Part 2 - Cleaning your Body
The Non-Toxic GAPS Way

Rethinking Personal Care Products

 

Personal care products are one of the most significant — and often overlooked — sources of chemical exposure in modern life.

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They are beautifully packaged, heavily marketed, and often endorsed by celebrities. Yet behind this, many are products of a vast chemical industry where long-term health impact is not always the primary focus.

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From shampoos and moisturisers to deodorants and cosmetics, these products are used daily — often multiple times a day — meaning the cumulative exposure over time can become significant.

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What We Put on the Skin Matters

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The skin is not simply a barrier; it is an active, absorbent organ.

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What we apply to it enters the body, meaning our daily routines contribute to overall toxic load over time.

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Many conventional personal care products contain synthetic ingredients that the body may struggle to process efficiently.  These substances accumulate, placing additional demand on detoxification pathways.  Certain compounds used in cosmetics and skincare have also been shown to interact with the body’s hormonal systems, which is why reducing exposure — particularly for those on a healing journey — is beneficial.

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A GAPS Approach to Personal Care

 

Within a GAPS framework, the aim is to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure as much as possible — especially for individuals with heightened sensitivity, but also for people generally!

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This often means simplifying routines significantly and replacing conventional products with natural, minimal alternatives.

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A helpful guiding principle is:

“If you don't feel comfortable eating it, reconsider putting it on your skin.”

 

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Hair Care

 

Egg Yolk Hair Wash

 

A traditional and surprisingly effective way to cleanse the hair is with egg yolk.

How to Use

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• Separate the yolks from the whites

• Apply the yolks to wet hair as you would shampoo

• Massage gently into the scalp

• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

 

Egg yolks cleanse gently while nourishing both the hair and scalp.

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Soap Nut Shampoo

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Soap nuts are a natural, chemical-free alternative to conventional shampoo. They contain saponin — a naturally occurring cleanser that removes dirt and oil without stripping the hair’s natural protective oils.

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Soap nuts may be particularly beneficial for:

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• Sensitive scalps

• Dandruff-prone hair

• Oily hair

• Those wishing to avoid synthetic detergents

 

Soap Nut Shampoo Recipe

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Ingredients

• 8 soap nuts

• 500ml water

 

Instructions

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1. Crush the soap nuts to release more saponin.

2. Boil in water for 20–30 minutes.

3. Allow to cool.

4. Strain the liquid into a glass container.

5. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

 

How to Use

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• Apply to wet hair

• Focus on the scalp

• Massage gently

• Leave for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly

 

Helpful Tips

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• Follow with an apple cider vinegar rinse for added shine

• Add aloe vera or nourishing oils if hair becomes dry

• Soap nuts can be re-boiled to make a second lighter batch

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Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse​

 

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps remove build-up and balance scalp pH.

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Hair Type Guide

 

(Per 2 cups / 500ml / 16oz water)

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Optional Additions

 

To the AVC rinse add the following if desired -

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• Aloe vera for dry hair

• Rosemary essential oil for oily scalps

• Lavender essential oil for sensitive skin

 

Directions

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1. Mix ACV with (2 cups / 500ml / 16oz) water in a jar or spray bottle

2. Apply after shampooing

3. Leave for 1–3 minutes

4. Rinse thoroughly

 

Notes

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• Use once weekly

• Always dilute ACV to avoid irritation

• Prepare fresh rather than storing large batches

 

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Moisturising the Skin

 

Instead of synthetic creams and lotions, simple natural fats and oils are deeply supportive.

Examples include:

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• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

• Butter

• Tallow

 

Tallow is particularly valued for dry or damaged skin due to its rich fatty acid profile and compatibility with the skin barrier.

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Whipped Tallow Moisturiser Recipe

 

Ingredients

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• 100g organic grass-fed tallow

• 2 tablespoons organic olive oil

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• 18 drops essential oils (optional)
  (for example: 6 drops lavender and 12 drops frankincense)

 

Instructions

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1. Melt the tallow using a double boiler.

2. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. Add olive oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils.

4. Stir well.

5. Allow to cool until semi-solid.

6. Whip until light and fluffy.

 

Store in a glass jar.

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Washing the Body

 

The skin naturally produces oils that:

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• Protect against dryness

• Support the skin microbiome

• Help maintain balance

 

Frequent use of harsh soaps and antibacterial products can disrupt this natural balance.

 

For many people — particularly those with sensitive or compromised skin — washing with water alone is often sufficient for day-to-day cleansing.

 

For areas requiring additional cleansing, a small amount of olive oil can be used without stripping the skin.

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Natural Body Wash / Hand Soap / Shampoo

 

Ingredients

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• 250ml organic castile soap

• 125ml water

• 5g organic coconut oil

• 2 tablespoons organic castor oil

• 5 drops essential oils (optional)

 

Instructions

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1. Melt coconut oil gently.

2. Add castile soap, water, castor oil and essential oils if using

3. Stir carefully.

4. Decant into a glass dispenser.

 

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Oral Care

 

Natural alternatives for oral hygiene include:

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• Coconut oil

• Olive oil

• Bentonite clay

• Bicarbonate of soda (occasionally)

• Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, or clove

 

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Natural Toothpaste Recipe

 

Ingredients

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• 30g coconut oil

• ½ tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon bentonite clay

• 5 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

 

Instructions

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1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

2. Store in a sealed glass jar.

3. Use a pea-sized amount on a toothbrush.

 

Whitening Variation

 

Replace bentonite clay with bicarbonate of soda for occasional whitening use.

Note: Bicarbonate of soda is abrasive and not recommended for daily use.

 

Important Note

 

Do not spit oil-based toothpaste down the sink as fats may solidify and block drains.

 

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Natural Mouthwash Recipes

 

Natural mouthwashes can help support oral hygiene without the synthetic chemicals, artificial sweeteners, alcohols, dyes and preservatives commonly found in many commercial products.

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Simple Salt Mouthwash

 

A traditional salt rinse can help soothe gums and support the mouth’s natural balance.

 

Ingredients

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• 1 teaspoon coarse grey Celtic sea salt or other good-quality unrefined salt
  (avoid table salt)

• 150ml filtered boiling water

 

Instructions

1. Dissolve the salt in the boiling water.

2. Allow to cool fully.

3. Pour into a clean glass bottle or jar.

 

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Antiseptic Tea Tree & Peppermint Mouthwash

 

A refreshing rinse often used to support fresh breath and oral cleanliness.

 

Ingredients

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• 1 cup distilled water

• 3–4 drops tea tree essential oil

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

 

Instructions

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1. Combine ingredients in a dark glass bottle.

2. Shake thoroughly before each use.

 

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Soothing Aloe Vera Mouthwash

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A gentle option that helps soothe irritated gums.

 

Ingredients

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• ½ cup aloe vera juice

• ½ cup distilled water

• 1½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda

 

Instructions

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1. Combine all ingredients in a bottle.

2. Shake until the bicarbonate of soda has dissolved.

3. Store in the refrigerator.

 

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Important Notes

 

Storage of Natural Mouthwashes

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• Store in a cool, dark place

• Refrigerate the aloe vera mouthwash

 

How to Use

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• Shake well before each use

• Gargle for 30–60 seconds

• Spit out after use

 

Shelf Life

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Because these recipes do not contain preservatives, prepare fresh batches every 1–2 weeks.

 

These homemade rinses are intended as supportive natural alternatives and are not a substitute for professional dental care where needed.

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Oil Pulling

 

Oil pulling with coconut oil is another traditional practice some people incorporate for additional oral support.

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Dental Considerations

 

Dental health can be a complex area.

 

Some individuals choose to explore holistic or biological dentistry, which focuses on:

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• Biocompatible materials

• Reducing toxic burden

• Minimising exposure to certain substances

 

If considering removal of older amalgam fillings, it is important to seek experienced practitioners and take a cautious, informed approach.

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Hairdressing & Make-Up

 

Hair salons and cosmetic environments can expose individuals to strong chemical fumes.

Where possible:

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• Choose simple cuts without chemical treatments

• Avoid perms and synthetic styling products

• Minimise conventional hair dyes

• Consider mobile or home-based hairdressers

 

Henna can be a natural plant-based colouring alternative.

 

Many people following GAPS also choose to simplify or minimise makeup use during intensive healing phases.

 

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Baths & Gentle Detox Support

 

Making Bath Time Part of the Routine

 

Within the GAPS approach, baths are used as a gentle method of supporting detoxification.

Common additions include:

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• Epsom salts

• Bicarbonate of soda

• Sea salt

• Bentonite clay

• Seaweed powder

 

Alternate between all of the above.

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Start Slowly

 

For sensitive individuals, begin gently:

• ½ cup per bath

• Use cooler water initially

• Limit baths to 5–10 minutes

 

Gradually increase:

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• Water temperature

• Bath duration

• 1 cup per bath

 

Some individuals may temporarily experience:

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• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Light-headedness

 

Listening to the body and progressing gradually is important.

 

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Supporting the Skin Afterwards

 

After bathing, apply natural moisturisers to dry skin :

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• Tallow

• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

 

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Sun Exposure & Skin Awareness

 

Sunlight plays an important role in overall health and should not simply be viewed as something to fear or avoid.

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Appropriate sun exposure supports:

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• Natural vitamin D production

• Immune system function

• Hormonal balance

• Mood and general wellbeing

 

Within a natural health framework, sensible sun exposure is often viewed as an important part of supporting overall vitality and resilience.

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However, reactions to sun exposure can vary. Some individuals experience increased sensitivity to sunlight, which may reflect underlying imbalances within the body.

 

Supporting the body nutritionally through whole foods rich in antioxidants — such as carrots, beetroot and healthy natural fats — may help prepare and support the skin during sun exposure.

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Building Sun Exposure Gradually

 

As with many aspects of health, balance is key.

 

Gentle Sun Guidelines

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• Build sun exposure gradually over time

• In hotter months, avoid intense midday sun

• Morning and late afternoon are generally gentler times for sun exposure

• Wear protective clothing when needed

• Listen to your body and avoid burning

 

It is also worth noting that individuals with darker skin tones generally require longer periods of sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D levels.

 

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Avoiding Conventional Sunscreens

 

Many conventional sunscreens contain synthetic chemicals that some individuals prefer to avoid as part of reducing toxic load.

 

Some people instead choose:

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• Protective clothing

• Sensible sun timing

• Gradual exposure

• Mineral-based homemade sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide

 

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Supporting the Skin After Sun Exposure

 

If skin becomes irritated or mildly sunburnt, gentle natural applications may help soothe and cool the skin, including:

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• Aloe vera

• Coconut oil

• Sour cream

 

As with all aspects of this approach, the aim is not extremes, but learning to work with the body in a more natural and supportive way.

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Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

 

Ingredients

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• 30g organic virgin coconut oil

• 30g organic olive oil (or carrot seed oil)

• 30g organic cocoa butter

• 30g organic beeswax

• 30g non-nano zinc oxide

 

Instructions

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1. Combine all ingredients in a heat-safe glass jug.

2. Place in a double boiler.

3. Heat gently until fully melted.

4. Stir thoroughly.

5. Allow to cool slowly while stirring periodically.

6. Pour into a glass container before fully hardened.

 

Ensuring the zinc oxide remains evenly suspended is important.

 

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Deodorants

 

Sweating is a natural and important detoxification pathway.

 

The underarms are one of the body’s lymphatic drainage areas, and allowing the body to perspire naturally can be supportive to health.

 

However, many people still wish to minimise body odour without relying on heavily fragranced commercial deodorants.

 

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Homemade Magnesium Deodorant

 

Makes

 

3 x 30ml containers

 

Ingredients

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• 90ml magnesium chloride liquid - (I use Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Refill Bottle, high Concentration Topical Genuine Zechstein Magnesium Chloride Topical Magnesium - 33oz)

• ¾ teaspoon organic vegetable glycerine

• 18–21 drops essential oils (optional)

 

Instructions

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1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Stir gently.

3. Using a funnel, pour into roll-on or spray bottles.

 

To Use

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• Shake before each use

• Apply to clean underarms as needed

 

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Natural Shaving Cream

 

Whipped Shaving Cream Recipe

 

Ingredients

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• 70g mango butter or shea butter

• 70g coconut oil

• 3 tablespoons castile liquid soap

• 2 tablespoons jojoba, sweet almond or grapeseed oil

• Essential oils (optional)

 

Instructions

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1. Melt coconut oil and butter gently.

2. Remove from heat.

3. Add remaining ingredients.

4. Cool until semi-solid.

5. Whip until fluffy.

6. Store in a glass jar.

 

The finished consistency resembles whipped frosting.

 

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Perfume & Fragrance Awareness

 

Conventional perfumes can contain a complex mixture of synthetic chemicals including:

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• Phthalates

• Synthetic musks

• Solvents

• Preservatives

• Formaldehyde-releasing agents

 

Some individuals choose to reduce exposure due to concerns around:

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• Skin irritation

• Allergies

• Hormonal disruption

• Respiratory sensitivity

 

Many fragrance ingredients are hidden under the generic label “fragrance” or “parfum”.

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Natural Essential Oil Perfume

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Ingredients

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• 1 teaspoon carrier oil
  (jojoba or sweet almond oil work well)

• 10 drops base note essential oils

• 5 drops middle note oils

• 5 drops top note oils

 

Instructions

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Mix together and store in a 10ml glass roller bottle.

 

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Understanding Fragrance Notes

 

Top Notes

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Fresh, uplifting scents that are noticed first:

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• Lemon

• Orange

• Peppermint

• Eucalyptus

• Grapefruit

• Tea tree

 

Middle Notes

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The heart of the fragrance:

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• Lavender

• Geranium

• Rosemary

• Chamomile

• Jasmine

• Neroli

 

Base Notes

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Deep grounding scents that linger:

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• Frankincense

• Sandalwood

• Patchouli

• Myrrh

• Vanilla

• Vetiver

 

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A Natural Personal Care Reset

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As part of reducing toxic load, consider gradually replacing:

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• Shampoos and conditioners

• Body washes and soaps

• Deodorants

• Moisturisers

• Toothpastes and mouthwashes

• Shaving products

• Cosmetics and fragrances

 

with simpler, more natural alternatives.

 

You may also wish to incorporate:

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• Natural sponges

• Lymphatic dry brushing

• Mindfully used essential oils

 

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Stocking Your Natural Body Care Toolkit

 

A simple non-toxic toolkit might include:

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• Apple cider vinegar

• Epsom salts

• Bicarbonate of soda

• Sea salt

• Bentonite clay

• Seaweed powder

• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

• Castile soap

• Magnesium flakes

• Tallow

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A Gentler Way to Care for the Body

 

Caring for the body the non-toxic way is not about doing everything perfectly or changing everything overnight.

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It is about simplifying.

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Reducing what the body does not need.

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Supporting the body’s natural balance rather than constantly overwhelming it.

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For many people, this shift not only reduces chemical exposure but also creates a deeper awareness of how the body functions and what it truly needs.

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And that, in itself, can become an important part of the healing journey.