I know a lot of people who make their own soap. For the most part they are natural and wonderful and it always impresses me.

I am way too lazy for that.

Luckily, there are really easy, all natural ways to clean your body without having to make your own soap. I have been using a few of them for a long time.

I am into herbology. I looks at it from a scientific perspective and i always have. Certain herbs have certain properties. I don’t use herbs in the place of medicine when I need it but I do use them when they are applicable. Many herbs have astringent properties. The herbs aren’t even odd obscure herbs- chamomile is astringent and antiseptic. It can ease redness and helps with oily and sensitive skin. Rosemary is equally astringent and very mild anti-bacterial that helps tone skin and clear pores. There are a number of roots and plants that are high in saponins (produce natural suds): yucca root, horse chestnut, soap lily, etc.

There are others, but I will outline what I use as a soap alternative.

Oatmeal

Yep, plain old rolled oat oatmeal (not the steel cut kind, the cheap kind).

To do this, I made a whole bunch of small square reusable pouches with a draw string. You can even buy reusable tea bags- those are the perfect size. I put a couple of spoonfuls of dry oatmeal into the pouch and close it. Then I take the pouch with me into the shower. When you get it wet, the oat milk will clean your skin. Then, just rinse off as normal. My skin is clean, fresh and I don’t even smell like I spilled my breakfast into my lap. Wash out the bag in the kitchen sink when done and repeat during your next shower. This is really good for people with oily skin or people who live in high humidity places. However, even if you have dry skin, eventually, oatmeal will help to balance it out. It is a very gentle cleaner. You can add herbs to the bag as well.

After strenuous, sweaty activity or when I am in need of something a bit stronger to clean my pores, I add a bit of chamomile or rosemary to the pouch. (Be wary with the chamomile as it can lighten your hair.) You can also try sage, cinnamon (not powdered), flaxseed, jasmine flower, dried ginger root, oolong tea, lemongrass, or any number of other herbs. I prefer rosemary or chamomile because they are the cheapest and I usually have them laying about.

Alternatively, you can make a rosemary or chamomile (or both) tea and use that as a face wash with cotton balls.Brew a very strong tea (technically a tincture as you should boil the herbs in the water for a few minutes), strain and store in a bottle. You can also use it on itchy scalp for relief and as a way to go no-poo.

Need to exfoliate away dry skin? Try mixing 1 tablespoon Sea Salt, 2 tablespoons Oatmeal and 2 tablespoons Milk together to make a face rub. Don’t use over the bathroom sink as it can clog the drains…but over the kitchen sink should be fine.

I like these things because most people have them laying around the house. They are all very cheap. And best of all- it is really easy to do.