Back in high school, I spent a lot of money on fancy body washes and personal care products, believing they’d make my skin feel softer, smell great, and help with acne. I even mixed different body washes to achieve the perfect scent and effect.
These days, I’ve moved away from most conventional products and typically stick to bar soap. When I want the benefits of a skin-softening, great-smelling body wash, I make my own. This DIY natural body wash uses ingredients that are beneficial for your skin without the harsh chemicals.
There are plenty of perks to using a homemade body wash. First off, it’s super easy to make and takes just a few minutes if you have the ingredients handy. If you’re missing something, you can easily substitute it. Plus, making this body wash can be a fun activity to do with your kids.
This recipe is versatile and allows you to pick from various essential oils combinations. You can match the scent to the season, a holiday, or even your mood. You can also create different versions for everyone in your family if you’d like.
While you might have to buy ingredients the first time around, you’ll be able to make several batches from them, which will save money in the long run. It’s also a thoughtful homemade gift idea for friends and family, helping you save on gift expenses too.
Unlike store-bought products, homemade body wash doesn’t contain chemicals or artificial fragrances. With this recipe, you can quickly whip up a natural, preservative-free, hydrating body wash. It still offers a great lather, so you won’t miss the suds that come with store-bought versions.
This body wash includes some of my favorite natural skincare ingredients, each offering unique benefits for the skin. For instance, honey is excellent for skincare due to its soothing, antibacterial properties. When possible, I opt for local, raw honey; if not, I go for organic raw honey.
Natural oils are fantastic for cleansing. I use the oil cleansing method for my face, and it works wonders. This recipe uses natural oils to hydrate and clean the skin, similar to facial cleansing. Oils also serve as carriers for the essential oils in this moisturizing body wash. I prefer using a mix of castor and olive oil, but you can use what you have, like jojoba or sweet almond oil. Olive oil is full of antioxidants, or you could try fractionated coconut oil as it stays liquid. Regular coconut oil hardens when cold, which might not work well here.
For cleansing power, I use Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild, an unscented liquid castile soap, allowing me to customize the scent with essential oils. Any organic liquid castile soap scent will do; just ensure it blends well with your chosen essential oils. This soap base provides that inviting lather.
Essential oils add a personal touch. You can switch up scents according to the season or holiday. Lavender and chamomile make for a calming wash, peppermint perks you up, and ylang-ylang with lavender relieve stress. If you have sensitive skin, be cautious with certain oils.
Since essential oils don’t store well in plastic, it’s best to keep the body wash in a glass container with a pump. This makes it easy to access in the shower. A pump bottle that foams the wash is a favorite of mine, but any soap dispenser will do. Alternatively, there are silicone and stainless steel containers if you prefer not to use glass.
For best results, I use a natural sea sponge with this body wash, though a washcloth works well too. Thanks to the shelf-stable ingredients, the body wash lasts a long time. I still make it in small batches to customize the scent to my changing preferences.
This body wash is incredibly versatile. It’s great as a shaving wash and can double as a face wash or hand soap. Traveling? Bring a small silicone container, and you’ll need fewer toiletries as it covers several bases.
Looking for a gift for someone into natural living? This homemade body wash makes a thoughtful gift, especially when you customize the scent to their taste. Pair it with a natural sea sponge for a complete, personalized gift. Even friends who typically buy store-bought shower gels might find themselves converted to the wonders of homemade body wash. What do you prefer for a moisturizing body wash, or are you a fan of bar soap? Let me know your thoughts!
