Super Semi-Homemade Body Wash – Exactly How You Need It

crunched by Crunchy Betty on March 31, 2011
filed under Natural Beauty Recipes, Skin

I made my bodywash with real raw shea butter.

100 years ago, “body wash” would have consisted of sitting in a big metal tub and having someone scrub you down while they pour boiling water over you.

Look how far we’ve come. Look how good we smell. Look how dry our skin is.

I set out to make body wash at home mainly so I could add things in it that I knew would be good for my skin. Even those body washes that boast “shea butter” or “extra moisturizing” or “soothing,” well, we have no idea how much “soothing” ingredients they actually consist of. Plus, they’ve got tons o’ yucky preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients, too.

Let me take a quick moment, before we get to making this, to rant. Because the other day, while I was watching All My Children on Hulu and eating ~~bon-bons~~ ~~steamed spinach~~ popcorn, I saw an ad for some new Dove bodywash. And it was shameful.

I apologize for lack of real details on it, but I’ve searched and searched the web and can’t find the commercial to show you guys.

But it went something like this: New natural Dove body wash, with the fresh scent of cucumber or pomegranate. The only natural body wash that freshens you naturally. Natural. Good for your skin. Natural fresh and moisturizing. Natural. NATURAL FRESH! WE MEAN THAT! NATURAL!

Would you like to know what’s in the new “goFresh body wash” by Dove that’s so natural? Sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine (synthetic surfactant), DMDM hydantoin (formaldehyde-releaser), methylisothiazolinone (synthetic preservative), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (another preservative, toxic if inhaled), BHT (another controversial preservative), and synthetic fragrance (hormone-disrupting).

They do use a few actual natural ingredients, so I’ll give them credit for waving a wand of essential oil over the top of a large vat of body wash.

But I’m just saying. STOP LYING. WE’RE NOT STUPID.

Now. Let’s make some semi-homemade body wash that’s all-natural and exactly what your personal skin needs.

Semi-Homemade Body Wash/Shower Gel

I’m calling this semi-homemade, because the major ingredient can be used alone, as body wash, if you so choose.

It’s liquid castille soap.

If you’ve ever dealt with liquid castille (like Dr. Bronner’s), you know it’s really thin, though. So we want to thicken it up just a bit, which will allow for other ingredients to mix well with it.

We thicken it with xanthan gum (available in the baking aisle, often in the shelf that contains all of the Bob’s Red Mill flours).

And then we add other good stuff to it. It’s actually a lot of fun to make – and it beat the heck out of the first bodywash I ever made. Two years ago. It looked like gray sludge. Ew.

Here are the ingredients in the body wash I made today:

Shea, sweet almond oil, calendula petals, xanthan gum, castille, and essential oil.

In this recipe, I went all out. I made a calendula infusion first, then added shea and sweet almond oil, then xanthan gum, castille, and ylang-ylang essential oil.

It’s definitely a good recipe for someone who has dry skin. I do not have dry skin. I just like to pretend like I do, so I can use the most luxurious ingredients possible. It works.

You don’t have to use an herbal or floral infusion if you don’t want to, or don’t have any to use. It would cut down on preparation time, if you didn’t.

Calendula is extra soothing and great for your skin – it would be great for any type of skin, really.

So, first, I left 1/4 c. calendula petals and 1 c. of water on medium low for about 20 minutes:

Steamy calendula. Rrowr.

Then I strained the water/infusion from the petals and returned it to the cleaned pot. Then, I took 1 Tbsp. shea butter and 1 Tbsp. sweet almond oil, and melted it all into the infusion on low.

Melting the shea butter ... slowly.

Stir well while the shea butter is melting.

Once you have an oily/watery mixture with no lumps, remove from heat and add 1 tsp xanthan gum whisking quickly. Immediately add in 1-1/2 c. liquid castille soap and continue whisking until everything’s smooth.

DO NOT – UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES – STOP AND TAKE PICTURES.

If you stop and take pictures in between adding the xanthan gum and the castille soap, you end up with this:

This is NOT what you want your body wash to look like.

Alas, because I took pictures, I ended up with some goopy globs in my final body wash. Lesson learned.

It’s still completely useable, though, so do not cry for me. Nay … I am fine.

Anyway, after you add the castille soap, stir in 15-20 drops of essential oil of your choice. I chose ylang-ylang, because it complemented the almond castille soap we had on hand.

It smells divine. And it feels even more divine. DIVINE. NATURAL. FRESH AND NATURAL DIVINE.

(And, yes, I really mean that.)

Here’s what my final soap looked like. It yielded about 2 cups of body wash all together, and after I took this picture, I poured all of it into a recycled pump bottle (from a body wash long used up).

If you don't stop and take pictures, yours won't have the little globbies in it.

Here’s the printable recipe for the one I made, as well as a bonus recipe that’s suitable for normal/oily/acne prone skin.

Moisturizing Ylang-Ylang, Calendula, and Almond Body Wash

1/4 c. dried calendula petals
1 c. water
1 Tbsp shea butter
1 Tbsp sweet almond oil (or olive, grapeseed, jojoba, or apricot kernel oil)
1-1/2 c. liquid castille soap (almond … or unscented)
1 tsp xanthan gum
15 drops ylang-ylang essential oil (or whatever type you prefer)

In a small pot, heat the calendula petals in the water for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the petals from the water and rinse out the pot. Add the calendula water back into the pot, and melt the shea butter and sweet almond oil on low until smooth. Whisk in the xanthan gum, and immediately afterward whisk in the castille soap. When smooth, drop in your essential oil.

Pour the mixture into a bottle (opaque is best) and don’t store in direct sunlight. Shake well before each use. Should keep for up to 6 months.

Soothing Lavender Body Wash for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

1/4 c. dried lavender buds
1 c. water
1 Tbsp jojoba oil
1-1/2 c. liquid castille soap (tea tree oil or unscented)
1 tsp xanthan gum
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil

In a small pot, heat the lavender buds in the water for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the buds from the water and rinse the pot. Add the lavender water back into the pot and stir in the jojoba oil. Whisk in the xanthan gum quickly, and immediately afterward whisk in the castille soap. When smooth, drop in your essential oils.

Pour the mixture into a bottle (opaque is best) and don’t store in direct sunlight. Shake well before each use. Should keep for up to 6 months.

Think You’re Ready to Make Your Own Bodywash?

I have to reiterate: This was really incredibly fun to make. I think it had something to do with the shea butter I received from Amazon today.

I mean, it’s freakin’ awesome. Look at it one more time:

Raw, organic African shea butter.

It came in this bag, right? I mean, just a 1-pound chunk of shea butter. In a bag. It’s sooooooooooo soft and mushy and it made my hands feel like buttah.

If you’re looking for some shea butter, I really highly recommend it (and, nope, I’m not affiliated with this company in any way): West African Shea Butter. At the time of this writing, it’s a whopping $6. The best price I’ve ever seen on shea butter. Ever.

Okay, now that I’ve mushed on and on about my shea butter.

Are you going to try making your own body wash?

If not, do you have a favorite body wash you LOVE? Scent combinations? (Give me inspiration for the next time!)

In NATURAL-AND-FRESH-I-MEAN-IT crunch!

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Take a look at the popular LUCID Moisturizing Facial Oil - Blended with acneic and oily skin in mind! (Soaks into your skin and nourishes from the outside in)!

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Esterina

Hi!! Finally able to comment on the site, don’t know what I was doing wrong but here I am now =)
I really like this recipe for body wash (gonna try it soon) and I LOVE Raw Shea Butter, it’s fantaistic! I use it on pretty much eveything, sun burnt skin, dry skin, pimples…it’s fantastic! Sigh… Also, if you have itchy scalp you can put a bit of Shea Butter on it and leave it there for as long as you want, it will calm the itchiness.
And I’m right there with you about “natural” products: silicones, parabens, presevatives…Uhm-mm, all natural, right?
Anyhue, love the site, love the recipes, keep it coming, it’s great work! =)
Have a beautiful day
http://lisepunch.blogspot.com/ Lise

OK, sorry, but not all of the ingredients in the Dove Bodywash are bad. I’m not saying not to do your own bodywash, nor am I saying to rush out and buy Dove (or any other commercial brand). I just get a bit frustrated about some of the misinformation that seems to be circulating about surfactants as of late. I know sometimes the INCI names sound scary, but some of these scary sounding names are actually neither synthetic nor dangerous (example: Cocamidopropyl Betaine is very mild for an amphoteric surfactant and it’s made from coconut oil. It also has a good biodegradability factor). I have a mini surfactant guide that goes into a little detail about the surfactants I use (and a few of the controversial ones) here http://lisepunch.blogspot.com/2011/03/whats-in-shampoo-surfactant-guide.html
- Crunchy Betty
  
  I totally get what you’re saying here, but I’m coming from two places: First, don’t tell me something’s “natural,” when it’s not (like Dove). Also, I get that your beef is with my mentioning cocamidopropyl betaine mostly. From what I understand, it’s made by reacting two different chemicals to coconut oil to produce an entirely different compound … which, to me, isn’t really “natural,” y’know?
  
  Secondly, from a make-at-home perspective (which isn’t for everyone), all those ingredients are ones I’m happy to avoid.
  
  Are some ingredients blown out of proportion in terms of their danger? Yes. All over the place. However, if I can make something and avoid it all together, that makes me really super happy.
  
  That being said, your input is always SO very valuable to the site – and I appreciate it hugely, even when we don’t see eye-to-eye. :)
- Crunchy Betty
  
  I just realized my last response made it sound like I was saying “YOU” don’t tell me something is natural when it’s not … I meant that when a company like Dove shoves it in your face over and over in a commercial that their product is “natural,” it darn well better be. Didn’t want you to think I was being overly defensive there. Heh.
  - http://lisepunch.blogspot.com/ LisaLise
    
    Hi Leslie,
    
    Thanks so much for your feedback. No worries, I totally got that you weren’t being ‘snippy’. And you are right, I am venting about surfactants. This has become a bit of a ‘sore spot’ for me. I have had what feels like a gazilion questions about surfactants and shampoo products from folks, and this was actually what prompted me to write the whole “what’s in Shampoo” mini series on my blog. You would be amazed at the misconceptions that are running around about surfactants – it’s very disconcerting. That being said, I think you and I agree on more than we disagree on. Matter of fact, I’m not actually sure we disagree on anything. :)
    (Thanks for letting me vent!)
http://www.jessilicious.com Jessilicious

Wow, this recipe looks amazing! Where do you buy the castille soap?

Thanks for sharing the Shea butter source – what a great deal! : ) And I also really like the lavender version of the recipe. That’s the one I’ll be using!
- Crunchy Betty
  
  Dr. Bronner’s is available just about everywhere these days. I think this bottle I actually bought in a regular old grocery store (Kroger’s). There, it’s in the tiny little section where they have all the “natural” bath and body products.
  
  Dr. Bronner’s is one of the few natural products that’s NOT hard to find. Hehe.
ani

Oh I’m so excited to try this! I have that same shea butter from amazon on hand already for homemade lotion bars.
Jen

Yes! I just asked about bodywash in the Community. I’m new too all of this, but I’m off to the store today to get my ingredients. I’m sitting here with the mocha mask on starting my day off right! I love your site. It’s very welcoming for those of us who are intimidated by the whole ‘crunchy’ thing, but want to make better choices. Can you believe that last week was the first time I went I to my neighborhood Food Co-Op? Thanks again!
- Crunchy Betty
  
  Haha! I know you did. I was already in the process of making/writing this when I saw your post in the community. Synchronicity, to be sure. Clearly, this was meant to be. ;)
  
  Good for you for taking little crunchy steps. Before you know it, you’ll be full-on crunch. It happens so fast.
  - Jen
    
    Awesomness. I feel the crunchy coming on. I was so excited at the store today, and then I remembered that a town here has a Lavender festival. I CAN NOT wait for that now. I just want to throw out the baskets and baskets of failed commercial products I have. Can I make another request? =)
    
    Foaming hand soup that I can refill those pumps with. My kids love the foam, but it’s really expensive for being mostly water. Plus, my daughter has eczema, so truly natural seems like it would be e major plus.
    - Beth
      
      I bought cheap store brand foaming soap in a pump at Walmart (maybe $1.50 each?) and of course dumped the soap (cheaper than any of the empty pumps I could find)… then add about 1 inch of castille soap and then fill to the “fill line” with water. Works like a charm and slows the little boys down on how fast they go through soap! We liked it so much, I got one for each sink in the house!
      - Jen
        
        Thanks!
      - Kim
        
        Does anyone know if the use of water mixed in with the liquid castille soap for foaming hand wash will breed bacteria? If you add in essential oils, will they act as a preservative? If so, is one better than another? I want to use this idea, but not if I am putting my family at risk for getting some kind of skin infection from bacteria.
        
        Thanks for any insight!
    - Kelly
      
      I put some Dr. Bronner’s in an old foaming dispenser and fill it with water. After a while the spout gets a little clogged, but I just use a toothpick to keep it clear. Works well for me. My daughter has pretty sensitive skin and it doesn’t bother her.
      - Danielle
        
        I keep an empty 32oz Dr Bronner’s bottle to dilute the concentrate. Something like 6 oz and top off with warm water.
        Shake before use and fill up “foaming” hand soap bottle. I’ve been using it for a year and haven’t clogged it.
        Though, now that I wrote that, it will!
Katie

Ah-Maze-Ing.

Love it.

I tried making my own with liquid castille soap and clay.

Bad idea. Don’t do it. It’s disgusting.

Must go get some Shea Butter! Well done, Leslie! <3
http://www.peaceloveandmuesli.com Kristin @ Peace, Love and Muesli

Ohhh, I am very excited about this. Also about the shea butter.
http://lulalola.com Lula Lola

I’ve got a big tub of shea butter in my pantry. I’m going to try this!
In our garden, we are thinking of planting some loofahs. I bet they’d be neat ground up in this. Wonder if they’d have to be dried first?
Great you are, as always. (Spoken like Yoda from Star Wars)
- Jen
  
  I never thought about where loofahs came from…I had no idea that they were something you could plant in your veggie garden…had to Google it. I think you just blew my slowly turning crunchy mind. =)
  - http://lulalola.com Lula Lola
    
    I think they are actually a squash. Maybe. My dad grew them when I was younger. They’re just like the ones you buy. And I think they were easy to grow.
- Crunchy Betty
  
  So, you made me really start looking into growing my own loofah plants, ’cause as of next week, I’ll actually have a place to grow things outside. Yay!
  
  Anyway, sadly, it doesn’t look like loofah would grow well here in a cooler, dry climate. Booooooo. When yours mature, you HAVE to send me some. K? And I’ll send you some Colorado rocks in return.
  - http://lulalola.com Lula Lola
    
    My dad used to grow them years ago. And someone that Wayne bought some blueberry plants from last year sent me some loofah’s that she’d grown. So, I’m thinking this year, we’re going to give them a try! I will certainly send some your way!
Clair

oh my, this is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. THANK YOU for posting the recipe and tutorial. Invaluable! And I’m so going to try this ASAP as soon as my shea butter from amazon arrives :) For those that live near an Azure Standard delivery route, they sell Dr. Bronner’s 32oz castille soaps for $10.50! About $5 cheaper than I can find it at Target, which was previously the cheapest place I could find it.
http://www.morethanmundane.com Krissa

I’m so excited about this! I have been wanting to make a natural body wash. Thank you!
http://www.makeitbakeitbuyitfakeit.blogspot.com Stephanie

I think I’m in love! Body wash was one thing I thought I’d have to be stuck buying from a store (and most of them are irritating to me). Thank you thank you thank you!
Pixie

I LOVE DR BONNERS!
I was using a Burt Bees bodywash, ran out and didn’t have the money it (because well… I tend to choose buying pretty dresses over like soap. Apparentely. But anyway.) So I brought Dr. Bonners from my supermarket. My naturally dry skin is loving it, it is making it way soft!

Plus, it is all organic, fair trade ceritified, has bizzare information on the label about Dr. Bonner’s shenanigans AND now has the Crunchy Betty stamp of approval.
Alex

I am so excited about making this, thank you for sharing the recipe!

Question though: do you think I could use cornstarch instead of xanthan gum for thickening?
Elizabeth

WAIT!!!!!

If you’re going to use even the smallest drop of water, you are going to need a synthetic preservative. Please do not underestimate the need here. If you’re going to forumlate products using water, and you do not properly preserve them, you are putting your health at risk. Bacteria can form in a matter of days–and just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Bacterial infections can range from the mild (skin itching) to the very severe, where people will end up hospitalized or forever scarred or injured.

So please either find a way to remove the water from this recipe, or incorporate a synthetic preservative.

Check out http://www.personalcaretruth.com for more information. Once there, search for “preservatives.” I know that the pro-paraben language can be off-putting, but disregard it and you’ll find information that is actually useful.

Bottom line: You absolutely can formulate natural products without synthetic ingredients–BUT THEY CANNOT CONTAIN WATER (or aloe for that matter).
- Crunchy Betty
  
  I understand your concern. Thanks for the informative link. The Dr. Bronner’s soap already contains citric acid, which is why I thought it unnecessary to add additional preservative to the recipe I made. Would the citric acid within the castille soap not offer preservative protection? The second suggestion, to make the shower soap without a herbal infusion, doesn’t use water … and, while I haven’t made it yet, I have the feeling is just as effective and much easier in the long run, anyway.
  
  We like to do things safely around here, but at the same time, we don’t like to be alarmist. And while I did poke around that site (and found a good bit of it to be condescending and pretty industry-biased), you’re right. There is some decent information. And I’m not one to throw the baby out with the bathwater. :)
  
  Thanks again for the head’s up.
  - Heather
    
    You could also just store the body wash in the fridge. That would keep bacteria from growing.
  - LysiJoy
    
    I just did a quick search and Mountain Rose Herbs carries organic Calendula oil and extract. That way you can include the benefits of the calendula without the water!! :-)
- Rachel
  
  I was just wondering if this also applies to homemade shampoo?
  I have made some with Dr. Bronners peppermint castile soap, green tea, olive oil and honey and I made a conditioner with water, apple cider vinegar, rosemary, tea tree oil and a cherry amaretto teabag. I have noticed my scalp has started to become extremely itchy and I now have bad dandruff so I have stopped using it am looking for solutions. Could this be the cause and what could I add instead?
Elizabeth

Hi there, unfortunately the citric acid in your castille soap is not going to be enough to preserve your body wash. I’m not a product formulator, but I do know that when you add ingredients to an existing recipe, the preservative amount needs to also be adjusted accordingly. It’s very specific. While your wash seems lovely and downright decadent, the water is very worrisome as it provides a perfect home for bacterial growth. As of now, there doesn’t seem to be an effective natural preservative, so your best bet would be to remove the water from your formulation, and perhaps add vitamin e or Rosemary to keep your oil from turning rancid (though I don’t think it’s totally necessary). Also, keeping your natural products in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight is always smart. I am absolutely pro-naturals when possible, and while I’m certainly not an alarmist either, the risk of bacterial growth in an improperly preserved product is actually very real. But don’t sweat it, there are ways around it! Contact the PCT folks if you have questions. The founders are actually cosmetic chemists who own two natural companies between them. They’re very responsive, sensible (not prone to causing undue alarm), and can be a valuable resource. Good luck!
- http://lisepunch.blogspot.com/ LisaLise
  
  Elizabeth is absolutely right!! I’m sorry I didn’t bring this up in my first comment— I was so focused on the surfactants that I completely missed the lack of preservatives.
Taryn

So i read your article on things to put in your hair to help it and i thought it was AWESOME! my hair dresser just recommended this shampoo with coconut oil and i have really noticed a change in my hair. i have pretty dry hair that gets frizzy and has split ends. I was wondering if you had a concoction that could treat that specific hair type. Also, does molasses really work for you skin and hair? should i try it? my skin is not too bad acne wise it just gets some blackheads and little under the skin red spots. do you have anything that could help that? also, how could i help back acne? Do you have any tips for making hair appear less oily when you haven’t washed it in a while? Sorry for all the questions but you are full of such helpful tips and i feel that you could really help me get my skin and hair into shape without spending tons of money!
- Amber
  
  Hmmmmm…
  Im NOT Leslie but I have a few tips.
  For acne, you could use a number of things.
  I use a toner with apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, and tea tree oil.
  This CAN be harsh on normal skin, so I would use tone down the acne fighting ingredients a notch… (Omigosh this sounds so confusing)
  Just check here http://crunchybetty.com/crunchy-teens-acne-busting-aspirin-honey-mask-and-toner
  And for dry hair use yogurt. Use PLAIN all natural yogurt. Let it sit in your hair for an hour. Touch the awesome softness.
  Molasses DOES work for your hair. I find it difficult to get out. Needs a few shampoos.
  Im not so sure about on your face though…
  
  Hope this helps!
Amber

I use this for everything now.
Its my shampoo when my hair is drowning in oil.
Its my hand soap.
Its also my bodywash! (suprise suprise)
and the castile soap is so useful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you are a genius. You are THE crunchy genius.
http://crunchybetty.com/super-semi-homemade-body-wash Renee

What oil do you recommend to go with homegrown dried peppermint & peppermint Castille soap (mine is from a bar due to cost so I’ll be melting it down). I’m thinking extra essential oil might not be needed… What do you think?
Duramatter

hmmm the preservative issue was on my mind as well, but more around the use of the herbal infusions that will cause problems. I’m of the understanding that using distilled water eliminates a large part (if not all) bacteria. Then adding grapefruit seed oil and/or vitamin E oil should finish off the preserving. I use these for all my lotions and creams – though most use floral hydrosols – and they get 6+ months shelf life. There are other considerations: using a utensil (not your finger) to take creams out, the type of container (I prefer opaque glass) and the light/heat of a bathroom. I was venturing out into wash/shampoos etc when I stumbled onto this website and wondering if you made and shelved a sample for observation?
p.s. I’m a certified herbalist and aromatherapist
- Jocelynkara
  
  So do you think this recipe is safest if I add some grapefruit seed oil to preserve it and not grow bacteria?
Elizabeth

This sounds great and I’m gonna make some as soon as I can….could I use arrowroot powder for the thickening agent instead of xanthan gum? I have the arrowroot, but not xanthan gum and I really want to make this now and not have to wait to go to the store….I’m not good at waiting!! :) Thanks for all your crunchiness….I’m going all-out crunchy….it happened so fast…..
- Calilium
  
  Did you use the arrowroot powder? I have some of that, but no xanthan gum, so I was wondering if it worked for you!
Erica

I am so excited to try this! (I haven’t commented before, but I love your website)
If I make this without the infused water, do you think I should adjust any of the proportions?
http://twitter.com/HeatherLeeW Heather

hmm.. maybe someone here would be able to help me with this dilemma. Dr. Bronners soaps (liquid and bar) irritate the everlovin’ bejeebus out of my skin. And I don’t have dry skin, as a matter of fact I’ve got somewhat oily skin. Dr. B’s and every other natural (and I do mean natural, no nothing but the basics, no chemicals or anything, made of every soap oil combo) makes my skin drier than the desert I live in and makes me red and itchy. Any idea how one can overcome this? ( the crappy body wash I get at target doesnt do this to me, haha)
- Jennmnoble
  
  My husband has the same problem. I’ve been reading a lot about cleansers and am wondering if I can concoct something with the following ingredients:
  
  Honey
  sweet almond oil/coconut oil (or any oil you prefer)
  Vegetable glycerine
  Aloe Vera Gel
  some sort of hydrosol or water
  
  Thoughts?
- Danielle
  
  Have you made it yourself? I have had similar issues with Krafted soaps. When I make mine, I superfat it with jojoba and hempseed oils (this helps “cushion” the recipe and ensures all of the lye has saponified).
  Do the base oils themselves bother you? Are you allergic to any fruits or nuts? I have a friend who is so allergic to tree nuts that her allergist recommended avoiding any nut oils.
- LoraM
  
  Just wondering if you ever found a solution, I have the same problem.
Jnnstokes

How about the use of salt to inhibit bacterial growth?
Dale

Great iofo. thanks. Can you use this without washing it off with water?
- http://www.keepitsimplekeepitright.blogspot.com/ Dee
  
  It still has soap in it. So you will want to rinse.
Motherof5

I make my own body wash and I love it!! I make mine in an entirely different way though. I use a bar of unscented castile soap, shredded as a base. Put it in a blender with 1/4 – 1c. water (depending on how thick you want it) and blend until….. well, until it looks like body wash! Add about 5 – 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, quick pulse to mix, and viola! Body wash! I got sick of trying to pronounce the ingredients in a bar of “commercial” soap. I had to find a better way. I also needed something cost effective. The need and desire, and my wanna hafta make it all attitude told me to make my own bar soap. So, why not. Made my first batch and haven’t looked back!
Cherie

Hi there. I am really excited about this natural body soap. However, I am a little concern about all the bacterial talk. I went ahead and broke open a vitamin e capsule and used distilled water and tea tree essential oil in Desert Essence castile liquid soap with tea tree oil. Will that be enough to ward off any bacteria?
LysiJoy

Hello! Wow, I am so excited to have stumbled across your blog! I can’t wait to try out the homemade bodywash and castille/coconut shampoo! You’re a great writer, very easy to understand, and entertaining! I’ve been doing a lot of research on natural beauty/hygiene alternatives and I’m kind of confused by all the different oils. You suggest shea butter & almond oil in this recipe – do they have specific properties or would argan, jojoba or coconut oil work? I want to make the bodywash for my mom & I and we have pretty different skin types – I’m combination & prone to mild acne & have psoriasis & occasional eczema, she’s very dry – so I need to find oils that will hydrate really well but not clog pores. I heard great things about argan so I purchased some (on sale!) but now I’m hearing great things about all these other oils and I’m very confused! Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated!
laurajean81

what if I used this recipe but did not add the water?
Dody

I make my own body wash with almond oil. You can use olive too. I wanted a thicker body wash, so here’s my recipe. I use 6 oz. of Almond/olive oil, 2 oz. of castile liquid soap, 1/2 – 1 tsp. of kaolin clay,(kaolin clay will thicken plus very good for skin) and 1 vitamin e capsule for preserative. It works pretty well for me. Love this site!
http://www.facebook.com/justawriter54 Rose Bud

gr8
Jeanne

This is the third time I’ve tripped over your blog in my “DIY skincare” hunts. I must say, I *love* your writing style. =) Thank you for the candid feedback on your experiments. Right now I’m working on a “gown-up head-to-toe wash.” I was hunting for reflections on the effectiveness of xanthan gum (or guar gum) as a thickener in products containing soap, and you definitely answered my question – thank you!
Loni

What camera did you use to take the pics? They are gorgeous!
kita

Hello! Could someone please help me here. I am new to making my own cosmetics, but, the place I stay is not very abundant with the ingredients. I really want to try this body wash, but, I can’t find xanthan gum. Is there anything else I can use to thicken the soap? Thanks!
Amy

aawesome! I wish I have a patience like ya! I hope shea butter won’t break my fragile skin!
Mikachu

Hello :) I have been making this body wash for the past three months coupled with making my own beeswax lotion and my skin has never felt better! Thank you! Just want to know if I am doing something wrong when it comes to the xanthan gum. I wisk it in just as the recipe calls for and every time i get this gummy web like goo stuck to my whisk. I wisk forever hoping it will dissipate but it never does so I wind up removing it from the body wash with the whisk. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks :)