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?
DIY Body Wash Ingredients
There are three basic components to this homemade body wash: a cleanser and two moisturizers that promote lather.
Liquid Castile Soap
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.
Honey
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.
Moisturizing Oil
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.
Essential Oil (Optional)
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
- 30-60 drops lavender essential oil (Lavandula augustifolia)
– OR –
- 30-60 German chamomile essential oil (Matricaria chamomilla L) or Roman chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile)
– OR –
- 15 – 30 drops vanilla absolute diluted in jojoba oil and 15-30 drops lavender essential oil
Wake-Up Wash
- 30-60 drops peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita) or rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)*
* 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
- 7-15 drops tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), 7-15 drops frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata), and 7-15 drops lavender essential oil
Wild Vanilla
- 15-30 drops vanilla absolute diluted in jojoba oil, 10-20 drops cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus atlantica)), and 3-6 drops ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)
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.)
DIY Homemade Body Wash Recipe
Equipment
- bowl or blender
- mixing spoon
- squeeze-top soap dispenser
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup liquid castile soap (where to buy castile soap)
- ⅓ cup honey, preferably raw (where to buy honey)
- ⅓ cup carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, refined avocado, fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil (where to buy olive oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and almond oil)
- 30-60 drops essential oil, optional. I usually don’t add anything because the body wash already has a light, honey scent. (If I do something kid-friendly, like sweet orange, vanilla, lavender, this sweet dreams blend, or this nighty night blend.)
Instructions
To Make
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined, or place ingredients in a blender and blend thoroughly.
- Pour into a squeeze-top or pump-top soap dispenser.
To Use
- Shake well before using.
- Shake 2-3 times before use. This recipe will separate after awhile but all you need to do is shake a few times and you’re good to go. Easy peasy.
- Add body wash to a soft natural sponge, loofah sponge or washcloth and use like you would any body wash.
Notes
Tried this recipe? Mention @mommypotamus or tag #mommypotamus! Frequently Asked Questions
Yep!
I tried it and noticed two things. It wouldn’t lather and it left a weird film on my skin. Maybe it would work if the amount of glycerin was reduced.
Want more skin care recipes?
Here are a few of my favorites:
Sugar scrub recipe – Sugar contains naturally occurring glycolic acid, which dissolves old, dead skin and makes exfoliating easy. I love the warm vanilla scent of this sugar cookie version.
Honey face wash – This simple cleanser clarifies and nourishes while promoting cell renewal and hydration. It rinses away clean, leaving behind soft, moisturized skin.
Foaming Hand Soap – Undiluted castile soap easily clogs soap dispensers, so I asked the lovely people at Dr. Bronner’s if they could suggest some guidelines for safely using their product in a foaming hand soap recipe. You’ll find their recommendations in the article.
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Any suggestions of essential oils with a “manly” scent? Would love to make this for my guys too!
Rosemary. My husband wears Rosemary EO all by itself.
Rosemary oil has so many uses I have a sore knee twisted while shoveling snow I put 4 tbsp.traumica(from NW therapeutics)in western wa.state in another container added 4 drops pexperiment oil&4drops Rosemary oil.mixed in works great for sore backs,knees,stiff necks or whatever ails u .
I use oatmeal based body washes because it help reduce skin iching, which I get. Is there any way to add oatmeal. And what forms are out there that might mix well.?
I suppose oatmeal powder could be added to this recipe but I’m not sure how much would be optimal. I would also probably affect the texture and likely clog pump bottles, so that’s something to consider.
Dosent the Rosemary oil burn his skin?I have to use carrier oil or mix oil in other skin lotions or body products.
I use rosemary oil, and the amount of oil in this soap seems to buffer it enough. I used about 10 drops along with 15 drops lavender (I don’t like a heavily scented body wash).
Hope it helps!
Where can I find glass pump bottles As I understand plastic will disintegrate with the essential oils. Thank you. -Gail
In this you have the carrier oil already in it along with soap and such
Do I have to feel guilty if I don’t use raw honey? I tried taking raw honey and my mouth started to swell up 😳 So I’m nervous trying to use it in a soap on my body. I know it is the one that has all of the benefits, but being alive has benefits too. Haha Thanks!
Vetiver
I made it and tested some on my hands. It lathers up great and my skin feels very soft. I also used clove bud, pine and cedarwood because I like a woodsy scent and it smells awesome. Thanks for the recipe.
Cedarwood 🙂
My guy likes bergamot
Sandlewood and bay rum are yum yummy.
Try Amber scent it’s a nice or decent earthy sent you love it the guys love it too it’s all round about scent for guys and girls
Where do you get amber I have looked but not found any yet?
My husband likes a mix of Majoram and Citrus Fresh 🙂
My sons like woodsy scents like sandalwood, myrrh, also a spicy cinnamon blend with cistus, sandalwood and cedarwood.
My sons love lavender or lavender/lemon.
Cedarwood or sandalwood/pine I would think might smell more masculine ?
Petitgrain is amazing
Wood oils, like sandlewood. Or beach breeze. I’ve noticed pine and oak also smell sronger version of “manly” I am a candle freak so maybe go around and smell candles and then look at the back for the type of oils they used.
I make my husbands cologne with patchouli, all spice and blue spruce essential oils
How many oz does this recipe make?
About 8 fluid ounces (1 cup)
I’ve been making this about 6 months and love it. Use olive oil no essential oils. Have not purchased any face moisturizer since using it. Love it!!!!
I’m so happy to hear that, Janet. Thanks for letting me know!
Not trying to be critical, but I think you forgot the word drops after 30-60. It looks like a nice recipe.
Oops, thanks for catching that! Updating now 🙂
I have tried a similar recipe that also used honey but it also used coconut oil. The problem I had was that EVERYTHING seperated. I like how this recipe looks and I plan on trying it but I am curious, is the honey essential or would regular store bought honey work?? I am concerned about separating and also cost as we use mainly local raw honey
Hi Moriah, the type of coconut oil that is solid at room temp is not recommended for this recipe because it will separate and be difficult to re-mix. If you want to use fractionated coconut oil, though, it will work. Even when a liquid oil is used this recipe will separate after awhile, but all you need to do is shake it 2-3 times and you’re good to go. Easy peasy. 🙂
Oh, and I’ve tested this recipe with raw (runny), raw (solid), and store bought honey and they all worked beautifully.
I was wondering about using fractionated coconut oil since it stays liquid. Would that work?
Yes it will. Since it’s fractioned cocunut oil the fat is taken out so it stays a liquid. Just like when you use it as a carrier oil for essential oils.
Arborvitae or Douglas Fir
Can fractionated coconut oil be used? I know alot of recipes call for melted coconut oil but the fractionated coconut oil is liquid already. I am very new to all this and just learning, is there a difference between the solid and liquid coconut oil??? Thanks much for a learning experience!
Yes, fractionated coconut oil would work.
Just be careful with store bought honey. About 80% of store bought honey in the USA is not pure unadulterated honey but has been mixed with rubbish and has been so processed there is little goodness left in it. Check YouTube or Netflix for a doco about it
I love this simple and easy to make recipe. I have tried it on my son with Down Syndrome who has dry and sensitive skin and it helped his skin look better. I made the manly version for my husband who suffers from ichthyosis and hope he tries it. I did add cedar wood and orange to the manly scent.
How much would you recommend using for one wash?? Trying to make it stretch as far as possible and be cost efficient.
Thank you!! I have been attempting a homemade body wash for my husband for years and I could not get a good result. Can’t wait to try it!!
Where can you buy castile soap? I can’t buy it online 🙁
Walmart or Target sells castile soap.
I just got back from Walmart, mine doesn’t sell Dr. Bonners so I bought their brand Equate!! can’t wait to make this
I found Dr Bonners at Walgreens since my Walmart doesn’t sell it.
Hobby Lobby stores sell it I think…ours does anyway.
Amazon and Bulk Apothecary both carry it. I bought mine from Amazon.
The raw honey I have is solid. Should I melt it? Wouldn’t it solidify when cooled?
I heated mine in microwave for 20 seconds and then it stirred in very nicely.
Microwave kills good bacteria. Not good.
Heather,
I love your recepies. This one is looking realy good.I just have one question.
I would like to know if the honey would or could cause yeast infection if it used in the intim parts of your body.
Thank you for all the help
I would really appreciate a help with that.
I’ve been using a different recipe that also uses honey and have not had any irritation in my intimate area. I believe it is safe to use daily.
I typed in yeast infections and honey in google and was surprised to see that honey is actually used as a homemade remedy for this issue! I know honey is a “superfood” but I didn’t know that!
Incidentally honey has natural antibacterial properties as well…honey on a scrape or cut will heal it right up!
Natural or Greek-style yoghurt with Manuka honey. Wonderful for the dreaded yeast infections.
Pls wat is Castile soap? I live in Nigeria, does it have any other name it can be identified with?
Hi Loretta, castille soap is basically a pure olive oil soap
Pls can I use olive oil?
Unfortunately, olive oil cannot replace castile soap in this recipe. The soap has gone through a process called saponification which changes it’s composition.
G’day from Down Under!
I am also unable to buy castile soap and I have not yet found any olive oil soaps so, please let me know of an alternative product or if there is a reliable website where I can obtain castile soap at a reasonable price??
I have been getting my Castile from BulkApothecary.com for a couple of years.. I think they ship overseas too. I am going to try making this recipe for bath time tonight!
In Australia Dr Bronner has wonderful castile soap as does melrose. You can get it from any healthfood store
Actually these days any soap can legally be labeled “castile” regardless of whether it has any olivate. These sort-of-castile soaps are referred to by soap hobbyists as “bastile”, as in bastardized castile.
So when someone says they got good results using “castile soap”, you don’t really know what kind of soap that was without further info. About the only thing you can tell by that name is that it’s actual soap soap, rather than “soap”, because at least in the USA for the past 40 years you can even label other soaplike detergents as “soap”, but “castile” so far is still reserved for product made of actual fatty acid salt.
Castille soap is very easy to make. I haven’t bought liquid handsoap for about 1.5yrs. You need a slow cooker to make it. 1 bottle of olive oil goes a very long way! You make a paste that is diluted for use and thicken with a little saline. Add essential oils and it’s fabulous. Great satisfaction in using a homemade product. I also made a coconut oil liquid soap that is fantastic for home cleaning. Lots of recipes and instructions online. That’s how I learned. And it’s so cheap as the Dr. Bronner’s etc. Is expensive.
Hi Dell,
Castile soap is super easy to make. I make mine with olive oil only (the traditional way) and I also make a liquid castile soap. Just google (liquid castile soap recipe). Make it. Save lots of money. I make what I think I would use in the year. Therefore, only one lot of mess. Also shop around for the water prices vary considerably.
Hi! I was just wondering if you would recommend one oil over another for mild psoriasis? Thanks!
you can purchase castile soap at Vitacost.com;it is cheaper than drugstore.com
shampoo bar recipe please.
Hi Lillie, you can find the recipe here: https://mommypotamus.com/shampoo-bar-recipe/
Do your soap have recipes that coconut, treenuts or peanuts free? I have allgeries.
Thanks
Do you think this would work in a foamer pump bottle? Thank you for sharing!!
It does. That’s how I use it
Jean,
Do you dilute it with water when you put the soap in the foamer pump bottle? What is your ratio soap to water?
Please, could this recipe be tweeked to make it into a shampoo?
Hi Linglee,
If you haven’t already come across it on the website, there is a coconut shampoo bar recipe available with video turorial, or if you buy heathers book (one of the best books I’ve bought to date – my go to!) she has a honey shampoo recipe amongst many others. Happy shampoo making to you!
I LOVE the way this soap makes my skin feel but it just doesn’t get sudsy for me! Is it maybe the kind of water we have at our house? I’d love to get my husband on board with this soap but as long as it’s not bubbly he won’t go near it! 🙂
I am in the same boat! No foam whatsoever and my husband won’t touch it. I have tried adding more castile soap to no avail. I washed my hands with straight castile soap and didn’t get much foam either, so I think that is my problem. Unfortunately, I have been unable to source another body use brand from the one I am using here in South Africa, but I’ll keep looking as I really love this wash and want my whole family to use it.
If anyone has a different suggestion that would be great!
Try using it in a foaming soap bottle, when you pump it out, it comes out as a foam
This is the recipe I am using as a face make up remover (with the same ingredients):
– 1 Table spoon of honey (heaping) – any kind
– 1 cup of warm water (to dissolve honey)
– 1 Tablespoon castille soap (liquid)
– 1 teaspoon career oil (almond, olive, jojoba, etc )
Mix everything in a foam soap bottle. You can add any essential oil or blend of EO.
This mix is economical, moisturizing and gives a lot of foam 🙂
Based on the ratio of water to other ingredients in this recipe I think it would have a very short shelf life before bacteria could become an issue. Just something to keep in mind . . .
Hi,I’m from South Africa as well. Where did you buy the castile soap from?
Hi Lydia,I’m in South Africa as well. Please can you tell me the brand of castile soap that you have and where can I buy it.
No castille will foam for me, our water is too hard. Ive used a foam pump & the bubbles quickly go flat. I’ve bought castille that is guaranteed to foam up, but it doesn’t. And I’ve made my own, pure, castille since most store bought have coconut soap in them too. Still no suds.
To get suds I simply add baby shampoo or baby magic to mine
that defeats the purpose of this being all natural unless your using an all natural baby shampoo…but baby shampoo is full of chemicals unfortunately. Just FYI.
Add 1 to 1-1/2 tsp sugar to each 1 pound of Castile soap. For better lathering capabilities. I haven’t tried this yet but found it on internet. Good Luck!
I have the same problem. It doesn’t suds up at all and even putting it on my bath puff results in no suds and the puff just ends up feeling scratchy on my skin. I am using a ton of the soap because of this. After I run the puff over one arm it feels like there is no soap left on the puff so I have to squirt more onto the puff. I am doing this about 6-10 times while taking a shower. Wish I could get it sudsier and keep the natural properties also.
Palm Kernel Flakes added to soap will make it lather. I get mine from Bulk Apothecary 🙂
How much do you add in this recipes measurements??
Hello, maybe you could get your water to make the soap from another source besides your home. Or does it not get sudsy while using it to bathe? Just a thought. ☺
Do you heat the honey at all to make it liquid?
No, I just stir it in. 🙂
I bought the same honey you recommended but it was like a solid brick. I had to melt in my candy melter thing. There was no possible way it was going to mix. Am I missing something?
Hi. I’m a vegan and would love to try this recipe. Was wondering if you can suggest any other alternatives for honey?
Thank you 🙂
You can use Stevia Nectar. It comes from a plant so you should be good to go. However, you’re going to lose out on great properties in honey.
If I used regular honey, such as the little squeeze “bear” honey I would get the same effect?
Probly not, I think that lol honey bear is mostly made of corn syrup. Dreadful stuff once you have tried the raw, there is no going back lol
Hi, I can’t find a castile liquid soap. It will work if I replace it with pure olive oil liquid soap?
Hi just one suggestion…i found that if you cant find castile soap, you can also make it yourself with just cheap unscented bars of soap. You shave them down in a big pot and then add about 1 to 2 gallons of hot water and stir until dissolved. It is a great substitute especially if you are on a fixed income as i am.
I was wondering if you could add an emulsifier ingredient to the recipe in order to prevent the product from separating? I think I will try to do it. I’ve done that with simular recipes before. I dislike the separating, even with shaking the product up, it never mixes evenly.
Did it work? What did you try?
Try using an immersion blender if you have one. I make a face wash that has similar ingredients and separates but then I used my immersion blender and it doesn’t now, it’s wonderful!
I am curious to know if you or anyone else has tried this in the bath?? Bubble baths are one thing I have yet to find a natural recipe for!
No, but I can tell you in advance on general principles, it won’t work unless your water is softened (or if you use so much soap it softens the entire tubful of water). Even then, the oil in this recipe will break the bubbles quickly. And if you do succeed in making a bath sudsy with soap (actual soap soap), say by leaving out the oil in this liquid recipe, it’s going to be more grease-cutting on skin than commercial bubble baths for the same amount of bubbles. Most surfactants used in bubble baths have a higher ratio of bubbliness to detergency than soaps do.
I wonder if I did something wrong… It didn’t lather much and coated my skin in oil. Water just beaded off my skin and when I ran my nails over my skin, there was tons of this stuff under my nails.. it wouldn’t stop coming off.
After drying off, my skin feels dry, it is hard to explain the feeling. I followed the recipe to a T and I have a shower head that fixes our water.
Heather, This recipe is awesome!! My family loves (me) “experimenting” with different EOs. I make a big batch (triple recipe) without EOs and pour off to smaller personal bottles that I add EOs to based on the users request. So fun and so wonderful!
I’m SO glad you (and they) like it!
Could you use hemp oil?
Could I use frationated coco oil? instead of the other oils listed above?
Thank you!!!
I just made this body wash recipe last night. Used it this morning and my skin is so soft (which is saying something since I am 8 months pregnant and prone to drier skin right now). It also smells great. I used Lavender castille soap, olive oil, honey, and no added essential oils. Thanks so much! So glad I can eliminate another chemical-laden product I use 🙂
So glad you like it, Felicia! 🙂
How long does this typically last?
Hi I am new to all of this
Could you please clarify for the 1/3 cup of oils is that 1/3 of each oil also do you have a solution for the separation would the emulsifier work and how much
It is just 1/3 cup oil total for the recipe. There is no emulsifier in this recipe, but it’s not a problem at all. Just shake before using 🙂
Hi Heather! Greetings from Maine! As I’ve been reading the comments, someone suggested using an immersion blender. I tried both ways (blending vs shaking) and the blended definitely works better! I am curious though…does blending it take away from the individual properties of the ingredients at all?
Hi, I love this recipe & so does my skin 🙂
I was wondering if you would recommend using this as a facial cleanser at all?
Thanks!
Yes, it will work as a facial cleanser. So glad you like the recipe!
Would you recommend diluting the recipe with water in order to use a foaming soap pump?
It is extremely runny. I used ‘straight from the bee’ honey — so raw. I used organic Spectrum’s olive oil — unheated + castile soap.
I shake it up before every use, but super runny — waste some because it is so runny. Any suggestions to correct this?
To help with separation try putting a marble or something similar inside you container.
Clever!
How many ounces does this make??
Can you use hemp oil in recipe for body wash? If so how much per gallon? Thanks. I haven’t tried yours ( or any!) yet but looking forward to it!
I use it as my facial cleanser and I simply love this. Thanks so much!
Carol
Would vitamin E work? And if putin foaming bottle do I add water? Thanks!
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has noticed the “gross” smell after unscented castile soap is mixed with other products. I’ve added it to sugar scrubs and now made this body was which I love but even after adding essential oils… The smell is so gross. My 7 year old even thinks it smells discusting.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Hi Alicia, do you think the soap might be interacting with something in the honey or oil? Variations are to be expected with different batches of honey/oil, so perhaps it is something unique to what you have on hand? My body wash smells slightly sweet (honey-like) without essential oils, not gross at all.
I’ve had the same experience! I paid $15 for raw unfiltered Australian Honey and added EO. The soap smells like old cooking grease, but when I washed my hands with it, I could smell the fragrance I used. Could it be because the honey isn’t solid or creamy?
I made this is and like it a lot, but it doesn’t lather, at all. Does anyone else have this issue?
Instead of the honey I used vegetable glycerin. It helps with lathering. I bought mine at an all natural soap shop, but I’m pretty sure you can get it on Amazon.
You use glycerin the same quantity of honey
Hi! Any recommendation for an all natural sea sponge? We’ve been using synthetic sponges but I’ve read that these can harbor bacteria so looking for a better option.
Thanks!
You can grow them in the garden
I didn’t exactly use this recipe because I didn’t use honey but I’m desperately searching for what I did wrong in the body wash I made. I used dr. Bronners Castile soap and fractionated ( liquid) coconut oil and a little sweet orange essential oil and it worked great the first day but the next day it completely solidified into a gel… Any idea why this would happen??? I’m completely confused as I’ve used all these ingredients in other things and they never solidified…
I just made this and it foams beautifully!! I am in the process of going all natural and have made all my own cleaning products, laundry detergent, and EO roller balls for different ailments. I love this recipe, I made it with vanilla and lavender EOs and it smelt so good. My 7year old daughter liked it so I know it’s good!!! Can’t wait to follow you!!
Would apricot seed oil work? No one ever seems to say anything about apricot seed oil and it’s supposed to be a great antioxidant… Am I missing something? ?
I think it would work fine 🙂
Do i add water if I’m using a foam pump bottle?!
I would love to find a DIY body wash that does not start out with buying the base product. I have tried making liquid soap, but with limited luck. Do you or will you at some point find a product you make from start to finish with raw ingredients?
I just wanted to say that I bought some of Dr. Bonner’s 18 in 1 Hemp Lavender Castile Soap at GNC for $15.99+ tax on Wednesday. It was a 32 oz. bottle. They also had it in Peppermint and Tea Tree. With tax it only came to $17.11. I think this is a very good buy
Looking forward to trying this. I’m curious, though, how this can last up to a year without going bad. Is there some kind of preservative in Castile soap? Otherwise, I can’t imagine bacteria not building up. I’m hoping you can put my mind at ease. Thank you!
Honey can stay good for years – in fact, unspoiled honey has been found in Egyptian tombs. The two other ingredients, castile soap and oil, also have long shelf lives. Not thousands of years, but at least one. 🙂
Have you tried this in a foaming soap pump? Would it need to be diluted with water to use it that way?
Oils are too thick for foaming pumps. Squeeze in into a loofah and it will foam. I use veg glycerin instead of olive oil and raw honey is too expensive where we live to wash with.
Hi. I really appreciate your blog and wonder if the honey and oil combination would be safe for my septic. I am very cautious of what and how much of it goes down into the septic tank.
I enjoy your posts very much-thank you for sharing!
But, oh my goodness, you forgot to add a preservative to your wash!! Other than that, I think this would be a doable formula. Honey is a wonderful additive, especially when a preservative is added to a formula to prevent mold.
When using a formula that contains water, a preservative is necessary to prevent the formation of mold (bacteria). This holds true whether we are making a soap type product, lotion or cream. A cleansing product such as a shower soap or hand wash needs a preservative when water and soap (no matter what other natural ingredients are used) are combined. Adding honey to this type formula will not preserve the product. Honey is a natural food product and by itself, in the jar or bottle, it will NEVER mold. But when we add honey (or aloe vera gel) to a product containing water, bacteria will grow quickly, within a day or two. We can keep the product in the fridge for a few days (WITHOUT a preservative) without having a tremendous amount of bacteria growing but I doubt many of us will go run to the fridge, grab our shower soap then return it after the shower.
There is an article (from a blog) from a cosmetic scientist, Susan Barclay that we should all read about preservatives! Look for
“When should you use a preservative?” written on Sunday, January 29, 2002 in the search block on the right side of the screen. Her blog is name Swiftcraftymoney and it will take you weeks to go through and read all of her posts…they go back for many, many years. Susan shares formulas for making skin care and bath products. And she gives explanations about products and why they work…just fascinating information. Most of her blogs are very intense with ingredients that most of us would never buy and use-cost prohibitive unless we are wanting to learn to be skin care formulators. But she does share formulas for simple products without 15-20 ingredients in them that are manageable for the home DIY enthusiast.
Adding a thickener to the formula will help for those who think it is too thin and watery. Xanthan gum is a good thickener, the powdered product we add to gluten free flour recipes. This will take some experimenting however. The recommended rate of xanthan gum is only 0.1% to 0.3% of the total volume of the product being made. Bone up on your math skills for this formula!! And be sure to use a preservative! I use Optiphen Plus preservative in my soap cleansing product. It is available at many sites like lotioncrafters.com, Elements Bath and Body, etc. I also use Polysorbate 20 to emulsify oils and water (such as essential oils and water) as oil and water do not mix (water is polar, oils are non-polar) and a surfactant is needed to make the oil and water STAY mixed. Shaking does not properly mix a product containing oil and water without a surfactant to emulsify it.
Hi Pat, while I agree that homemade body care which incorporates water either needs to be used quickly or preserved, water is not an ingredient in this recipe.
Hi Heather,
I am a bit late to the party but I think Pat meant if water got into it. Although I fail to see how this would happen with a pump bottle. Anyway, I had to ask what do you mean by showering is optional?
Thanks again for another great recipe.
Bev from Australia.
Hi Bev, I just meant that sometimes showers don’t take priority. 🙂
Thank you for the great information you’ve provided. I to use Xanthan gum to thicken my soap. I use vitamin E oil as a preservative. Is the Polysirbate good for natural?
Polysorbate 20 is considered a moderate hazard by the Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705137/POLYSORBATE-20/#.W7Ya8RNKigQ
I prefer the fermented radish root extract I link to in the ingredient section of this recipe: https://mommypotamus.com/hyaluronic-acid-serum-recipe/
Hi Heather,
I was wondering if I could add Vitamin E to this recipe and if so how much would be a good amount?
Thanks in advance,
Arya
I’m not Heather but yes you can and about 3 drops per 8 ounces should be enough.
I have a commercial body wash which has a scent that I LOVE! Can you recommend what I can add to it for my dry skin? I don’t want to change the scent.
How can I use this as a base for a detoxifying body wash with activated charcoal. I want a liquid body wash not a bar soap. I have made this and love it but I want to incorporate activated charcoal.
Any issue with also using this as a shampoo?
Love this! What do you suggest to thicken it? I have every cosmetic ingredient possible, but am not yet an experienced formulator. Many thanks!
Hi Heather – have been reading a lot of your DIY posts lately (as I’ve been very unwell & started reading up on all the chemicals in all our household products) so your recipes appeal to me. I tried this recipe and like others – the final product isn’t very foamy nor create suds. Used the products you recommended (raw honey, castille soap & avocado oil) but it doesn’t seem right – any suggestions?? Many thanks! Christine
I Cant find a printer friendly link? What am I missing, besides perhaps my eyesite. LOL
I’m not sure which type of pump dispenser to buy.. I feel like Castile soap would do better in a foaming dispenser but not sure if the honey would clog it?? If anyone could give me feedback that would be great, thanks!
I’d like to try this but I get concerned about using oil in it. Has anyone had the oil in this bodywash clog their drain?
Does this yield one 16 oz bottle?
Is it good idea to use grapeseed oil for this? Thank you!
Omg this sounds easy and awesome!!! But I have a few too many questions & some regarding this body wash! Lol.
#1 Do you think Makuna Honey would be ok instead, I have it is why I ask or would it be better, & cheaper to go buy the kind you suggest?? And #2 (anyone plz feel free to chime in) I’ve never used essential oils for a man before BUT I’m doing my very FIRST try at natural, homemade products for Xmas gifts this year. The first set will be for my sister who just had a baby a month ago & I’m planning 3 items: fizzing bath salts (like bath bombs but not made using a mould) using Himalayan Pink Salts, epsom salts, Geranium E.O. etc. Since the salts are pink I am doing a floral scented theme. Also making her little “Coconut Oil Moisturizing Drops” like mini oil/lotion bars with coconut oil, and it said various citrus rinds (but I think it’s the wrong time of the year for that) so I was thinking of a tad of dried rosemary &/ dried herbs? Oh and scented with Rosemary. I am BRAND new to all of this DIY body stuff. So plz feel free to let the advice flow. For the oil lotion drop things you basically just pour it all (oil & then herbs last) into a mould & refrigerate- it’s for newbies.) The last is a Himilayan foot soak. The recipe I saw called for obviously the salt, epsom salt, baking soda etc. & peppermint essential oils but I don’t know about peppermint since it doesn’t go with my floral, feminine theme. Are there any other floral scents nice for a foot soak? Ylang Ylang? Jasmine? I know peppermint is ALWAYS used but never understood why lol. OK so then I decided to make the same 3 products but for her husband. Bc last minute I remembered he occasionally likes baths so I thought last night “wait! Why not make the same for him?!” But now definitely will make him this body wash instead of the foot soak!!!
Question is what 3 scents are best for men or even just 1 or 2?? I’ve never ever used one on or for a man and need help!
I made mine using liquid coconut oil, Dr. Bronner’s hemp rose castile soap and raw honey. Mixed thoroughly and placed it in a foam bottle for the shower and it didn’t foam. So, I poured it into a pump container (my container is clear and the soap has an amber color to it with no separation) and I get great reviews from everyone who uses it.
How do I clean the containers before each refill?
Can you use shea butter in place of the honey?I’m kind of crazy when it comes to my shea butter 🙂
I don’t think the shea butter would mix in very well, and the honey helps create lather so I recommend keeping it in.
Would this also work as a shampoo? Maybe without the oil? My shampoo now has honey and coconut oil in it, but I’m looking for something more natural.
Hi I really want to try this recipe but don’t have almond oil..could I substitute Vitamin E oil instead?
I used almond-scented liquid Castile soap (Dr. Woods brand), borage oil, and gently heated the raw honey in a double boiler until it was pourable. Then I used a wire whisk to mix it all together thoroughly. Smells heavenly, and my skin feels amazing after using it. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Looking forward to making this recipe as soon as I can get out to purchase some liquid castille soap. Just about every store around here carries it. My plan for the oil is to use the infused oil I’ve made for whenever I make your salve. Right now I’ve got two different blends, one with hemp oil and the other with grape seed oil.
Why not just use the castile soap alone? I am stunned to read add honey…and oil! Castile soap, Dr. Bronner’s, soaps right up for us – for the last 20 yrs.
Castile soap by itself dries out my skin. This recipe does not. So, if it works for you, great, but those of us with a tendency toward dry skin need the oil and honey.
Wait a minute! You previously wrote that you DID once use your all-coconut superfatted body soap bar on your hair, and were very pleased with the results. Now you write “that doesn’t end well”? Which is it?
The only thing you mentioned that was at all wrong with using the body soap on hair was the amount of superfatting, and that even then the overall effect was pretty good. I’ve known some people to like more superfat on hair than on skin, and others like you, vice versa.
The body bar was great for a few washes, but because it was a higher superfat it ended up weighing my hair down over time.
I would love to get the free e-book mentioned above! DIY Body Care Gifts Made Simple.
I absolutely love this body wash recipe! I wouldn’t ever use store bought again!
I use this myself and it’s absolutely wonderful! I’m seven months pregnant though with my first and I wanted to double-check, this would be safe for baby, right? Thank you 🙂
Heather, water is the first ingredient in dr bronner’s castile soap 🙂 🙂 🙂
Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Palm Kernel Oil*, Organic Olive Oil*, Lavandin Extract, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Lavender Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Your recipe needs a preservative. Vitamin E would be fine.
Hi Nicole, the water has been saponified as part of the soapmaking process, and is therefore considered shelf stable. Vitamain E is an excellent antioxidant but because it does not inhibit bacterial growth it cannot be classified as a preservative.
I tried this recipe, but it doesn’t foam well ?, wondering what is wrong!
May be the avocado?
Hi!
Great article. I didn’t know about honey creating lather! I have a few questions for you:
– Can I add vegetable glycerine or guar gum or both to thicken this and make it more gel-like?
– Can I use Leucidal (a preservative) to make this last longer?
– Can I use natural butters to make it a creamy consistency?
– Can I use the same dye I use for making bar soaps to add a hint of color?
Thanks in advance!
– Possibly, but I haven’t tried it so I can’t offer specific guidance.
– Possibly, but if you’re using essential oils you’ll want to use the body wash within a few months or however long their listed shelf life is. Essential oils are the most likely thing in this recipe to oxidize.
– Natural butters would need an emulsifier to incorporate. It might work but I haven’t tested it.
– I would think so.
I’m so excited to try this! I’m in need of a different body wash right now and will absolutely be trying this soon. It’s made my day to see this post! 🙂
Sounds good, except castile soap has coconut oil in it and I’m allergic to any form of coconut.
Some castile soap is made exclusively with olive oil – maybe that would work?
I haven’t found any yet.
In the past, I’ve always diluted castile soap. Is this soap full strength?
Yes.
Dear Heather,
First off I would like to commend you for your patience in dealing with some of these truly ignorant comments. Secondly, I would like to ask your opinion on the lathering issue. We have hard water, so that is probably the culprit. Someone had mentioned palm kernel flakes? Haven’t researched them yet. Just wondered what you thought might help. Don’t need a lot of lather, just a bit. Thanks for your time!
Jennifer
Have given this a go – was amazed that I could buy this exact brand of castile soap in rural New Zealand! I used rosehip oil as my moisturizing oil and added some essential oils (Jasmine and ylang ylang). I blended it up with honey and it went so thick and wonderful I couldn’t wait to try it…. until I opened it up a took a sniff.
Dang. That was gross.
I’ve read a few comments that have said something similar. Something about this recipe doesn’t mix well with added scents! I made another tiny batch in a cup and smelt it after adding each ingredient. I put them all in but omitted the Ylang ylang and the honey. It smelt okay – but not incredible. Hey it’s better than gross right! It lathered well in the shower but I think after this runs out I will try alternatives. Maybe even try making my own soap base!