DIY Natural Products: Homemade Soap, Body Cream, Closet Fresheners & Multi-Purpose Spray

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been surrounded by the comforting scent of natural remedies and homemade creations. My grandmother, who was a chemist by profession, had a deep love for crafting simple, non-toxic products for the home and body. While others relied on store-bought cleaners and soaps, she always believed that the purest solutions could be found in nature — with a little bit of science and a lot of care.

I grew up watching her mix oils, herbs, and everyday ingredients into things that not only worked beautifully but also felt so much safer and gentler. Those afternoons with her sparked something in me, and today, I find myself carrying forward her legacy in my own home.

In this guide, I want to share some of my favorite DIY natural products that I still make and use daily: from gentle homemade soaps and soothing shea butter cream, to fresh-scented closet sachets and multi-purpose cleaning sprays. These recipes are more than just practical — they’re a way to bring calm, simplicity, and intention into everyday life.

And the best part? Everything you need can be easily found online, with safe, high-quality options that I’ve linked along the way. (This post does contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my little corner of the internet 🤍).

Homemade Soaps for Face & Body

Whenever I think about DIY natural products, homemade soap is always the first that comes to mind. I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her carefully melt oils and blend ingredients until the mixture transformed into creamy, fragrant bars. She always told me that soap should be both gentle on the skin and nourishing — never harsh or drying. That’s why, even today, I prefer making my own soaps for face and body.

What I love about homemade soap is how customizable it is. You can choose ingredients that work best for your skin type, whether that’s extra hydration, calming scents, or a refreshing boost in the morning. For example, lavender and chamomile are perfect for winding down at night, while citrus oils give me energy first thing in the morning. Plus, with a good set of molds, you can make them in beautiful shapes that look like little works of art.

Here’s my favorite recipe for a gentle, pH-balanced homemade soap:

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic coconut oil (for rich lather and hydration) → Shop Organic Coconut Oil on Amazon

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (softens and nourishes the skin) → Find Olive Oil for Soap Making on Amazon

• ½ cup raw shea butter (deeply moisturizing, especially for winter) → Buy Raw Shea Butter on Amazon

• 10–15 drops of essential oil of your choice (lavender, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus) → Essential Oils Set on Amazon

• Silicone soap molds in fun shapes (flowers, hearts, minimalist bars) → Check Soap Molds on Amazon

Instructions

1. In a heat-safe bowl, gently melt the coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter until fully combined.

2. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before adding your essential oils.

3. Pour the mixture into silicone molds of your choice.

4. Let the soaps set at room temperature for at least 24 hours.

5. Carefully remove them from the molds and store in a cool, dry place.

Homemade soaps are not only gentle and nourishing, but they’re also one of the most rewarding DIY natural products to gift. I often make extra batches for family and friends — they always love the unique shapes and natural scents. It’s such a simple way to bring a touch of calm and care into everyday routines, and I feel connected to my grandmother every time I make them.

Closet Fresheners (DIY Aromatherapy Sachets)

One of the simplest but most delightful DIY natural products I’ve ever made are closet fresheners. I started making them years ago because I hated the overpowering chemical smell of store-bought sachets. My grandmother used to tuck little fabric bags of dried lavender into every drawer, and I always loved how opening a closet or dresser felt like stepping into a tiny garden. It’s amazing how such a small thing can completely transform the atmosphere of a space.

These sachets are incredibly easy to create, and you can customize them to suit your favorite scents. I often combine dried lavender with a few drops of essential oil, but you can also try cedarwood for a warm, earthy aroma or lemon for something fresh and uplifting. They’re perfect for closets, drawers, shoe racks, or even inside luggage when traveling.

Ingredients

• Small cotton or organza bags → Reusable Sachet Bags on Amazon

• 1 cup dried lavender or other herbs → Dried Lavender Flowers on Amazon

• 2–3 tablespoons baking soda (absorbs moisture and odors) → Baking Soda for Household Use on Amazon

• 10–15 drops essential oil of your choice → Essential Oils Variety Pack on Amazon

Instructions

1. Fill each sachet bag with dried lavender and baking soda.

2. Add a few drops of essential oil directly to the mixture.

3. Tie the bag securely and place it in your closet, drawers, or anywhere you want a natural scent boost.

4. Refresh every few weeks by adding another drop or two of essential oil.

These sachets are not only practical but also beautiful — little details that make home life feel calmer and more intentional. And they last far longer than store-bought options. For me, they’ve become one of those essential DIY natural products that I always keep on hand, whether for my own home or to give as thoughtful gifts.

Multi-Purpose Cleaning Spray

When I first started exploring DIY natural products, one of the most useful recipes I learned from my grandmother was a simple multi-purpose cleaning spray. She always believed that cleaning didn’t require harsh chemicals — just a few powerful natural ingredients. Today, this spray has become a staple in my home. I use it in the kitchen, on countertops, for dusting furniture, and even to freshen up bathroom surfaces. It’s safe, effective, and smells amazing when you add the right essential oils.

I love making a few bottles at once and keeping them in different rooms so they’re always within reach. Lemon or orange essential oils give my kitchen a bright, fresh scent, while lavender makes my living room feel calm and cozy. The best part is how budget-friendly this recipe is — I can refill my spray bottles again and again for just pennies.

Ingredients

• Amber glass spray bottles (reusable, eco-friendly) → Glass Spray Bottles on Amazon

• 1 cup white vinegar (cuts grease, disinfects naturally) → Organic White Vinegar on Amazon

• 1 cup distilled water

• 10–15 drops essential oil (lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, or orange) → Essential Oils Set on Amazon

• Optional: 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol (helps the scent last longer)

Instructions

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in your spray bottle.

2. Add the essential oil drops of your choice.

3. Shake gently before each use.

4. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

This spray is gentle yet powerful, and it’s one of the few cleaners I trust to use around kids and pets. It gives me peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in it, and I never miss the chemical smell of store-bought sprays. Over time, it has become one of my must-have DIY natural products, something I can’t imagine living without.

DIY Shea Butter Body Cream (Perfect for Winter)

Out of all the DIY natural products I make, this shea butter body cream is one of my absolute favorites. I first started making it in the colder months, when my skin felt dry and tight no matter how many lotions I tried from the store. My grandmother always told me that rich, natural butters were the secret to soft winter skin, and she was right. This cream feels luxurious, absorbs beautifully, and smells incredible when you add your favorite essential oils.

The best part is that it’s simple to make and completely customizable. I love adding lavender oil for evenings when I want something calming, or sweet orange oil for a light, uplifting scent. You can make small jars for personal use or create larger batches as thoughtful, homemade gifts for friends and family.

Ingredients

• ½ cup raw shea butter (deeply moisturizing) → Raw Shea Butter on Amazon

• ¼ cup coconut oil (adds softness and natural glow) → Organic Coconut Oil on Amazon

• 2 tablespoons almond oil or jojoba oil (lightweight hydration) → Sweet Almond Oil on Amazon

• 10–15 drops essential oil of your choice (lavender, rose, orange) → Essential Oils Variety Set on Amazon

• Small glass jars for storage → Glass Jars with Lids on Amazon

Instructions

1. Gently melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl.

2. Remove from heat and stir in almond oil.

3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add your essential oils.

4. Whip the mixture with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

5. Transfer into glass jars and store in a cool place.

This body cream has completely transformed my winter skincare. It melts right into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without feeling greasy. Every time I apply it, I feel like I’m giving my skin a treat straight from nature. It’s truly one of those DIY natural products that feels like a little luxury in my daily routine.

Extra Tips & Gift Ideas

One of the things I love most about creating DIY natural products is how easy it is to turn them into beautiful gifts. Over the years, I’ve given homemade soaps, body creams, and even closet sachets to friends and family, and they’re always received with so much joy. There’s something truly special about gifting something handmade — it carries a piece of care and intention that store-bought items often lack.

Packaging makes all the difference. I like to use small glass jars with kraft paper labels for creams, or tie homemade soaps with

rustic twine and tuck them into reusable muslin bags. Sachets look lovely in little organza pouches, and spray bottles can be dressed up with simple adhesive labels. These details make each gift feel unique, thoughtful, and professional.

Gift-Ready Supplies I Recommend

• Glass jars with kraft labels → Glass Jars with Labels on Amazon

• Organza bags for sachets → Organza Gift Bags on Amazon

• Adhesive kraft labels → Kraft Sticker Labels on Amazon

• Rustic twine or ribbon → Jute Twine on Amazon

I also enjoy creating small “wellness bundles” — pairing a bar of homemade soap with a jar of body cream and a sachet. Wrapped together in a kraft box with ribbon, it looks like a luxury set but is made with love right in my own kitchen. It’s such a beautiful way to share the benefits of DIY natural products with others while adding a personal touch that can’t be found on store shelves.

How DIY Natural Products Can Transform Daily Life

Since I began making DIY natural products, I’ve noticed small but powerful changes in my daily routines. My mornings feel calmer when I reach for a gentle homemade soap instead of something full of chemicals. The simple act of spraying my natural cleaning spray in the kitchen makes me feel like I’m caring for my family in a safer, healthier way. And every time I open a closet to the subtle scent of lavender sachets, I’m reminded of how much joy can come from the simplest details.

DIY projects aren’t just about saving money or replacing store-bought products. They’re about slowing down, choosing what truly works for your body and your home, and bringing a sense of mindfulness into everyday tasks. These DIY natural products are small reminders that life doesn’t have to be complicated to feel beautiful. A handmade bar of soap, a jar of whipped shea cream, or a sachet of dried lavender can turn ordinary moments into rituals of care.

That’s the real gift of making things yourself: the chance to live with more intention, creativity, and heart. And once you start, you’ll realize how many more ways you can weave homemade creations into your home and lifestyle.

FAQ: DIY Natural Products

What are DIY natural products?

DIY natural products are homemade items created with simple, safe ingredients like oils, herbs, and natural butters. They replace store-bought products and help reduce chemicals in your daily life.

Why should I try DIY natural products?

They’re healthier for your skin, safer for your home, and often more affordable. Plus, you can customize scents, textures, and packaging to make them uniquely yours.

Which DIY natural products are easiest for beginners?

Start with homemade soaps, closet fresheners, or a simple cleaning spray. These recipes require only a few ingredients and are almost foolproof.

Where can I find the ingredients?

Most ingredients for DIY natural products are easy to order online, like coconut oil, shea butter, or essential oils. I’ve linked my favorites throughout this post so you can get started right away.

More Inspiration for DIY Natural Living

If you enjoyed exploring these DIY natural products, you might also love some of my other guides here on the blog. For example, check out my post on Decorating with Natural Textures to bring the same calm, eco-friendly spirit into your home design. You can also explore Simple Home Routines if you’re looking for ways to keep daily life organized and stress-free.

For additional expert advice on natural living, I recommend browsing resources like The Spruce where you’ll find practical ideas that pair beautifully with your own homemade creations.

And if you’d like even more year-round guidance on living with calm and intention, don’t forget to check out my book The Calm Life: A Year-Round Minimalist Self-Care Guide. It’s filled with seasonal rituals, practical tips, and inspiration to make your home and routines feel both simple and meaningful.

These resources, combined with the DIY natural products in this guide, can help you create a lifestyle that’s gentle, intentional, and deeply fulfilling.

Closing Thoughts

Creating my own DIY natural products has been one of the most rewarding habits I’ve carried into my daily life. It connects me back to my grandmother’s wisdom, keeps my home free from harsh chemicals, and gives me the joy of making something both useful and beautiful with my own hands.

What I love most is that these DIY natural products aren’t complicated or expensive — they use simple ingredients that are easy to find and tools you can reuse again and again. Whether it’s soap, body cream, a freshener for your closet, or a spray to clean your home, every recipe adds a touch of calm and intention to everyday routines.

What I love most is that these DIY natural products aren’t complicated or expensive — they use simple ingredients that are easy to find and tools you can reuse again and again. Whether it’s soap, body cream, a freshener for your closet, or a spray to clean your home, every recipe adds a touch of calm and intention to everyday routines.

I hope this guide inspires you to try at least one of these recipes and see how transformative they can be. If you’d like to get started, I’ve linked my favorite ingredients and supplies throughout this post so you can easily order what you need. By shopping through these links, you’re supporting my work and helping me keep sharing more ideas for DIY natural products that bring warmth, beauty, and simplicity into your home. Thank you so much for being here 🤍.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and believe add value to your life. Thank you for supporting The Detangled Nest — it helps me continue creating free content for you. 💕