DIY Whitening Toothpaste

I really hate most toothpastes. I'm not a big fan of strong mint flavors (I like wintergreen and fresh mint, spearmint is ok in small doses, and I absolutely hate peppermint), so once I realized you could make your own toothpaste at home, I knew I had to give it a try. I started my research with Ask the Dentist, and use his chocolate lovers recipe as a springboard for this one.

A few things of note in regards to what I chose to include and remove for my first try at a homemade toothpaste. I will not use Xylitol. This is twofold: 1) I am weary about many sweetener alternatives and tend to stick with very basic and natural sweeteners such as raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar. 2) Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs so I will not even keep it in my house, let alone use it in anything because the risk is too great for my pets.

The other point is about essential oils. I've come across a lot of recipes that include essential oils. I opt not to for a few different reasons. Not all essential oils are kid safe, and young children should not be exposed to them at all. Also, very few essential oils are considered safe for ingestion, and unless under the guidance of a doctor and certified aroma therapist you should not be ingesting them (and it will be a very rare occurrence it is recommended for you). While you should not be swallowing toothpaste, it's just not worth it to me to create any risk of ingestion.

Whitening Toothpaste

1 Tbsp coconut oil
1/2 Tbsp bentonite clay
1/2 Tbsp activated charcoal
1/4 tsp cacao powder
1/8 tsp finely ground mint leaves
1/8 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp water

Simply mix all your ingredients together in a small bowl. This is enough to fill up a 2 oz jar or squeeze container, but use at least a 1-2 cup bowl to mix this thoroughly.

You may not need to full 1 Tbsp of water. This is more for consistency. If you are using a squeeze container, you may want the full amount or even more, if you are using a jar you can go with less and have a more firm or powdery consistency. Alternately, you could completely leave out the coconut oil and water, creating a tooth powder.

Something to note when using activated charcoal, it will turn everything black! Your measuring spoons, your bowl, your counter, your mouth, and your sink! It wipes up fairly well, but you will feel a bit odd the first few times you use it n_~

Why these ingredients?
Each ingredient serves a purpose. Granted, as this was my first attempt, I followed the lead of Dr. B, but I also did my research. So here is an explanation behind the ingredients in my toothpaste:

Coconut Oil is known to increase the microbiome in your gut as well as prevent candida in the mouth. Limited research also suggests it may help prevent cavity causing bacteria. We use coconut oil for the ayurvedic practice of oil pulling (swishing oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes to draw out toxins), so it seems a natural addition.

Bentonite Clay is a natural polisher without being too abrasive. As an alkaline, it also helps reduce acid levels in your mouth which in turns helps prevent erosion of enamel.

Baking Soda, much like bentonite clay, is a gently polisher, but it's primary benefit to toothpaste is its alkalinity which helps maintain proper ph balance in your mouth.

Sea Salt again adds some abrasion, as toothpastes primary job is to add some grit to help scrub away dirt, but it is also healing. Think about how you use a sea salt rinse for bleeding gums, or gargle it for a sore throat.

Cacao Powder made from ground cacao nibs is a safe polisher, but also helps promote remineralization (said to be even better than flouride).

Mint is primarily added for flavoring, but mint also has antimicrobial and soothing properties.

DIY Hair Refresher Spray

So, it's been a while since I did a DIY post for hair care. I've been testing out 3 different recipes though, and finally have one I am happy to share.

Six months ago, I shared my personal dry shampoo recipe. I am very please with it and really would not change much. If I had a spice grinder, I would try to get the nutmeg a more fine/powder consistency. And I have not tried out arrow root powder or clay, so can't say if I would want to swap out the corn starch. I find my dry shampoo works best when applied to my roots with an old make-up brush either before bed (so it can work over night, and is gone/brushed out in the morning), or about 15 minutes prior to a bath or shower (where I work it in with my hands and rinse it out). Both methods are good ways to avoid residue and powder build-up. The only downfall, if I try to do this multiple days in a row my hair gets dry and staticky; it is no longer soft and just doesn't feel good.

So, I've been digging into what seems to be called a "hair refresher" spray. I used to have one that I liked a lot, but I have no idea what was in it. I mean, seriously, I could not pronounce most of those ingredients. Plus it was expensive. So I've been doing some digging and finally found a home made version that I like and works great. It is also easily adjusted to match your scent preference. As a bonus, this basically functions as detangler or leave-in conditioning spray.

Hair Refreshing Spray
3/4 cups water
1.5 Tbsp slippery elm bark
1.5 Tbsp marshmallow root
1 cup witch hazel
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp aloe vera
20 drops essential oils (optional)

Steep the slippery elm and marshmallow root for about 30 minutes in hot water. Strain (I do this through cheesecloth or flour sack towels, and squeeze--you will notice the liquid gets almost gel-like as you squeeze out the last bits). Mix with witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and essential oils. Pour into spray bottle and spritz hair when needed.

I tend to use 4oz spray bottles and store the rest in an amber glass bottle until I need a refill.


Herbs: Slippery elm bark and marshmallow root both stimulate hair growth, soften hair (provides slip and glide), and soothes your scalp. Marshmallow root also adds shine to your lackluster locks. If you don't have or don't want to use these herbs, you can leave them out completely. Or feel free to sub with other herbs, tea, or hydrosols (in place of water).

Essential Oils: Without essential oils, this spray will have a more herby/earthy scent. I personally like to use 6-7 drops each of lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary. This is the same combo I use in my dry shampoo, and I will be using this blend in my DIY shampoo & conditioner. However you can use whatever oils you like the scent of, or which best suit your hair needs. Or leave them out--this is up to you.