7 DIY Beauty Hacks That'll Save You Money and Help Save Animals

Published October 12, 2017 by Katherine Sullivan. Last Updated September 9, 2022.

Have you ever visited Sephora to search for a hair product that’ll give you the perfect beach waves, only to leave $30 poorer and mildly disappointed in your new 5-ounce sea salt texturing spray? Or perhaps you’re one of the zillions of folks who are on a never-ending quest to find an aluminum-free deodorant that actually works. If any of this rings true—or if you simply enjoy an easy, pennywise personal hygiene routine—keep reading!

Making your own personal-care products using cruelty-free ingredients is fun and affordable, and the best part is that it ensures that no animals endure cruel tests for your beauty regimen. Not only will these cruelty-free, vegan hacks save you time and money, they’ll also help save animals.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Deodorant

Natural deodorants can be hit-or-miss, and there’s nothing worse than buying a whole stick of aluminum-free deodorant, only to discover that it’s not very effective. But did you know that lemons are a great deodorant substitute? According to Allure, the citric acid in lemons kills bacteria and odor, making the citrusy fruit a great natural deodorant. Click here to learn more about substituting this kitchen staple for store-bought deodorants.

Side note: We get it—rubbing fruit on your underarms isn’t for everyone. If you prefer store-bought products, click here to check out our list of cruelty-free deodorant options.

Mermaids Don’t Pay for Beach Waves, So Why Should You?

Beach hair is almost always on-trend, but don’t be fooled into paying for those breezy waves. Sea salt sprays can cost upwards of $30. Why visit a cosmetics store when you can visit the beach instead? Simply take an empty spray bottle to the beach and fill it with water from the ocean. Voilà—your very own sea salt hairspray! No beach? No problem: Combine warm water with sea salt and cruelty-free conditioner, shake, and enjoy—click here for the full instructions.

All the Coconut Oil for All the Things

Coconut oil has taken the world by storm. Gone are the days when it was simply a kitchen cabinet staple. Now we know that you can use it to moisturize your locks, soothe chapped lips, remove makeup, and reduce fine lines, age spots, and dark circles. This miracle ingredient is the world’s best cruelty-free cure-all. Discover even more ways to incorporate coconut oil into your routine.

Climb Your Way to Clean, Luscious Locks

Dry shampoo is simply shampoo in powder form and is designed to clean your hair without water. It’s great—it can extend the life of your color or salon styling and of course, skipping a wash saves water. But—listen up, rock climbers and gymgoers—did you know that grip chalk can double as dry shampoo? Simply chalk up, run your hands through the hair near your scalp, and be on your way. The chalk works like its beauty-aisle counterparts—absorbing the excess oil and grease from your scalp—to give you a just-showered head of hair, without the shower. Just remember, if you’re skipping the shower, consider tip number one, too!

Side note: Even if you’re into climbing rocks or swinging kettlebells at the gym, you may not have grip chalk lying around the house. Luckily, cornstarch is an equally effective dry shampoo substitute. Apply the powder to your roots using a large cruelty-free makeup brush, like one of these.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Good for Your Gut and Your Skin

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been considered a miracle aid for weight management. Drinking one to two tablespoons of ACV daily—diluted in a glass of water—can support weight loss, according to numerous reports. But did you know that the amber-colored vinegar can help clear up acne, too? According to Women’s Health, an ACV-and-water concoction can help more than just your weight-management routine: Using it as a simple DIY toner can help kill acne-causing bacteria. Click here to learn how to create your own ACV toner.

Head to Your Pantry—Not the Beauty Aisle—for a Delicious Lip Scrub

Got chapped lips? With this hack, you’ll have soft lips and smell like a brownie, too! Combine 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1½ cups of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Apply the mixture to your lips and gently rub for at least one minute before wiping it off with a wet cloth. Pro tip: We know it’s hard, but try not to eat the scrub.

Soothe Your Sunburn Using Cruelty-Free Baking Soda

Instead of spending money on expensive aloe vera products to soothe your sunburned skin—especially when many of them don’t even contain aloe vera—turn to a product that you likely already have at home: baking soda. Simply combine your favorite cruelty-free brand—Bob’s Red Mill should do the trick—and water for a safe and effective sunburn remedy, or add 1 cup of baking soda to a cool bath. Like aloe, baking soda won’t cure your sunburn, but it can provide some much-needed soothing relief.