Making your own body wash at home is one of the easiest ways to switch to a cleaner, greener lifestyle.
Store-bought washes often contain harsh sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate the skin.
By using natural ingredients like honey, aloe, oats, and essential oils, you can create a gentle, nourishing wash that feels fresh and safe for daily use. The best part?
It’s affordable, customizable, and eco-friendly. You get to choose every ingredient, making each batch unique to your skin type and preference.
From moisturizing blends to refreshing citrus washes, DIY body wash is a fun, effective, and healthier alternative.
Why Choose Homemade Body Wash?
Most commercial body washes strip away natural oils, leaving your skin dry. Homemade body wash avoids chemicals, relying instead on plant-based ingredients that cleanse without irritation.
Castile soap provides a natural base, while oils like coconut, jojoba, or olive hydrate and soften. Adding honey or aloe brings extra nourishment, making your wash both cleansing and soothing.
Beyond skincare, homemade washes are affordable and reduce waste when stored in reusable bottles.
You also gain complete control over fragrance, thickness, and benefits.
Even if you need a calming lavender wash or an energizing citrus blend, DIY recipes allow you to create exactly what your skin craves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Homemade body wash is best when made with simple, skin-loving ingredients. Each of these plays a role in cleansing, moisturizing, and creating a natural lather.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw honey | ⅓ cup | Use unpasteurized, unfiltered, or labeled “raw” |
| Coconut oil | ⅓ cup (melted) | Extra virgin, organic; avoid refined, bleached, or hydrogenated |
| Essential oil | 15–20 drops | Sweet orange for citrusy, rose or lavender for luxury scent |
| Castile soap | ¾ cup | Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby-Mild, gentle and fragrance-free |
These four ingredients combine to form a nourishing, chemical-free body wash that’s gentle on the skin and easy to customize with your preferred scent.
DIY Natural Homemade Bodywash Recipe
Your skin is the body’s largest organ, so using natural ingredients is one of the best ways to keep it healthy and vibrant.
This simple, homemade body wash gently cleanses, locks in moisture, and allows you to enjoy your favorite scents by using essential oils.
Step 1: Mix the Honey and Oil
Start by combining one-third cup of raw honey with one-third cup of melted coconut oil in a measuring cup.
Stir until the mixture looks smooth and even. Raw honey draws moisture, while coconut oil naturally softens and nourishes dry skin.
Step 2: Add Essential Oils
Next, add 15–20 drops of your favorite essential oil, depending on how strong you want the scent to be.
Sweet orange blends beautifully with honey and coconut, while rose or lavender creates a more luxurious fragrance.
Essential oils allow you to personalize your wash with mood-boosting aromas.
Step 3: Stir in Castile Soap
Slowly pour three-fourths of a cup of Castile soap into the mixture. Choose unscented Baby-Mild Castile Soap, as it’s gentle and fragrance-free.
Stir gently with a spoon until everything is well blended, but avoid incorporating too much air, which can make the texture frothy and unstable.
Step 4: Bottle and Use
Carefully transfer the finished body wash into a clean glass dispenser. Cap it tightly and give it a gentle swirl before each use.
This natural body wash will leave your skin soft, clean, and refreshed. Try it with different essential oils to create your own signature blend.
For a step-by-step demonstration, watch the detailed Coconut Oil & Aloe Body Wash tutorial by Honeysuckle:
Other Uses of Homemade Body Wash
Homemade body wash isn’t just for the shower; it’s a universal product you can use in several ways.
Add a few pumps to warm water, and it becomes a soothing bubble bath. Pour some into a dispenser by the sink, and you have a gentle hand wash.
Aloe- or oil-based versions also work as a smooth shaving gel, helping the razor glide while keeping skin soft.
You can even use a few drops in hot water for a refreshing foot soak that relieves tired feet after a long day. One recipe, many possibilities for daily self-care.
How to Customize Your Body Wash
Homemade body wash is flexible; you can easily adjust ingredients to match your skin type, scent preference, and shower needs.
- For dry skin: Add extra honey, almond oil, or shea butter.
- For oily skin: use lighter oils, such as jojoba or grapeseed.
- For relaxation: Blend lavender and chamomile essential oils.
- For energy: Try peppermint, orange, or lemon essential oils.
- For exfoliation: Add finely ground oats, sugar, or coffee.
Experiment with different combinations to create a body wash that’s nourishing, effective, and perfectly suited to your daily routine.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Making body wash at home is simple, but these essential tips will help ensure it’s safe, effective, and long-lasting.
- Preservatives are non-negotiable: Water-based formulas need them to stay safe.
- Always use distilled water: Prevents contamination and spoilage.
- Hydrate xanthan properly: Mix it with glycerin first to prevent clumping.
- Expect temporary thinning: The wash will thicken again after the fragrance or preservative has been applied.
- Handle surfactants gently: Stir slowly and avoid incorporating excessive air.
- Patch test: Essential oils may irritate sensitive skin.
Follow these tips to find a body wash that feels professional, protects your skin, and lasts longer.
More Homemade Things to Try
Exploring natural DIY recipes is a fun way to expand your self-care routine beyond body wash. Here are a few simple projects you can start with:
Each of these can be made with natural, accessible ingredients, giving you affordable, customizable alternatives to store-bought products.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own body wash is more than just a DIY project; it’s an empowering way to connect with what touches your skin every day.
With natural, safe, and customizable ingredients, you’re in control of the scents, textures, and benefits that best suit your lifestyle.
It’s also a creative outlet, turning a daily routine into a mindful ritual you’ll actually look forward to.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with essential oils or unique blends; you might stumble upon a signature wash that feels completely your own.
Ready to start? Gather your ingredients today, mix up your first batch, and experience the joy of natural skincare firsthand.
