Making your own natural cosmetics - The Green Course

Zwei Frauen lachen und halten Pflanzen in einem sonnigen Garten.
Why is natural cosmetics so good for us, and how can we switch from conventional to natural cosmetics ? Alma Berchtold, one of the two founders of "Der Grüne Kurs" (The Green Course), answers these questions and also shares her favorite DIY natural cosmetic recipe. And there's something to win, too! :)

1. The Green Course – that's the name of your project. Who and what is behind it?


Behind this are the two of us, Vicky and Alma. We met during our studies and eventually realized that we both have a very similar lifestyle – namely, sustainable and eco-friendly ;) That's how "The Green Course" slowly came about. Since the beginning of this year, we've been offering workshops where people not only learn the theoretical basics of natural cosmetics, but above all, mix, shake, and stir their own products. We want to show people how easy it is to make their own natural cosmetics. And because beauty and health come from within, we follow the principle: As within, so without. This means we offer holistic approaches and show how beauty and personal care can be viewed from a different perspective. In general, we want to inspire people with our enthusiasm for a sustainable and natural lifestyle. We really hope that we succeed in doing just that with our workshops!

2. Why natural cosmetics in particular?

When we started exploring natural cosmetics a few years ago, it was our gateway to a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle. And we believe it can be the same for others. We're also firmly convinced that natural cosmetics encourage you to embrace your natural beauty and your own unique individuality. Because you begin to connect with your skin and its needs, as well as your own, on a much deeper level. You develop a completely different relationship with your appearance. For me, switching to natural cosmetics was a path to greater self-love and acceptance. And that's what we wish for everyone. This might sound a bit hippie-ish, but the cosmetics industry, and not only that, constantly suggests that we need to optimize ourselves. Products like contouring kits that supposedly give us higher cheekbones or a slimmer nose, or bleaching toothpaste for whiter teeth, simply play on our perceived imperfections. Natural cosmetics, and especially homemade ones, reach their natural limits, because to achieve such "perfect" results, certain ingredients are needed that are anything but natural.


3. Your three tips for switching from conventional cosmetics to natural cosmetics!

  • Tip #1: Don't do everything at once. Try gradually replacing products with natural cosmetics; this will make the transition easier and prevent you from being overwhelmed by having to find a replacement for every product.
  • Tip #2: Be patient. Your skin or its condition may change temporarily after switching to natural cosmetics. Give it time to adjust. This transition process can take time; your skin might even be detoxifying. In the end, however, switching to natural cosmetics will definitely pay off.
  • Tip #3: Take time for an exploration phase and get to know new scents, textures, compositions, and products. It's incredibly exciting and a lot of fun. Afterward, you'll be so enthusiastic that the switch will be easy.

4. What are the advantages of homemade cosmetics?


There are many, but the three most important ones for us are:
  • 1. Complete transparency - You know exactly what's in it. No parabens, no petroleum, no silicones or emulsifiers - simply put, no junk, just 100% natural ingredients.
  • 2. You can create the product YOU need, tailored to your needs and those of your skin, hair, and body.
  • 3. No more plastic waste – Unfortunately, most cosmetic products are only available in plastic packaging. Since products like shampoo, shower gel, and toothpaste are everyday items, a considerable amount of waste accumulates over time. If you make your own cosmetics, you can use pretty glass jars and thus help stop the plastic waste problem.

5. Your favorite and quick DIY natural cosmetics recipe!

A body scrub made from sea salt and coconut oil. Super quick to prepare, and you usually already have both ingredients at home. Simply mix the sea salt with liquid coconut oil. The mixture should feel like wet sand. If you like, you can add a few drops of an essential oil. It's entirely up to you! The combination of sea salt and coconut smells heavenly and evokes memories of vacation. The sea salt removes dead skin cells, and the coconut oil nourishes the skin. Simply apply a small amount to wet skin, gently exfoliate, and rinse with water. If your skin is sensitive or has any sores or open wounds, use sugar instead of sea salt.
The next workshop with these two will take place on April 13, 2019, in Nuremberg at the "Mit Ecken und Kanten" shop. It will be a taster course, perfect if you want to explore the world of natural cosmetics. Together, we'll create a fantastic cream that you can use as a hand cream, body lotion, or even for facial care. A true all-rounder! You'll also learn one of the most important skills in cosmetics: making emulsions. Saturday, April 13, 2019 // 3 to 5 p.m. // Price: 59 euros – spaces still available

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