Homemade Moisturizing Body Wash
Have you looked at the ingredients in your favorite body wash? I have. It’s not pretty. Check those ingredients on EWG.org. Then, throw that bottle of perfumey blech away. (Or, recycle it if you can!)
Once you see how easy it is to make your own homemade body wash, you’ll never look back.
Confessions of a Scented Body Wash Addict
I have to admit I love scented body wash. I’ve switched to homemade toothpaste, homemade mouthwash, natural deodorant, natural shampoo and conditioner, and homemade facial moisturizer without looking back. Still, I look longingly at the scented body washes and I’d be lying if I said they didn’t smell amazing.
My love affair with scented body wash has a clear connection to my childhood. Cue the violins.
I had very sensitive skin as a child and was only allowed to use Ivory and Pure & Natural soaps. Before liquid body wash was a thing, my friends all smelled like Caress and Dial. I wanted to smell like soap, too, but those soaps irritated my skin.
By the time I got to college, body wash had taken over the soap market. My college roommates and I spent plenty of time sniffing our way through Bath and Body Works. I had seemed to outgrow my skin sensitivities, so I bought bottle after bottle of my favorite scented body washes and lotions. (Pear Berry, anyone? What about Country Apple? Anyone remember the late 90s when every girl from 12-22 smelled like Plumeria?)
As I began to research natural living and wellness and found out about all of the harmful chemicals that are contained in body wash, lotion, bath gel and the like, I knew I had to give up my favorite scented bath products.
Because of my preference for smelling like a flower or a piece of fruit, natural living has meant getting used to smelling clean and neutral as opposed to smelling scented.
It’s been a big change for me, but it’s completely worth it. My skin breaks out less, it looks healthier, and I have peace of mind knowing I’m not adding to my body’s toxic load.
There are many toxins we simply can’t avoid because we have to live in the real world, why should we add more toxins to our bodies if there is a non-toxic product to use instead?
Homemade Body Wash is a Frugal Option for Natural Living
One of the best things about my homemade body wash is that it’s inexpensive. Since many natural products are more expensive than conventional products, making your own natural products is key to honoring your budget while taking care of your body.
If you’re not into DIY, however, I recommend Young Living’s line of soaps and shower gels. They have lots of pretty smelling bath products – minus the gross toxic fragrances.
Homemade Moisturizing Body Wash Recipe
My homemade moisturizing body wash is easy to make. It only takes three ingredients (one is water) to leave your skin clean and moisturized. If you want to add a lovely fragrance, drop in your favorite essential oils. I’ll list my favorite combinations at the end of the recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unscented liquid castile soap or Young Living’s unscented Bath and Shower Gel Base
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp grapeseed oil (or olive oil
or jojoba oil
)
15 drops of pure essential oil (optional)
Instructions
Pour the ingredients into a glass flip top bottle, a glass soap dispenser bottle
, or a glass mason jar
.
Shake to combine.
Shake before each use.
My favorite oils and blends to add to my homemade body wash:
15 drops of Citrus Fresh – for a bright, fresh, summery scent
10 drops of Ylang Ylang and 10 drops of Grapefruit – floral and citrusy, a great way to wake up in the morning
5 drops of Northern Lights Black Spruce, 5 drops of Bergamot – like warm flannel, this one is comforting and perfect for fall
15 drops of Stress Away – perfect for when it’s been one of those days
15 drops of Lavender and a splash of pure vanilla – floral and sweet
5 drops of Basil and 5 drops of Cardamom – I don’t know what it is about this combo that I love so much. I find it very clean and comforting. There’s something nostalgic about the smell for me.
15 drops of Motivation – I think this one is self-explanatory