple DIY recipes.

Measuring Cups

A set of measuring cups is also vital to DIYing. I use both dry measuring cups and a large liquid measuring cup (pictured). The liquid measuring cup also makes a great mixing bowl.

Mineral Rich Salt

This salt hasn't been stripped of vital minerals that are essential for the body. I add mineral rich salt to my Sleepy-Time Bath Salts and Bath Fizzies. This is the same salt I use in cooking/baking.

Nourishing Oil

There are many different nourishing oils so it's important to choose an oil that works with your skin type. My favorite is jojoba oil. Other options include: avocado, coconut, sweet almond, apricot.

Olive Oil

Good-quality olive oil (found in your kitchen!) can also be used for DIYs. Olive oil can be added to homemade hand soap as the nourishing oil. It's also used to make homemade neosporin, along with coconut oil.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is always in stock at my house. I use shea butter to make homemade lip balm and ultra-moisturizing lotion. This amazing butter moisturizes and soaks into the skin without an oily feel.

Spoon Spatula

This little tool is perfect for mixing both dry and liquid ingredients. I prefer a spoon spatula because the end is plastic which makes it easier to clean than a wooden spoon.

Squeeze Bottles

I love these silicone squeeze bottles for homemade toothpaste (kid-friendly) and homemade hand sanitizer. Plus, they are perfect for flying or just everyday travels.

Storage Jars

If you've been around Live Simply for long, you've probably noticed that I have a great love for storage jars! My favorite brands are: Weck and Ball. I keep a variety of sizes on hand for storing ingredients and products.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel can be used for both a facial astringent and cleaning hands with homemade hand sanitizer. I mainly use this ingredient in my homemade hand sanitizer. A little bit goes a long way.