I love beauty products made with natural and organic ingredients because they’re healthier for the planet, safer for my body, and oftentimes, are cruelty-free. What I don’t love? The prices. (No matter how great-smelling and antioxidant-rich the organic, fair trade, $50 face mask is, it just doesn’t fit into my budget on a regular basis!) Fortunately, I know of an inexpensive, all-natural method for keeping my skin clear and healthy: The baking soda mask. Best of all? Making your own at home is a cinch.

Baking Soda Honey Face Mask

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon natural honey

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Spread on a freshly-washed face and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and say hello to your newly-beautified skin.

Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

With uses for personal care, cleaning, laundry, and of course–cooking, baking soda is the ultimate DIY multi-tasker. It’s also incredibly inexpensive, and super earth-friendly (aside from the fact that it’s a non-toxic chemical compound, using versatile baking soda to do 10 jobs rather than buying 10 different products really cuts down on waste!). Here are 10 of my favorite ways to use baking soda, what about you?

1. Face mask. This works especially well for oily skin–form a paste with 2 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. honey and leave on face for 10 minutes to tighten pores and banish blackheads.
2. Fabric softener. Surprise, surprise! Conventional fabric softeners can contain a multitude of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. To keep clothes soft, just toss 1 cup of baking soda in with the wash. Bonus: It can remove heavy stains and odors, too!
3. Shampoo. OK, maybe not all the time. But in a pinch, it works! Add 1 tbsp. of baking soda to 8 oz. of water, then work through hair. Follow with a clarifying rinse made up of 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and another 8 oz. of water. [Read more →]