Sustainable vegan pumpkin spice shampoo bar

Pumpkin spice everything! Shampoo bars and homemade shampoo are now my go-to for cleansing my hair. They are incredibly easy to make, and you can create any type you fancy. This time of year, I like to add pumpkin spice to everything. I love using my homemade pumpkin spice recipe in baking and coffee, and I love using essential oils to create the aroma of fall baking, Using essential oils and sustainably sourced ingredients, I created a simple vegan shampoo bar that is cleansing, nourishing, and great for your senses and the planet.

jojoba beads

Jojoba oil forms a nourishing and protective layer around each hair strand, that keeps moisture locked in, making your strands look healthy and hydrated. Jojoba oil has a structure similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces. When used as beads in this shampoo bar, it exfoliates the scalp and doesn’t add too much oil back into the air.

carnauba wax

Carnuba wax is a great substitute for beeswax if you’re making vegan cosmetics. This one is sustainably harvested. The Brazilian palm trees are grown on Certified Organic farms in Brazil and seasonally the leaves are harvested to make the wax. The cutting off of the leaves does not harm the trees.

apple cider vinegar

Because it is fermented, Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals and vitamin C. The vinegar is anti-inflammatory, which can assist in exfoliating, combating ailments, like dandruff. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and helps normalize pH balance is dull hair, which improves its overall appearance. ACV is well known for its all-natural antimicrobial properties. Clean away infection or itch-inducing bacteria or fungi on your skin and scalp. 

liquid castille soap

This one doesn’t use palm oil

Castile soap can cleanse excess sebum and product, but it’s gentle! It’s an excellent alternative to commercial shampoos. You can also use it to make soaps, body wash, and so many other diys. It’s a great tool to have in your home. Check out our earthy Autumn body wash to complete your sustainable shower.

Why I’ve switched to shampoo bars

1. Shampoo bars and homemade shampoo are now my go-to for cleansing my hair. They are incredibly easy to make, and you can create any type you fancy. If you are buying shampoo in a single-use bottle, it can not be recycled and is ending up in the trash. Statistically, less than 10% of plastic gets recycled, so even if you buy quality shampoo that is natural and non-toxic, it is still bad for the environment. While shampoo bar ingredient packaging is mostly plastic you will be able to make dozens of shampoos and conditioners with them, producing minimal waste in comparison.
2. Most store-bought shampoos contain synthetic chemical compounds. I do my best to reduce our toxin-load in our household, and none of us miss “traditional” shampoo. Toxins in these shampoos aren’t only bad for you, but they pollute bodies of water.
3. We travel frequently, and shampoo bars are perfect for flights. You can even get little tins to store them and keep them safe.

soap bar mold

travel container

If you’re making the switch to shampoo bars, let me know by tagging me on your creation on instagram at #recipesandrituals.

I’d love to see how yours comes out!

Peace and love,

Sarah