How to Make Simple Homemade Bodywash

Aloe gel is soothing.

With more and more emphasis being placed on knowing where your products come from, why not make it at home? Making a body wash at home will allow you to control the process from start to finish and know where your ingredients are coming from. Best of all, you can completely customize the scents and oils used so that your body wash truly reflects your favorite things. Homemade body wash would make a great gift, too!

Things You'll Need

• 1 tbsp. of preferred herb, such as chamomile, lavender or peppermint
• 1 tbsp. Yucca root
• Distilled water
• 3 pots
• Mesh strainer
• 2 tbsp. Vegetable glycerin
• 3 1/2 oz. shampoo bar
• Essential oil
• Aloe vera gel
• 1 tbsp. shea butter
• Electric mixer
• 1/2 tsp. Xanthan gum

Instructions

1. Boil the herbs in 2/3 cup distilled water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the herbs from the water and reserve the liquid. Add 2 tbsp. vegetable glycerin to the reserved liquid.

2. Shave or chop the shampoo bar into small pieces and add to a pot that contains 13.5 oz. of water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until all of the shampoo bar has melted.

3. Combine the two liquids and add 15-20 drops of essential oil.

4. Heat the shea butter and aloe vera gel over low heat until melted.

5. Beat the shea butter and aloe vera gel mixture with an electric mixer. Slowly add Xanthan gum while the mixer is running. Beat until completely combined.

6. Pour the liquids into the shea butter mixture and stir until completely incorporated to finish the body was. Add 25 drops of essential oil to the body wash.

7. Bottle the mixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Store in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

References

• Cranberry Lane: Shea and Aloe Body Wash