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Natural alternatives to soap paleo healthcare skincare recipe-min

Natural Alternatives to Soap

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So you’re careful to eat a natural paleo diet, but what skincare products do you use? Have you looked at the ingredients in the soap you use?

While soap is considered a necessity by most people for keeping clean, if often comes loaded with chemicals. Soap can also be very drying to a lot of skin types and strips the skin of its natural moisturisers and of its natural defences.

While there are many natural soaps based around essential oils and herbs, there are alternatives to keeping your skin clean without the need for soap.

Essential Oils

For some added fragrance when it comes to bath time, try adding some essential oils to the bath water. Camomile or lavender make an ideal combination if for relaxing, peppermint oils are good for stimulating and lifting your mood, and ylang ylang and geranium essential oils will increase your feeling of well-being.

Natural alternatives to soap paleo healthcare skincare recipe-min

Epsom Salts

Some people find that once they have stopped using soap their skin becomes much drier. For some people this might be temporary, while for others the skin can continue to remain dry. Adding some Epsom salts to a tub of bath water will help soften the skin. Epsom salts are also believed to have many health benefits. The magnesium content helps to relax nerves and muscles and reduce stress. Epsom salts are also thought to reduce toxins in the body and relieve muscle cramps and pain.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is great on the skin – and if you have dry skin, applying coconut oil will certainly help.

Instead of using soap, try filling a muslin cloth with your selected herbs and then add in five to ten drops of essential oils. Tie the muslin cloth to the bath tap and let the aromas spill out.  The muslin cloth can also be used to exfoliate the skin and slough away dead skin cells without the need for an exfoliator, which can be damaging to some skin types.

Herbal Infusions for Skin Cleansing

Another gentle alternative to soap is using herbal infusions. These are simply strong teas made from skin-loving herbs that can be applied directly to the skin or added to your bath. Chamomile, calendula, rose petals, and green tea are popular choices for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties. Simply brew a few tablespoons of dried herbs in boiling water, let it steep and cool, then use it as a gentle wash or toner. You can store any leftover infusion in a glass jar in the fridge for up to three days.

Clay Cleansers

Certain clays are particularly effective at drawing out impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Bentonite clay and rhassoul clay are two Paleo-friendly options used in natural skincare for centuries. To make a simple clay cleanser, mix a tablespoon of clay with enough filtered water or rose water to form a smooth paste. Apply it to damp skin, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This is especially effective for oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps absorb excess oil and removes environmental pollutants.

Honey as a Natural Cleanser

Raw honey is naturally antibacterial, moisturising, and full of antioxidants, making it a surprising but effective skin cleanser. Use a small amount (around half a teaspoon) and massage it into damp skin. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. It’s gentle enough for daily use and leaves skin soft, nourished and lightly hydrated. Just make sure you use raw, unprocessed honey to get the full benefits. Manuka honey, which is produced in Australia and New Zealand, is a particularly powerful option due to its medicinal-grade antibacterial properties.

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to traditional toners, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a great choice. It helps to balance your skin’s pH and has mild exfoliating properties thanks to its natural acids. Dilute one part ACV with three parts filtered water and apply with a reusable cotton round. If your skin is sensitive, increase the dilution. Be sure to follow with a moisturiser like coconut oil or jojoba oil to prevent dryness. It’s also important to patch test first, especially if you have very reactive skin.

Dry Brushing for Skin Detox

Dry brushing is a simple technique that helps exfoliate the skin, improve circulation, and support lymphatic drainage — all without needing soap or chemical-based scrubs. Use a natural-bristle brush and gently brush your skin in long, upward strokes towards your heart before you shower or bathe. Always work on dry skin and avoid any broken or irritated areas. Dry brushing not only leaves your skin glowing but also supports detoxification and stimulates the nervous system, making it a great addition to your morning routine.

Oat-Based Skin Soothers

For sensitive or inflamed skin, colloidal oats (finely ground oats) can be a soothing alternative to soap. Add a cup of blended oats to your bath or make a paste with water to apply topically. Oats contain compounds that help calm irritation, reduce redness, and gently cleanse the skin. This is an especially good option for children or anyone prone to eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. If you’re following a strict Paleo protocol and avoid grains internally, you might still choose to use oats externally due to their proven dermatological benefits.

Natural Oils for Cleansing

The oil cleansing method is becoming increasingly popular in Paleo skincare circles. This method involves massaging a blend of oils into the skin to dissolve dirt, makeup, and impurities. Then, using a warm, damp cloth, you gently wipe away the oil. Popular oils for cleansing include jojoba (which closely mimics your skin’s natural sebum), olive oil, and sweet almond oil. A few drops of castor oil can be added for a deeper cleanse, especially if your skin is oilier. This method leaves your skin clean, balanced, and moisturised, without any need for soap.

Minimalist Skincare: Letting the Skin Breathe

One of the most underrated approaches to skin health is doing less. For many people, the most healing thing they can do is give their skin a break from all products and allow it to reset. This might involve simply rinsing with warm water, getting fresh air and sunshine, and allowing the skin’s natural microbiome to thrive. Overuse of harsh products can often disrupt the skin barrier and lead to increased sensitivity. Try simplifying your routine and letting your skin recalibrate — you might be surprised by the results.

Homemade Body Scrubs

If you enjoy a good scrub, you can make your own using entirely Paleo-friendly ingredients. Combine coarse sea salt or ground almonds with olive oil or coconut oil, and add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, lemon or frankincense. Use this blend once or twice a week for smooth, radiant skin. Avoid using harsh exfoliants daily, especially if your skin is sensitive. These homemade scrubs also make thoughtful DIY gifts around the holidays when presented in a small jar with a ribbon.

Conclusion: A Paleo Approach to Skincare

Ultimately, your skin is your largest organ — and just like the rest of your body, it benefits from a clean, nutrient-dense approach. Switching to natural alternatives doesn’t just reduce your exposure to synthetic chemicals — it often results in healthier, more balanced skin, fewer breakouts, and a better overall sense of well-being. Just like with food, start small, experiment with what works for you, and gradually replace commercial products with more natural options. Your skin (and your hormones) will thank you for it.

Have you already ditched soap in favour of a more natural skincare routine? Let us know what’s working for you — we’d love to hear your favourite ingredients, recipes and rituals in the comments below!

No shampoo no poo natural health beauty paleo-min

No Shampoo?

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The one Paleo area I've been completely avoiding has been the whole No Shampoo & No Soap issue.  I recently had my hair done for my Birthday and I was quite shocked by the number of products I was smothered in (my hair didn't look that amazing after either):

  • Shampoo
  • Colours for highlights
  • Shampoo
  • Toner
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Leave in conditioner
  • Spray to make my hair soft
  • Spray to give my hair volume
  • Wax to give my hair texture, and
  • Hairspray

No shampoo no poo natural health beauty paleo-min

This trip to the hairdressers has forced me to think about the other chemicals I expose myself too.  It’s all well and good being strict with my nutrition, but surely reducing exposure to chemicals like this, is of great importance too.

The ingredients list in a typical bottle of shampoo or shower gel often reads like a chemistry text book.  Given that skin is our largest organ, it’s a reasonable assumption that chemicals are going to be able to transfer from the products to your bloodstream.

Shampoo

I just looked up the ingredients of a Pantene shampoo I often use.  I can't even pronounce some of these chemicals: –

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium Edta, Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone

When researching the ingredients used in commercial shampoos and soaps all sorts less than favourable articles came up.  Many of the chemicals are irritants and have many properties I just don’t want in my system.

A lot of Paleo people go entirely without shampoo and soap, but I just don’t think I'm ready to go this far, yet.  My main problem with camping is not being able to wash my hair every morning; the thought of voluntarily doing this from the comfort of my home isn't a terribly attractive proposition!

The harsh chemicals in shampoo seem to strip away the scalps natural sebum, drying it out – and greasy hair appears to be the scalps compensation for this overly dried out scalp!  From what I’ve read and from speaking to Paleo friends who've gone no ‘poo, it seems like the first week or two is not a good look – but then your hair is supposed to become soft, shiny and wonderful!

A lot of people use natural products such as eggs, apple cider vinegar and baking soda, so perhaps that would be a good place to start.

Why Going “No ‘Poo” Might Be Worth a Try

While the idea of ditching shampoo might seem extreme at first, more people in the ancestral health community are re-evaluating what they put on their bodies just as critically as what they put in them. With rising awareness of endocrine disruptors, synthetic fragrances, and chemical preservatives, it's no surprise that traditional hair care routines are being questioned. And just like processed food, many hair products offer a short-term effect at the expense of long-term health.

Going no ‘poo — or even low ‘poo — is about giving your scalp a chance to regulate itself naturally. Rather than stripping it with detergents and masking it with silicones and synthetic conditioners, you let your hair find its balance. For many, this shift leads to healthier, shinier hair and far less reliance on product cycles that leave you needing to wash more often, not less.

Understanding the Detox Phase

It’s true that the transition period can be awkward. When you first stop using shampoo, your scalp may overproduce oil as it adjusts. This oily window can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your hair type, climate, and how often you previously washed. During this time, your hair might feel waxy, limp, or greasy — but this is not a sign that it’s not working. It’s a sign that your scalp is healing from years of being told to overcompensate.

Some people choose to use natural alternatives during this period to help manage appearance and reduce discomfort. Popular options include:

  • Baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinse: Baking soda gently cleanses while apple cider vinegar restores pH and adds shine.
  • Raw egg mask: Eggs are rich in protein and lecithin, which nourish the hair without stripping natural oils.
  • Rhassoul or bentonite clay: These natural clays help draw out impurities and cleanse the scalp without harsh chemicals.

Transition Tips for a Smoother No ‘Poo Journey

If you’re ready to give it a go but feel nervous about the process, here are some tips to make the switch more manageable:

  • Ease in gradually: Start by spacing out your shampoo days, using gentler options like diluted castile soap, or switching to a shampoo bar with minimal ingredients before going fully no ‘poo.
  • Use a boar bristle brush: This helps distribute sebum from root to tip, reducing oiliness at the scalp and nourishing dry ends.
  • Rinse with warm water: Daily water-only rinsing can help remove sweat, dirt and excess oil while still allowing your scalp to reset.
  • Sleep on a silk pillowcase: This reduces friction and helps minimise tangles and breakage as your hair adjusts.

Low-Tox Alternatives for a Compromise Approach

If you’re not ready to give up hair products entirely, there are excellent low-tox options that won’t sabotage your scalp or health. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. Brands that use essential oils, herbal extracts and biodegradable ingredients can provide a happy middle ground.

Shampoo bars are also gaining popularity for their simplicity and minimal packaging. These solid bars often contain natural oils and clays, and many Paleo-minded individuals have found them a great first step away from conventional products. As an added bonus, they’re fantastic for travel.

What About Soap and Body Wash?

It’s not just shampoo under scrutiny — body washes and soaps are often just as problematic. The skin absorbs much of what we apply to it, and repeated use of harsh, fragranced soaps can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle and microbiome. For most people, washing with water and a gentle exfoliating cloth is enough for daily cleansing, with natural soap reserved for truly dirty days.

Those transitioning away from soap often notice that body odour reduces over time as the microbiome stabilises and adjusts. Many people find that once they stop stripping away their skin’s natural oils, they sweat less and develop a more neutral scent — especially when combined with a real food diet free from synthetic additives and processed oils.

Natural Hair Treatments to Try

Instead of commercial masks and deep conditioners, you can nourish your hair with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are a few favourites from the natural living community:

  • Coconut oil: Works wonders for dry ends and frizz when used as a pre-wash mask or sparingly on dry hair.
  • Avocado and honey: A rich treatment for extra dry or damaged hair — blend and leave on for 30 minutes.
  • Herbal rinses: Brewed rosemary, nettle, or chamomile teas can soothe the scalp and enhance shine and colour naturally.

Reframing What “Clean” Means

Part of the resistance to going no ‘poo or no soap comes from cultural conditioning around what it means to be clean. We’ve been trained to associate foam, fragrance and squeaky skin with cleanliness — but these sensations are often the result of detergents and surfactants, not indicators of hygiene.

True cleanliness doesn’t require dozens of products. With a bit of patience and experimentation, many people find their skin and hair healthier, stronger and less reactive without commercial products. As with Paleo eating, the journey often starts with questioning conventional norms and making small, deliberate changes.

Listen to Your Body (and Your Scalp)

Ultimately, what works for one person may not work for another. Hair texture, climate, diet and lifestyle all play a role. If you’re curious about the no ‘poo movement but hesitant, there’s no harm in trying a hybrid approach first. Observe how your scalp and hair respond and make adjustments over time.

As you clean up your personal care routine, you might just find that less really is more — and that, just like with food, returning to a more natural approach can have surprising benefits for health, simplicity and sustainability.

What are your thoughts on giving up shampoo?  Or perhaps you have some top tips for conquering my shampoo habit?