DIY Natural Body Wash: A Healthy Alternative to Commercial Products

Why I Choose to Make My Own Body Wash

Understanding the ingredients in commercial body washes can feel like navigating a complex chemistry textbook. Many store-bought options contain a plethora of harmful chemicals that I prefer to avoid for the health of my family and myself. For instance, sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) create lather but can be excessively harsh on the skin. Artificial fragrances and colors often trigger my allergies, while alcohol can dry out and irritate my skin. Additionally, triclosan, commonly added for its antibacterial properties, is linked to numerous adverse effects, including hormone disruption, weakened immune response, and increased allergies. The list of unwanted ingredients in commercial body washes seems endless. That’s why I’ve opted to create my own body wash.

Here are just a few compelling reasons to consider making your own natural body wash:

I have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring my family receives only the finest natural components.
It is gentle on the skin and does not strip away its natural oils.
It is safe for the entire family, suitable for all skin types.
It actively nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
It calms and soothes itchy, dry, or inflamed skin.
And of course, it effectively cleans away dirt.

What Ingredients Are in My Homemade Body Wash?

This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission, but the price remains the same for you.

Coconut Milk (Canned)

A fantastic moisturizer.
Soothes sensitive skin.
Rich in vitamin C, which aids in maintaining skin elasticity.
Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness.
Contains fatty acids that assist in treating dry and irritated skin.
Look for it in the “ethnic” food aisle of your grocery store, typically near products from Thailand.

Unscented Liquid Castile Soap

This is the primary ingredient in my body wash.
It cleanses without stripping away the skin’s natural oils.
Offers natural antibacterial properties.
Safe for sensitive skin.
Creates the desired foam and bubbles in the body wash.
Available at Target in the natural beauty section or online.

Vegetable Glycerin

Thickens the body wash.
Helps emulsify the other ingredients for better mixing.
Assists in moisture retention for the skin.
Contributes to the foam in the body wash.
Check out the pure vegetable-based, non-GMO option I use, sourced sustainably.

Apricot Kernel Oil (or Substitute with Sweet Almond Oil)

A perfect moisturizer for all skin types.
Softens dry and irritated skin.
One of the gentlest oils available.
Rich in vitamin D, providing excellent nourishment.
Known for its ability to soften and recondition the skin.
Find the sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil I recommend (note: you only need one for this recipe).

Vitamin E

Naturally hydrates and heals dry skin.
Promotes collagen and elastin production for youthful skin.
An antioxidant that combats free radicals, reducing wrinkles and age spots.
Protects and nourishes the skin.
Helps soften and moisturize the skin.
Look for the organic, high-quality vitamin E I use.

Essential Oil

Adds a pleasant scent.
Offers therapeutic benefits depending on the type used.
Can create an energizing, relaxing, stimulating, uplifting, or calming experience.
Refer to the recipe instructions below for 10 essential oil blends I love or create your own.

Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut milk (canned)
2/3 cup unscented liquid Castile soap
2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
2 teaspoons sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E
20 drops essential oil (see suggestions in the step-by-step instructions below)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add the following to a bowl or measuring cup:

1/2 cup coconut milk (canned)
2/3 cup unscented liquid Castile soap
2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
2 teaspoons sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E

Step 2: Stir Well

Step 3: Add Essential Oil

Add 20 drops of your chosen essential oil. Here are some blends I enjoy:

12 drops sweet orange + 8 drops sandalwood
8 drops peppermint + 4 drops sweet orange + 4 drops lemon + 4 drops lime
7 drops lavender + 7 drops orange + 6 drops frankincense
8 drops lavender + 8 drops lime + 4 drops spearmint
8 drops lavender + 8 drops bergamot + 4 drops ylang ylang
10 drops eucalyptus + 10 drops spearmint
5 drops ylang ylang + 10 drops orange + 5 drops cedarwood
12 drops lime + 8 drops spearmint
5 drops lavender + 3 drops clary sage + 12 drops bergamot
6 drops geranium + 7 drops lemon + 7 drops sweet orange
8 drops peppermint + 6 drops eucalyptus + 6 drops lavender
5 drops rosemary + 7 drops eucalyptus + 8 drops lavender
4 drops ylang ylang + 5 drops rose + 2 drops jasmine + 9 drops vanilla oleoresin
10 drops cedarwood + 2 drops vetiver + 6 drops coriander + 2 drops clove
12 drops sweet orange + 8 drops vanilla oleoresin

Step 4: Mix and Store

Mix well and pour into a soap dispenser. A plastic bottle is recommended to avoid any risks associated with broken glass in the shower or bath. Use plastics #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) with diluted essential oils for safety.

How to Use Your Homemade Body Wash

Apply a small, quarter-sized amount of body wash to wet skin.
Lather up thoroughly.
Use a washcloth along with the body wash to gently exfoliate dry skin in small circular motions.
Rinse well.
Pat skin dry with a soft, absorbent towel.
For added moisture, apply a moisturizer such as my homemade whipped body butter (find the recipe here).

Where to Get Your Supplies

This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission, but the prices are the same for you.

Coconut Milk (Canned) – Look for it in the “ethnic” food aisles of your grocery store, typically near products from Thailand.
Unscented Liquid Castile Soap – Available at Target in the natural beauty section or through my online recommendations.
Vegetable Glycerin – Check out the pure vegetable-based, non-GMO option I recommend, sourced sustainably.
Sweet Almond Oil or Apricot Kernel Oil – Click to find the sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil I suggest (note: you only need one for this recipe).
Vitamin E – Look for the organic, high-quality vitamin E that I use.

Additional Essential Oil Resources

Here are a few other essential oil posts that I think you’ll enjoy:

DIY Shower Steamers and Melts
DIY Calming Lavender Vanilla Bubble Bath
Homemade Shaving Cream
DIY Lavender, Oatmeal & Milk Bath Soak for Dry Skin
Essential Oil Bath Melts for Luxuriously Moisturized Skin
Bubbling Bath Salts Made with Essential Oils
Sea Breeze Bath Bombs
Soft & Silky Body Butter with Essential Oils
Essential Oil Face Wash for Your Skin Type
Super Rich & Creamy Dry Hand Lotion
DIY Face Serum with Essential Oils for Your Skin Type

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Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your medical doctor regarding your healthcare. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission, but the price remains the same for you.