Food director Phoebe Wood knows a thing or two about pantry staples, including which ingredients can moonlight in your beauty regimen. These are her top picks.
Bicarbonate of soda
Bi-carb is probably one of the most versatile products I have not only in my kitchen, but also in my bathroom. The fine texture makes a great gentle exfoliant for the face and body, or a nice bath soak with a hint of essential oils thrown in. If you’re going to add an essential oil, combine with a carrier oil first like olive oil, coconut oil or jojoba. Bi-carb is also great for occasionally using to clean your teeth – it can remove light surface stains.
Apple cider vinegar
This might sound a bit out there, but working in a test kitchen most days, your hair can get pretty grimy. Apple cider vinegar is good for an occasional wash to really cleanse your hair and scalp and re-balance the pH of your hair. Your hair feels soft, clean and shiny afterwards. I combine a few tablespoons of vinegar in a large jug of warm water, then pour it over my hair and massage it into the roots. You can leave it in for half an hour, then wash out using shampoo and conditioner.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is excellent for cooking, but I also use it as a super nourishing moisturiser. It’s nice to work into dry hands and feet (make sure you put socks on afterwards if you put it on your feet) which I’m finding especially helpful after all the use of hand sanitiser!
Sugar and olive oil
Olive oil is great for moisturising the skin as it doesn’t clog your pores and helps your skin to stay hydrated. Combined with white sugar, olive oil and sugar becomes a delicious exfoliant, helping to slough away dead skin cells and promote collagen renewal. Add a tiny drop of lavender oil to your concoction for an extra luxurious fragrance.
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