Can I just say I have never had more fun testing a recipe for you? I mean, I’m a mom, so showers are optional some days. (Thank goodness for dry shampoo!) Anyway, when I tested this homemade body wash, I convinced myself that it was my JOB to shower. It was one I took seriously, especially after one too many mishaps with my favorite shampoo bar and my tried-and-true coconut oil body bar.
You see, they look identical, which is fine if you mix them up and shave your legs with the shampoo bar. But grabbing the body bar by mistake and washing your hair? Yeah, that doesn’t end well.
My solution? This simple natural body wash recipe – it creates a rich, bubbly lather, moisturizes while cleansing, and most importantly, can’t be confused with a shampoo bar. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients, shall we?
There are three basic components to this homemade body wash: a cleanser and two moisturizers that promote lather.
Made from pure olive, coconut and/or hemp oil, castile soap is incredibly gentle – many with sensitive skin use it exclusively. I prefer this brand.
Contrary to what you might expect, honey adds moisture and lather without being at all sticky. It’s equally loved by all skin types for its infusion of nutrients: Vitamins B, C, E & K, beta-carotene, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, copper and manganese. In this recipe it also thickens the mixture and increases the suds factor.
I’ve tested this DIY body wash with raw honey, store-bought honey that was kind of runny, and store-bought honey that was super thick. They all worked beautifully.
Soap can be drying, so it’s important to add a natural moisturizer such as olive, avocado, or almond oil to this recipe to replenish skin’s moisture. Coconut oil that is solid at room temperature is not a good option because it tends to separate, but fractionated coconut oil will work.
Although completely optional, essential oils can be a nice addition. I especially like adding peppermint essential oil for a “Wake Up Body Wash” formula, and lavender and vanilla make a sweet bedtime bath recipe for children. Here are some specific suggestions based on requests I’ve received.
Babies & Children
– OR –
– OR –
Wake-Up Wash
* Peppermint and rosemary essential oils are both very strong, so I recommend starting with 30 and testing before adding more. Also, they are not generally recommended for use with children under the age of six. To make a wake-up wash that is kiddo safe, use spearmint essential oil instead. Click here to learn more about using essential oils safely with children.
Manly Scent
Wild Vanilla
Note: If you’re using Dr. Bronner’s peppermint castile soap or another essential oil-infused soap, you’ll want to reduce (or eliminate) the number of essential oil drops used in the recipe so that it’s not overpowering (and potentially irritating to skin.)
