I’ve found that the body of an autistic child sometimes struggles to eliminate toxins naturally but also that there are lots of weakness in DNA expression in adult bodies that causes the same struggle.

This led me to explore the impact of environmental toxins, both externally and internally. As a result, I decided to gradually replace our purchased hygiene and cleaning products. Initially, I was primarily focused on improving Alex’s well-being.

The more I delved into the ingredients of commonly used products, the more alarmed I became at the thought of these unpronounceable substances being absorbed by my body every day. Imagine, from the early hours of the morning, repeatedly throughout the day, with every hand wash, toothbrushing session, not to mention body lotions, deodorants, perfumes, face creams, and those supposed “skin-pampering” bath products. It’s quite unsettling.

Numerous studies have highlighted the toxicity of cosmetics and their potential harm to health, revealing the presence of parabens, petroleum derivatives, and heavy metals in hygiene products.

Unlike the food we ingest, which undergoes a rigorous digestive process, products applied directly to our skin bypass this critical filtration. Within a minute, their ingredients become part of our bloodstream.

In my quest for suitable products, I stumbled upon Dr. Bronner’s during my time in Malta. I was not only impressed by the quality of the products but also by the company’s ethos, mission, and vision. Where else could you find a 100% organic product, free from preservatives and synthetic additives, comprised solely of herbal ingredients? This extraordinary company operates with a fantastic vision and is deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors. Members of the governing board earn no more than five times the salary of the lowest-paid employee.

The versatility of using a single product for a myriad of household needs, from shampoo and shower gel to toothpaste and laundry detergent, especially for children from birth, is truly remarkable. If a product is safe enough to ingest without harm, it’s safe enough for skin application.

Enthralled by the company’s mission and vision, and its positive impact worldwide, I decided this was a product for life.

Among all Dr. Bronner’s soaps, my most frequently used is the unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. I’ve adopted it as a base for nearly all the homemade products I create. However, it can also be used on its own. I enjoy infusing it with various ingredients to introduce subtle changes in texture or scent.

Today, I’ll share a recipe for shampoo and shower gel with coconut milk. I adore its velvety texture on the skin, while the coconut milk provides moisture and promotes hair growth. It also delivers an extra boost of vitamins and minerals, including C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1/3 cup Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 7.5 drops of Jojoba/Argan/Castor oil
• ¼ cup distilled water
• 15 drops of essential oil for fragrance (optional, depending on your preference)

Use a clean container—perhaps recycle an empty shampoo or shower gel bottle. Combine all the ingredients and use the mixture within a week. It can be stored for an extended period in the fridge, depending on the expiration date of the coconut milk.