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Back in 2014, I shared a DIY recipe for hand soap. Today, that post has over 290 comments and is internet famous. One of the most asked questions on that post is “How can you turn this recipe into a foaming hand soap? I love this soap but don’t love the thin consistency.” Today, I’m going to answer that question with a DIY foaming hand soap recipe.
Can you make your own foaming hand soap?
Yes!
It’s incredibly easy to make your own foaming hand soap. If you’re new to the DIY cleaning world (if so, I highly recommend downloading my free crash course), this recipe is a great one to start with because of how easy it is to make. Making your own foaming hand soap only takes about 5 minutes, from start to finish, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.
By making your own foaming hand soap, you’ll be able to use a non-toxic product to clean your hands and also save a ton money in the long-term.
Ingredients needed to make DIY foaming hand soap
Only 3 ingredients are needed to make your own foaming hand soap…
Ingredient 1: Water
Distilled water is best for longevity and safety. Distilled water (or water that’s been boiled for 15 minutes and cooled) removes the bacteria, impurities, and contaminants. If you choose to use tap water, you’ll need to use the soap very quickly, within a week or two. For this reason, I recommend going with distilled water as the soap will safely keep for about a month.
Ingredient 2: Castile soap
Keep reading to learn more about this key ingredient.
Ingredient 3: Oil (optional)
Any kind of nourishing skincare oil: olive oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. This is optional, but I find castile soap can be a bit drying on its own so I like to add some nourishing oil for the moisturizing benefits. Stay away from virgin coconut oil (the stuff used for cooking) since it will cause issues. Alternatively, you can use vitamin E oil.
If you’ve read my post on how to make hand soap, you’ll notice these ingredients are the exact same. The only difference between DIY hand soap and DIY foaming hand soap is the bottled used to store the soap.
When making foaming hand soap, a foaming soap dispenser must be used. You can reuse an old foaming hand soap dispenser, like a Mrs. Meyers bottle (a brand that I don’t recommend), or buy a new bottle off Amazon or a home store. Either option works, just be sure it’s a foaming soap dispenser. Here are my favorite foaming hand soap dispensers:
- Mason Jar Glass Dispenser: If you love the mason jar look and you’re looking for a glass bottle, this is the best option. Try this 16-ounce dispenser with labels or this 16-ounce dispenser.
- Plastic Dispenser: If you have kids using this hand soap, a plastic container may work best for you. Try this 12-ounce dispenser or this 8-ounce dispenser.
How to make foaming hand soap
Once you have the ingredients and a foaming soap dispenser, here’s how to make your own foaming hand soap…
- First, add 1/2-1 cup of water to the dispenser. I prefer to go with 1 cup of water when using a 16-ounce dispenser, but if your bottle is smaller (8 ounces), use 1/2 cup.
- Next, add an equal amount of castile soap (1/2-1 cup).
- Finally, add the oil of choice (optional) and if you’d like a scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place the top on the dispenser and give the jar a shake.
Your foaming hand soap is now ready to be used.
Using castile soap to make foaming hand soap
Castile soap is the main ingredient used in this recipe. Castile soap is a plant-based soap made from vegetable oils (olive, coconut, palm) and plant oils. There are several reasons why castile soap is awesome…
- Super Versatile: You can make cleaning and body products with the same soap.
- Inexpensive: A 32-ounce bottle of castile soap will cost $17. Yes, this is more expensive than a bottle of hand soap, but it will last you for months! Castile soap is highly concentrated so a little bit goes a long way.
- Non-Toxic: Castile soap is made with easy to recognize, simple, non-toxic ingredients. This is why you can use it on your skin and the surfaces in your home.
Castile soap isn’t a new fad. It’s been around since the 11th century and was first made in the Aleppo of the Levant region (modern day Syria). The Crusaders learned about this soap which was, eventually, duplicated in Europe without success. That is, until a region in Spain (called Castile) was able to get the recipe right and successfully made what we know today as “castile soap.” The soap became popular with Spanish royalty and eventually by the 1500’s made its way to England.
Today, there are many different brands available. I personally use Dr. Bronner’s brand which is widely available in stores and online.
You can also use castile soap to make cleaning products and other beauty products. Check out this list for more ideas using castile soap.
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DIY Foaming Hand Soap
Can you make your own DIY foaming hand soap? Yes and you only need a couple of ingredients to do so! Easy, non-toxic, and super effective!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water distilled water is the safest
- 1 cup castile soap any variety of castile soap, scented or unscented
- 1 TB olive oil almond oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil (optional) or vitamin E oil
Special Equipment
- 1 foaming soap dispenser see more recommendations below, if you'd like to make regular soap (non-foaming), use a "regular" soap dispenser and the recipe above
Instructions
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To a foaming soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap followed by the oil. Shake the ingredients together.
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Shake the soap dispenser before using, then squirt a small amount on your hands as needed, rinsing with water.
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If you use distilled water, the soap will last at least a month. If you use tap water, use quickly within a week or two.
Recipe Notes
The idea is equal parts water and castile soap. Adjust the amounts according to the size soap dispenser you're using, reducing the oil as needed.
What type of soap dispenser should you use?
When making foaming hand soap, a foaming soap dispenser must be used. You can reuse an old foaming hand soap dispenser, like a Mrs. Meyers bottle (a brand that I don't recommend), or buy a new bottle off Amazon or a home store. Either option works, just be sure it's a foaming soap dispenser. Here are my favorite foaming hand soap dispensers:
- Mason Jar Glass Dispenser: If you love the mason jar look and you're looking for a glass bottle, this is the best option. Try this 16-ounce dispenser with labels or this 16-ounce dispenser.
- Plastic Dispenser: If you have kids using this hand soap, a plastic container may work best for you. Try this 12-ounce dispenser or this 8-ounce dispenser.
Hi Kristin, I use Dr. Bronner’s but I don’t do 50/50 . I use about 75 water/25 soap and it turns out great.
Love your blog!!
Hi Kristin. Like Sue, I also use a 3 to 1 on the soap and water but then adding in the oil. I have found that a 50/50 clogs up my foaming dispenser. But love making my own hand soap and other cleaners. Thanks for all you do to inform us.
That’s cool, you can do that. I say do what works for you.
LS Team
An anything else be used instead of water so it becomes long life?
Distilled water. You could use a hydrosol, too. But even at that, I wouldn’t stretch it longer than 6 weeks. I’m just on the cautious side
LS Team
Hi Kristin, do you have to shake up the soap dispenser bottle before every use so it mixes together again, or is it just the one time when you first make it?
Thanks 🙂
Occasionally shake as needed. It’s usually not every time, just occasionally.
LS Team
This works fantastic!