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Probiotic Personal Products

Chris Kott

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posted 11 years ago

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We are becoming increasingly aware that we need not only an absence of bad bacteria, but the presence of beneficial bacteria to survive. My question is this: are there any probiotic personal products out there, or even better, can we think some up or find some home recipes?

By this, I mean mouthwashes, toothpastes, chewing gums, shampoos, conditioners, soaps (but more likely raw goats milk-based bodywash), and deodorants. Top of my list, as I work with paper in a print shop and bindery and my hands get all beaten up, is a probiotic hand/body cream. I think it would be great if all of these were not only edible, but good for you to eat, too. And if they kept well for long periods at room temperature, that would be ideal.

I would appreciate any thoughts on the matter.

-CK

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R Scott

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posted 11 years ago

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My wife couldn't find any, and when she did they were stupid expensive and not as good as they were marketed (still lots of polysomethings in them). So she started making her own and then started selling them.

She found a probiotic-based preservative for her lotions and conditioners. Few others use it because it is ridiculously expensive, but it is the only thing she has found like it.

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT! http://www.lostcreeksoaps.com

She has a toothpaste recipe good enough you don't need mouthwash, and getting close to a deoderant.

I am wanting the gum, too, but it will be a while before we get to that.

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Chris Kott

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Location: Marmora, Ontario

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posted 11 years ago

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Good thoughts, thanks. If it proves impossible to do on the home scale, I will definitely keep that in mind.

-CK

Victore Hammett

Posts: 54

Location: near Hickory, NC

posted 11 years ago

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There was a British tv series that was hosted by a drug researcher that showed how to make all sorts of natural medicinals and cosmetic products at home. I saw a few episodes on Vimeo, but unfortunately I can't remember the name of the show for the life of me. It was fairly recent and hosted by a young Asian guy with a British accent.

I'll keep looking and post if I find it. It was really good, and it bugs me that I can't remember. Chalk it up to early onset senility.

R Scott

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posted 11 years ago

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Chris Kott wrote:Good thoughts, thanks. If it proves impossible to do on the home scale, I will definitely keep that in mind.

-CK

It is very possible (we did it), but some things definitely have economies of scale. You may be buying a lifetime supply of some raw ingredients for only personal use.

For your own use, things like lotions don't need preservatives if you are willing to refrigerate them. They aren't that fun to use in the winter that way, though.

Victore Hammett

Posts: 54

Location: near Hickory, NC

posted 11 years ago

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There show was "Grow Your Own Drugs" hosted by James Wong.

Here's a link to the first episode on YouTube.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b8tUgw-sAow

Steven Feil

Posts: 242

Location: South Central Idaho

posted 11 years ago

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Anyone ever hear of FERMENTING? That is the most cost effective way to get your good bacteria back into your system.

I have not used toothpaste for YEARS and never have bad breath. Same with deodorant. The only times I have bad breath is when my diet is off. The only time I have BO is when my diet is off or some other stressful thing is allowed into my life.

See a pattern?

Gum is BAD BAD BAD for you. Either the sugars or artificial sweeteners will get you. I also find gum chewers to be quite rude. They do not keep their mouth closed while chewing and they try to chew while talking to you. Nasty stuff.

Chris Kott

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Location: Marmora, Ontario

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Thanks, so we're talking about probiotic personal products. I assumed that because most probiotic foods are fermented, this could go without saying. Also, everyone knows that refined sugars are bad for you, and artificial sweeteners are worse. But thanks for clarifying those two key points.

-CK

Matu Collins

Posts: 1947

Location: Southern New England, seaside, avg yearly rainfall 41.91 in, zone 6b

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posted 11 years ago

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https://www.google.com/search?q=lactobacillus+paracasei&client=ms-android-virgin-us&source=android-browser-type&hl=en-US&source=univ&tbm=shop&sa=X&ei=JTsmU7OUJYjB0AGv04GgDA&ved=0CF8Qsxg&biw=320&bih=508&dpr=1.5#spd=15730633671915082670

This is a very interesting idea. Probiotic toothpaste is available and the research on the effectiveness of this lactobacillus strain is quite strong. Above is a link to buy it, it's not cheap.

If you could figure out which strains are beneficial on the skin, perhaps you could grow them and add them to lotion. Making homemade skin care products works best in small batches anyway in my experience. Keeping a colony alive would probably entail some work, like a sourdough or yogurt starter.

“Enough is as good as a feast"
-Mary Poppins

Johnny Niamert

Posts: 268

Location: Colo

posted 11 years ago

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They sell oral probiotic mints. There are a handful of strains 'identified' and sold specifically to whiten and freshen. I've tried them, but not a regular user.

For skin care, EM-1.
I have done it several ways. Some times, I'll just make up a 'rinse' bucket with luke-warm water and EM-1 and then dump it over myself after turning off the shower.
Other times, I have added some EM-1 to lotions/oils/creams and applied those to my skin. I make them fresh each use though, since the EM-1 would start to digest them.
I used to gargle with EM-1, but now I just wash out my tonsil crypts with EM-1. Quite acidic, so I'm not sure if the gargling is wise, but depends on who you ask.

R Scott

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Location: Kansas Zone 6a

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posted 11 years ago

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Steven Feil wrote: Gum is BAD BAD BAD for you. Either the sugars or artificial sweeteners will get you. I also find gum chewers to be quite rude. They do not keep their mouth closed while chewing and they try to chew while talking to you. Nasty stuff.

Yes, and almost all of it has artificial sweeteners-even the stuff with sugar! But the chewing and causing extra salivation does help tooth health, plus it removes the onion or garlic off your breath for that after lunch meeting.

I think it is possible to get a product that freshens your breath and cleans your teeth when you can't brush.

Maybe not GUM, but a piece of probiotic chewy candy that does all the good stuff then disappears before you do the bad stuff.

Dawn Hoff

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posted 11 years ago

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Do you need them?

I use Apple Cider Vinager (ACV) in my bath some times, or to rinse my hair. I use coconut oil to brush my teeth (anti-fungal and anti-bacterial). And tallow instead of lotion. Actually a you need for personal hygiene is bicarbonate soda, coconut oil and ACV. Only expensive thing there is the coconut oil.

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Chris Kott

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Location: Marmora, Ontario

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posted 11 years ago

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Thanks again for the input. Please keep it coming.

To clarify, I was inquiring about probiotic personal products, as in live bacterial cultures that are beneficial, not simply natural or homemade products, although the goal would be, of course, to have personal products that are both naturally sourced and homemade.

Otherwise, I would use sodium bicarbonate for my teeth, rinse everything with apple cider vinegar, and moisturize with coconut oil.

-CK

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