DIY Natural Skincare: Should You Make It or Buy It? (Honest Thoughts from Someone Who Makes It)

 Posted on April 2, 2025  |  7 minutes  |  1306 words  |  Stacie - Momma Bears Creations

The Question I Get at Every Craft Show

Hey friends! Stacie here, writing from our Enola kitchen where soap is curing on Papa Bear’s custom racks and ingredient jars line the shelves.

At craft shows—especially East Pennsboro Pumpkinfest and Central Dauphin—I get this question ALL the time:

“Can I just make this myself at home?”

My honest answer? “You can… but do you really WANT to?”

I never get offended by this question. In fact, I LOVE it! It means someone cares about natural ingredients enough to consider making their own. That’s exactly the mindset shift we need—away from harsh commercial products and toward gentler options.

Let me explain. I LOVE making natural skincare products. It’s literally what I do. But DIY isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. I’ve learned when it makes sense to DIY and when it makes more sense to support a small-batch maker (like us!).

Here’s my take on when DIY makes sense, when it doesn’t, and if you DO want to try it—some simple recipes that won’t require hunting down exotic ingredients or expensive equipment.

When DIY Makes Sense (The Honest Pros)

Here’s why people love making their own skincare:

You Control What Goes On Your Skin

This is the BIG one. You know EXACTLY what’s in your products. No mystery ingredients, no unpronounceable chemicals, no “fragrance” (which can be anything).

My take: This is why I started making soap in the first place. I wanted to know what was touching my family’s skin.

You Can Customize for Your Needs

Dry skin? Add more butter. Oily skin? Skip the heavy oils. Sensitive skin? Leave out the fragrance.

When this matters: If you or your kids have allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients, DIY lets you control everything.

It Can Be Fun (If You Like That Sort of Thing!)

Real talk: I LOVE the process of making soap and skincare. Measuring ingredients, mixing, watching it come together—it’s creative and satisfying.

But: Not everyone feels this way. And that’s totally fine!

When DIY Doesn’t Make Sense (The Honest Cons)

Let me be real with you about the downsides:

It’s Time-Consuming

Making natural skincare takes TIME. Sourcing ingredients, measuring, mixing, cleanup, curing time (for soap), testing…

Reality check: If you’re a busy parent (which most of us are), spending 2-3 hours making a batch of sugar scrub might not be realistic.

Initial Costs Can Be High

“But DIY is cheaper, right?” Not always!

The reality: You need to buy ingredients in bulk. Oils, butters, essential oils, containers, equipment—the initial investment adds up FAST.

When it’s worth it: If you’re making products regularly for your whole family. If you’re just trying one recipe? Probably not cost-effective.

There’s a Learning Curve

I’ve been making soap for years, and I’m STILL learning.

Things that can go wrong:

  • Wrong measurements = product doesn’t set right
  • Too much essential oil = skin irritation
  • Improper storage = products go rancid
  • pH imbalance in soap = skin damage

My honest opinion: If you just want good, natural skincare—buying from a trusted maker (like us!) is easier and safer than trial-and-error DIY.

If You Want to Try DIY: Start Simple

Okay, you still want to try making your own skincare? I respect that! Here are some SIMPLE recipes using easy-to-find ingredients. No exotic oils, no complicated techniques.

Recipe 1: Basic Sugar Scrub (My Go-To)

This is the recipe I give people who ask about DIY at craft shows. It’s simple, it works, and you probably have most of these ingredients already.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white or brown sugar (find it in your kitchen!)
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (or olive oil if you don’t have coconut)
  • 10 drops essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or vanilla—optional!)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the coconut oil slightly if it’s solid (microwave for 10-15 seconds)
  2. Mix sugar and oil in a bowl until combined
  3. Add essential oil if using
  4. Store in a jar with a lid

How to use: Scoop a small amount, massage onto damp skin in circular motions, rinse with warm water.

Why this works: Sugar exfoliates gently, oil moisturizes. Simple. Effective. No exotic ingredients needed.

My honest feedback: This is basically what’s in our sugar scrubs, just without the professional formulation, proper preservatives, and fancy packaging! If you make this, use it within 2-3 weeks and store it in a cool, dry place.

When to DIY this: Weekend project, fun activity with kids, want to try before buying our version. When to buy ours: You want it to last longer, prefer professional packaging for gifts, don’t have time to make it.

Recipe 2: Oatmeal Face Mask (Great for Sensitive Skin)

This is what I used on my grandson when his eczema flares up.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons ground oatmeal (blend regular oats in a blender)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (optional, for extra soothing)

Instructions:

  1. Mix ingredients in a bowl until it forms a paste
  2. Apply to clean face
  3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes
  4. Rinse with lukewarm water

Why this works: Oatmeal is gentle and soothing, honey provides moisture, yogurt conditions.

When to use: When skin feels uncomfortable or dry.

Recipe 3: Simple Lip Scrub

Perfect for Central PA winters when everyone’s lips are cracked!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil or olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix ingredients in a small bowl
  2. Gently massage onto lips in circular motions
  3. Rinse or lick off (it’s edible!)
  4. Follow with lip balm

Why this works: Sugar exfoliates dead skin, honey provides moisture, oil conditions.

Pro tip: Make this fresh each time. It doesn’t store well since there are no preservatives.

My Honest Recommendation: DIY vs. Buy Handmade

If you have the time, interest, and patience—DIY can be rewarding! Start with simple recipes like the ones above.

If you’re busy, overwhelmed, or just want products that WORK—buy from small-batch makers who’ve already done the formulation work.

Why we exist: We make natural skincare so YOU don’t have to. You get the benefits of natural ingredients without the time investment, trial-and-error, or storage headaches.

Our products vs. DIY:

  • Professionally formulated for skin safety and effectiveness
  • Tested on real families (including ours!)
  • Properly preserved so they last
  • Packaged beautifully (great for gifts!)
  • Consistent quality every time

The Bottom Line (From Someone Who’s Done Both)

DIY can be fun and rewarding IF:

  • You enjoy the creative process
  • You have time to experiment and learn
  • You’re willing to invest in ingredients upfront
  • You don’t mind trial-and-error

Buying handmade makes sense IF:

  • You’re busy and want products that just WORK
  • You value professional formulation and testing
  • You want consistent quality
  • You appreciate supporting small businesses

My take: I started DIY because I wanted control over what touched my family’s skin. Now I make products for OTHER families who want that same control but don’t have the time or inclination to DIY.

Both approaches are valid. Choose what works for YOUR life.

Shop Our Handmade Natural Skincare

If you decide buying handmade is easier than DIY, we’d love to serve you!

Shop online:

Visit in person:

  • Carlisle Creative Vibes (152 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA) - Come smell everything, ask questions, and find your favorites!

Stay connected:

Questions about DIY vs. buying handmade? Message us on Facebook or visit our Contact page. I’m always happy to chat about natural skincare!

— Stacie (Momma Bears Creations, Enola PA)

P.S. - At craft shows, I genuinely encourage people to try DIY if they’re interested. Some do and love it! Others try it once, realize it’s more work than they thought, and come back to buy our products. Either way, I’m happy—because it means another family is using natural skincare instead of harsh chemicals. That’s what matters.

natural skincare  diy skincare  essential oils  skincare recipes  family skincare  Enola PA 

See also

Find Momma Bears Creations Locally:

Carlisle Creative Vibes
152 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013

Momma Bears Creations | Enola, PA