You practically need a chemistry degree to decode the ingredient list on many store-bought body washes. Many contain harsh or unnecessary chemicals I avoid for my family: sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate that strip skin, artificial fragrances and colors that can trigger allergies, drying alcohols, and ingredients such as triclosan that have been linked to immune and hormonal concerns. Rather than accept those trade-offs, I make my own natural body wash.
Making your own body wash lets you control exactly what goes on your skin. My recipe is gentle, nourishing, and safe for the whole family while effectively cleansing.
Benefits of homemade natural body wash
- Full control of ingredients—only natural, high-quality components
- Gentle and non-stripping; preserves the skin’s natural oils
- Safe for sensitive skin and suitable for the whole family
- Nourishes and helps retain moisture
- Calms and soothes dry, itchy, or inflamed skin
- Effectively cleanses without unnecessary chemicals
What’s in my homemade body wash
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Canned coconut milk
- Powerful natural moisturizer
- Soothes sensitive or irritated skin
- Contains vitamin C to support skin elasticity
- Has anti-inflammatory fatty acids that help reduce redness and dryness
Unscented liquid Castile soap
- Main cleansing base that cleans without stripping natural oils
- Mild and safe for sensitive skin with natural antibacterial qualities
- Creates gentle foam and bubbles
- Available in natural beauty sections of many stores
Vegetable glycerin
- Thickens and helps emulsify the mixture so ingredients blend well
- Helps skin retain moisture and contributes to a nice lather
Apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil
- Light, gentle emollients that soften and recondition skin
- Suitable for most skin types and especially good for dry or irritated skin
Vitamin E
- Hydrates and helps heal dry skin
- Antioxidant properties support collagen and help protect against environmental damage
- Helps preserve oils in the blend and nourishes skin
Essential oils
- Add natural fragrance and therapeutic benefits
- You can customize blends for energizing, calming, uplifting, or grounding effects
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
About 20 drops essential oil (see blend suggestions 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 gently until the ingredients are fully blended.
Step 3: Add essential oils (about 20 drops)
Here are blend ideas I like; each totals roughly 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
Stir the blend thoroughly and pour into a soap dispenser. A plastic pump bottle is practical for showers to avoid broken glass. Plastic #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) are suitable for diluted essential oil formulas.
How to use
- Apply a small, quarter-size amount to wet skin
- Lather gently
- Use a washcloth to exfoliate dry areas, massaging in small circles
- Rinse thoroughly
- Pat skin dry with a soft towel
- Follow with a moisturizer such as whipped body butter to lock in moisture
Where to get supplies
Canned coconut milk is commonly found in the ethnic foods aisle. Unscented Castile soap, vegetable glycerin, carrier oils like sweet almond or apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and essential oils are available at health stores, natural beauty sections in larger retailers, or reputable online shops.
Other DIY recipes you might like
DIY shower steamers and melts
Calming lavender vanilla bubble bath
Homemade shaving cream
Lavender, oatmeal & milk bath soak
Essential oil bath melts
Bubbling bath salts
Sea breeze bath bombs
Soft & silky whipped body butter
Essential oil face wash for different skin types
Super rich dry hand lotion
DIY face serum for your skin type
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Please note: Products mentioned here have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider with any medical concerns.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links; if you click certain links and purchase products, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.