Top 5 natural ingredients to have in your bathroom

Want to cut down on your beauty products? Simplify your routine? Or simply reduce your cosmetics budget without sacrificing effectiveness ? Archie shares his minimalist beauty essentials— really effective ingredients, tested, approved, and often much less expensive than the latest “miracle” serum.

Spoiler: sometimes the best beauty allies are hidden in the kitchen.

1. Aloe Vera

A natural beauty essential. Real aloe vera gel (pure, unprocessed) is:

• Moisturizing without greasy effect

• Healing and soothing for sensitized skin

• Perfect for post-sun , light facial treatment, or after irritation

On the hair side, it is a great ally for curls:

• Apply to damp hair to redefine waves

• Gives bounce without weighing it down

The sensory experience isn't the most luxurious... but it's effective.

2. Coconut Oil

An ultra-economical and multifunctional classic. Coconut oil (virgin or deodorized, depending on your preference) can be used:

• In a hair oil bath before shampooing (leave on overnight for nourished hair)

• In ultra-gentle natural makeup remover

• As a moisturizing body treatment after showering

Extra tip: oil pulling (thanks Gwyneth Paltrow)
A spoonful in your mouth, swirled for 10 minutes to help eliminate bacteria. Ayurvedic tradition, and a true feeling of a healthier mouth.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

The king of essentials. Raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is:

• A perfect rinse for shiny hair

• A natural antifungal against dandruff (leave on before shampooing)

• A diluted skin tonic (half water, half vinegar) to soothe, balance skin pH and nourish the microbiome

💡 Applied as a spray or on a damp cotton pad, it's an excellent daily routine. Choose organic, unpasteurized , with the mother visible.

4. Corn flour (Maïzena)

The homemade dry shampoo that saves you on a lazy day (or when you're on a tight schedule):

• Pour some flour into a small container

• Apply with a powder brush to the roots

• Massage lightly, brush... and presto, hair is refreshed

Bonus: maximum volume .
Tip for dark hair: Add a pinch of cocoa to avoid the gray effect.

5. Clay (bentonite)

Ultra versatile, bentonite clay is your best purifying asset:

• As a face mask , it absorbs excess sebum, cleanses pores, reduces blackheads and imperfections

• As a hair mask , it deeply clarifies the scalp, eliminates product residue, soothes itching

Choose a clay rich in montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite for a balance of purification and gentleness. Simply mix with water or apple cider vinegar as needed.

In summary

Minimalist beauty is possible .
With just 5 simple, natural, multi-purpose ingredients, you can:

• Hydrate, soothe, purify your skin

• Restore shine to your hair

• Reduce your products… without sacrificing anything

And above all, get back to the basics , the one that works.