SO MESSY, IT'S CLEAN

Make your very own soap!

- by Gina Napoli

Oatmeal absorbs excess oil because it contains saponins-plant chemicals that have foaming qualities when mixed with water. Oatmeal is soothing for sensitive and (in most cases) allergic skin.

Glycerin is a humectant found naturally in plant oils. Humectants moisturize skin by drawing water from the air and absorbing it into skin's outermost layer. It works much like a humidifier you might run in your bedroom when you're sick.

Coffee grounds make an excellent exfoliant. That's a scrubby substance that can remove dead cells from your skin.

COMBINE A LITTLE ART, AND A LOT OF SCIENCE, and a smidge of brilliance to create homemade soap bars you can lather up with while crooning your favorite tune.

Is it worth the elbow grease to make your own soap? Absolutely! If you have allergies or sensitive skin, homemade soap is the best because you control the ingredients.