The rise of DIY beauty as shoppers rethink skincare spending

Rising living costs and persistent inflation prompt consumers to cut back on discretionary spending, and skincare is no exception. Once considered a small indulgence, high-end serums, creams and treatments priced in the hundreds are becoming harder to justify amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

Since January 2019, overall prices in the U.S. have climbed 29%, housing and food are up 34%, and electricity rose 41%, according to Allianz. Wage growth has not kept pace. The affordability gap widens and pushes many to reassess their spending habits. Yahoo Finance reports women in their 30s now spend an average of $9,784 a year on beauty, a level that is increasingly difficult to maintain. In response, more consumers see DIY skincare as an affordable way to continue their routines at home.

From pantry to vanity

Homemade beauty relies on simple, natural ingredients that make skincare more accessible and affordable. Hydrating face masks and DIY coffee scrubs can be made from everyday staples such as avocado, yogurt and coffee. This approach appeals to those who value transparency, giving them confidence in what goes onto their skin rather than sorting through long ingredient lists on store-bought products.

Common ingredients in DIY skincare include honey, known for its soothing properties, and aloe, which research suggests may support skin elasticity. This hands-on approach allows individuals to customize formulations to their needs, avoid potential irritants and develop routines that align with both their values and budgets.

Social media is democratizing expertise

Platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram have led to the rise of DIY beauty. Influencers and skincare enthusiasts share tutorials, homemade recipes and shocking before-and-after results that inspire viewers to experiment for themselves. As users document their experiences and trade advice, access to beauty knowledge has expanded. Skincare education now feels more approachable than ever.

Social media has also helped normalize the idea that effective skincare does not have to come from expensive brands. People can DIY a lip scrub instead of buying one marked up from a retailer like Sephora. Simple, natural alternatives can deliver comparable results at a fraction of the cost.

Sustainability and the low-waste mindset

Forbes estimates that 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging are produced each year, much of which ends up in landfills. Beyond saving money, homemade treatments appeal to consumers who want to reduce waste and live more sustainably.

DIY beauty offers a lower-waste alternative by reusing containers, cutting down on packaging and relying on multi-purpose ingredients. Many of these items do double duty, serving as both food and effective skincare, like oats used in breakfast and as a gentle exfoliant. Embracing sustainability also encourages a minimalist mindset, one that values fewer, more intentional steps instead of a 10-step routine.

Balancing creativity with caution

While making creams and masks can be an empowering way to take control of a skincare routine, dermatologists advise approaching DIY beauty with care. Not all natural ingredients suit every skin type, and some can irritate or damage the skin barrier. It is important to research how to properly use and store ingredients before adding them to a routine.

Many DIY formulas include essential oils, which should be diluted with carrier oils such as coconut oil to reduce the risk of irritation. Baking soda and lemon juice are also common, but they can disrupt the skin’s natural pH and cause barrier damage. Patch testing is strongly recommended. Apply a small amount of any new mixture to a small area of skin and watch for a reaction before full use.

How brands are responding

The rise of DIY and clean beauty has not gone unnoticed by the skincare industry. A 2025 survey by McKinsey & Company found that 54% of beauty executives view uncertain consumer demand and tighter spending as major threats to growth. As more people turn toward homemade alternatives, even a simple hand salve recipe is just a quick search away, allowing consumers to make it themselves and skip store-bought options.

Brands are taking note. Some are launching clean beauty lines built around simple, natural ingredients, while others are investing in refill programs that encourage customers to reuse existing packaging. Together, these efforts signal a broader evolution within the beauty industry as it adapts to consumers who are both more conscious and more cost-aware.

Skincare built on resourcefulness

A tighter budget does not mean the end of self-care; it simply calls for a little creativity. Across countless kitchen counters, people are mixing, blending and discovering what works for them. DIY beauty is more than a way to cut costs. It is an act of self reliance, a small gesture of control in unpredictable times and a reminder that care can begin at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Kristen Wood is a photographer, recipe developer, writer, gardener and creator of Schisandra and Bergamot, a botanical blog. She is also the author of “Vegetarian Family Cookbook,” “Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook” and “Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners.” Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Healthline, Martha Stewart, Yoga Journal, Willow and Sage Magazine, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, NBC and more.