Understanding the ingredients on a store-bought body wash label can feel like reading a chemistry textbook. Many commercial body washes contain ingredients I avoid for my family—sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that produce lather but can be harsh on skin; artificial fragrances and colors that can trigger allergies; drying alcohols; and antibacterial additives like triclosan that have been linked to immune and hormonal concerns. With so many questionable ingredients available, I prefer to make my own gentle, natural body wash.
I make my own body wash for several reasons:
- I control every ingredient and can use only high-quality, natural components.
- It’s not harsh and won’t strip the skin’s natural oils.
- It’s gentle and safe for the whole family.
- It nourishes and helps retain moisture in the skin.
- It can calm and soothe itchy or inflamed skin.
- And of course, it effectively cleanses skin.
What’s in my homemade body wash
This site may contain affiliate links. If you click certain links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Coconut milk (canned)
- Rich, natural moisturizer.
- Soothes sensitive skin and reduces redness through anti-inflammatory properties.
- Contains vitamins and fatty acids that help treat dry, irritated skin.
- Generally found in the ethnic food aisle of grocery stores.
Unscented liquid Castile soap
- The main cleanser in this recipe—gentle, non-stripping, and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Produces the foam and bubbles without harsh detergents.
- Has natural antibacterial qualities.
Vegetable glycerin
- Thickens and helps emulsify the blend so the ingredients mix well.
- Draws and retains moisture in the skin and improves the body wash’s texture and foam.
Apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil
- Light, easily absorbed emollients that soften dry skin.
- Gentle and nourishing, rich in beneficial nutrients.
Vitamin E
- Supports skin hydration and healing.
- Acts as an antioxidant and helps protect skin from free-radical damage.
Essential oils
- Add natural, pleasing scents and therapeutic benefits depending on the oils you choose.
- You can tailor the blend to be uplifting, calming, energizing, or relaxing.
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
About 20 drops essential oil (see suggested blends below)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Combine the base ingredients
1/2 cup canned coconut milk
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
Mix the ingredients gently until they are well combined and uniform in texture.
Step 3: Add essential oils (about 20 drops)
Here are blend ideas I enjoy—adjust to preference but keep the total around 20 drops.
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 transfer to a dispenser
Stir the blend thoroughly, then pour into a soap dispenser or bottle. A plastic dispenser (PET #1 or HDPE #2) is a practical choice to avoid broken glass in the bath or shower. Shake gently before each use if ingredients settle.
How to use this homemade body wash
- Apply a small, quarter-size amount to wet skin.
- Lather and gently cleanse.
- Use a washcloth or loofah to lightly exfoliate, massaging in small circles.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat skin dry with a soft towel.
- Seal in moisture with a body moisturizer, such as a whipped body butter.
Where to get supplies
This site may contain affiliate links. If you click certain links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Coconut milk (canned)—found in the ethnic or international food aisle.
Unscented liquid Castile soap—available at natural retailers and many general stores.
Vegetable glycerin—look for a pure, vegetable-based, non-GMO source.
Sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil—choose a cold-pressed, pure oil labeled for cosmetic use.
Vitamin E—available as a liquid or in capsules for cosmetic addition.
More DIY ideas
If you enjoy making your own body care products, here are a few other projects you might like:
DIY shower steamers and melts
Calming lavender vanilla bubble bath
Homemade shaving cream
Lavender, oatmeal & milk bath soak for dry skin
Fizzing bath melts for luxuriously moisturized skin
Bubbling bath salts made with essential oils
Sea breeze bath bombs
Soft & silky whipped body butter with essential oils
Essential oil face wash for different skin types
Super rich, creamy dry hand lotion
DIY face serum with essential oils for various skin types
Please join us
We’re on Facebook
We’re on Pinterest
Sign up for the email newsletter
Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your medical provider regarding your care.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links. If you click certain links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.