If a prize were to be given to the “world’s greatest dad,” I know just the man to win.
Okay, so maybe I’m a tad bit biased, but my father would certainly be a top qualifier. While not perfect (I’m sure he’ll agree), he’s the kind of man that makes the word “father” a warm, cozy feeling of nostalgic memories.
Growing up, my mom worked the weekends at the local hospital which meant my dad was on mommy/daddy duty every Saturday and Sunday. He did his very best to provide me with the weekend adventures every young girl dreams of: trips to Home Depot and the dump yard. (Seriously, I enjoyed every moment of our weekend trips.) And he always made Saturday mornings extra special with Bisquick pancakes and syrup (we didn’t know about real food just yet).
One of my most vivid memories of our weekends together will always be hand-washing. Silly, right? But, it’s true.
My dad was all about hand-washing! In the early 90’s little bottles of on-the-go soap weren’t available, but that didn’t stop my dad. Hand-washing was a habit he intended to instill in me. Along with flossing and brushing my teeth (probably due to his large investment in my pearly whites). Braces are not cheap, folks!
I still have happy thoughts when I look at a bottle of yellow Dial soap. Nostalgia!
Life is different from when I was five. I’ve learned pancake syrup isn’t real (sorry!), but maple syrup is pure heaven. I’ve also discovered pancakes can still be enjoyed every Saturday, made from a delicious homemade recipe versus a yellow box. Of course, with a switch to homemade, I’ve also discovered that orange soap is far from “healthy” or enjoyable (desert-dry hands anyone?).
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not all about natural perfection. But when a natural alternative is as easy as mixing a few simple ingredients in a jar and calling it a day, I’m all over it!
Homemade liquid hand soap is one of the simplest natural recipes you can make. In fact, it really doesn’t even need a recipe, but I’ll give you one. Homemade hand soap is a bit different in consistency (watery) from the orange thick soap my dad regularly squirted on my hands, but it does the job just the same, if not better.
So, suds up the kids and share the hand-washing love. My dad will thank you!
How to Make Homemade Hand Soap Video
DIY Liquid Hand Soap
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup castile soap liquid
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1 TB vitamin E oil (optional)
- 1 TB sweet almond oil or olive oil or jojoba oil (optional)
- 15 drops tea tree essential oil optional
- 5-10 drops lavender essential oil optional
Instructions
- In a mason jar or recycled soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap, followed by the oils. Shake the ingredients together.
- Shake the soap dispenser before using, then squirt a small amount on your hands as needed, rinsing with water.
Video
Notes
- Super Versatile: You can make cleaning and body products with the same soap.
- Inexpensive:Â A 32-ounce bottle of castile soap will cost $17. Yes, this is more expensive than a bottle of all-purpose cleaner, 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.
The “where to buy” links provide you with information on the products I use to make this soap and many other DIYs.
Will this soap work in the automatic soap dispensers? (The Lysol the) I refill my containers with natural store bought soap but wanted to try this recipe.
Hey Tashida, I’m not sure if this recipe will work in an automatic soap dispenser.
I just started doing homemade hand soap. I am going to give this a whirl. I am a young living esential oil user, if you want more info on that let me know! Love to share
Enjoy, Kristen!
I just made this tonight and I’m in LOVE! I’m officially an addict of the site and I can’t get enough! My poor husband is looking at me crazily as I replace all the hand soap in our house 🙂
Lindsey…Lol, I love it! I’m so glad you love the hand soap. Enjoy!!
Hi Kristin, I see the Dr. Bronners soap has coconut oil in it. I’m allergic to coconut. Do you know of another alternative that I could use in place of it? Thanks!
Hey Roberta, I think all the castile soaps on the market contain coconut oil. This evening I’ll do some research and try to find a brand that’s coconut-free.
Awww thanks, you’re so sweet! 🙂
Were you able to find any castile soap that does NOT contain coconut oil as my husband is allergic as well? Thanks!!
Hey Courtney, So far I haven’t found anything :(.
You can find castille soap made with only Olive oil (which is what the original Castille soap was made from). Just have to do a search. Or you can use unscented dish soap like Palmolive. HTH
Hi dear, is it ok if I add baking soda to the ingredients? Anyways, I love your blog!!!
Hey Rina, Thank you so much. I think the addition of baking soda will work well in this recipe.
Hi how long does the soap last for?
Hey Josie, It will last quite a while–a few months.
Would this work in an automatic dispenser being it has to be shaken up periodically? We have one for my kids to cut down on overuse and messy pumps and would love to try this soap but not sure if it will work.
Hey Evelyn, I’ve never tried using an automatic dispenser, so I’m not sure. I actually go days without shaking my soap, so it can definitely sit for while and still work great. If you try it, please let me know!
hi, would vegetable glycerin work as an alternative for vitamin E oil?
Thanks
Hey Odette, The glycerin makes the soap a bit slimy. You could just add the nourishing oil and I think you will be able to skip the vitamin E.
Hi, I have tried your hand soap and other recipes containing Dr.Broone’s soaps but all leave a greasy layer on the bathroom sink or for the dish soaps a layer on the kitchen sink. Do you have the same problem?
Claudine
Hey Claudine, I haven’t had that issue, yet, in the few years I’ve been using it. Dr. Bronner’s also makes a “soap” called, “Sal Suds” that may help cut down on any greasy issues and can be used in place of the regular Bronner’s. I love Dr. Bronner’s, but it doesn’t do a great job on cutting tough grease. On jobs like that, I would recommend trying the Sal Suds.
My sinks also get a film of oil all over them when using these DIY Castille soaps 😔
Hey Sara, You could omit extra oils being used in the recipes. And just use castile soap. That could be the issue? Another reason for this could be the residue (a white film) that’s left from castile soap. Using baking soda or an acid like vinegar in your sink will cut through any residue when cleaning. If you have hard water, castile soap doesn’t always work well, so this could also be an issue. Just a few ideas.
First off, you’re making a big wierdo out of me 😉 Made your liquid laundry detergent recipe yesterday and my husband thinks I’m a hippie. He’s ok with it because of the money savings but when I started talking about making my own toothpaste he got a little scared. Anyway… I just read the recipe for “bandits oil” kitchen cleaner and see that mixing the oils in the alcohol dissolves it and takes care of the need for shaking. I wondered if you could add a little alcohol in here to do the same thing or if that would be too drying for the skin? However if you did, would that make it more antibacterial? Thank you for all the great posts!
Janelle, Lol, that’s just too funny! My husband was terrified of the whole toothpaste thing at first too ;).
I love the idea of adding alcohol to this recipe. I agree that it may dry out your hands a bit, so try adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon and test it out. I’m not sure the small amount added will make a big difference with cleaning (and adding antibacterial properties), but it certainly can’t hurt or take away from the cleaning action. If you try it, let me know how it goes.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying all the posts!! Enjoy :).
Just made this and while it doesn’t seem as though the alcohol helps keep the oil from separating, it works WONDERFULLY in a foam pump! My husband will actually be pleased because for the last several months our soap hadn’t been foaming as I’d mixed 2 brands in the large refill bottle and there was some strange reaction but I didn’t want to just throw it out. So maybe score 1 for homemade natural products there 🙂 Oh I made your toothpaste recipe this morning too! I found a super cute purple (they had other colors too) BPA free silicon squeeze bottle at Target in the travel toiletries section for $4 and it was the perfect size! I didn’t put the stevia in as I didn’t feel like buying it and I don’t think I mind. I will have to get used to the salt taste though. I did notice my teeth felt clean & shiny after I used it. Thanks for the great recipes! Your shampoo & body wash are next once I get some empty bottles! Then kitchen cleaner once I acquire the necessary oils to make “bandits” 🙂
Yay!! That’s awesome, Janelle. I’m so glad the hand soap worked in the foam pump! You’re on a roll with the homemade products…great job! I agree, the toothpaste takes a little getting used to due to the salt. Now I don’t even notice the salty taste, but it took a few weeks to get used to it.
Totally forgot to add that I’m working on felting my wool dryer balls too! 🙂 I’m becoming a Live Simply junkie!
Lol, I love that! 🙂
Love this recipe!!! Will have to try soon!
Thank you, Madelyn!
Do you have to shake the soap each time prior to using???
Kim, I don’t if the soap is being used throughout the day, but after it sits overnight, I give the bottle a little shake in the morning.
Would this work with either a foam soap or liquid soap dispenser? or just the liquid soap dispenser you think…I ask because your recipe is similar to this pin and they’re using a foam dispenser… http://www.pinterest.com/pin/205265695492095825/
Thanks!
Melissa
Hey Melissa, I’ve seen many similar foaming recipes. I believe this recipe will work great in a foaming container, possibly even better than recipe in the Pinterest link as this recipe won’t be as watery.
Hi: I’ve always wanted to try making my own soaps etc.. My hubby has extremely dry and sensitive skin. Is this moisturizing? I don’t want to buy the ingredients and then find out that he can’t use it. Although I could use it so it wouldn’t go to waste. But we buy a certain soap for him and I want to get away from that if I can. Thanks.
Hey Lynn, The addition of nourishing oil and vitamin E adds the moisture. You could start with a tablespoon of nourishing oil and add another half a tablespoon if needed. You could also use olive oil for the nourishing oil, so you don’t have to buy an extra ingredient. The essential oils are for cleaning, but also fragrance, so you could also leave those out for a trial to save money and get the feel for the soap. I personally think it’s moisturizing, but I’m not sure what someone with very dry skin will think as we all have our own preferences. You can also use the Dr. Bronner’s to make cleaning products, like surface cleaner.
I love this idea!!! MY granddaughter is very “soap” sensitive. … There are a lot of natural oils here on Maui am so excited to try different ones…I’ll keep u posted. .. Mahalos for your thoughtful healthy alternative gift….
Thank you so much, Ronnie! Enjoy!!
Would this recipe still work well without using vitamin E? I love your blog!!! Thank you for all you do!
Hey Keri, Thank you so much. Vitamin E may cause the soap to be a bit slimy, so I’d only use a small amount (1/2 tsp). UPDATE: I apologize for my confusing answer. My answer was in regards to glycerin, not Vitamin E. I completely misread your question or been reading another comment about adding glycerin to a recipe. Yes, vitamin E is added to this recipe and won’t cause the soap to have a slimy feel. Adding glycerin will cause the soap to have a slimy feel.
And the answer: Yes, you can leave the vitamin E out of this recipe :). Again, I apologize for completely misreading your question and not answering in a helpful way.
Hi! I just made this soap, and am wondering what can I add to make it anti-bacterial?
I didn’t have tea tree oil on hand when making it. I added Sweet Orange EO instead.
Thanks!
Hey Jill, You can also add lavender essential oils vs. the tea tree. Orange essential oil will also help with the cleaning. 🙂 Enjoy the soap!!
Hi, do you mean that adding 20-25 drops of lavender and omitting the tea tree would still make it anti-bacterial? Thanks!
Hey Natalie, Yes :).
Thank you!
Love the jar. Did you make it?
Hey Elizabeth, Thank you! I made the top (which I’m working on a tutorial for a later date) and the jar is a simple canning mason jar.
I love how the pump you added to the jelly jars. Such a cute idea! I can’t wait to try to make one myself.
Thank you, Marhia! Enjoy!!!
Hello,
Did you ever post instructions for the mason jar pump top?
I have searched the site and cannot find it.
Thanks
Hey Christine, We haven’t post the instructions/tutorial to this date. But here’s a similar method: http://lovegrowswild.com/2013/05/how-to-make-mason-jar-soap-dispensers/.
For the nourishing oil, could I use olive oil?
Hey Krystal, Olive oil would work great!
I don’t mean this sarcastically, but as a real question. If you are using Dr. Bronner’s soap to make soap, why not just use Dr. Bronner’s for hand washing? Is it too concentrated and need to be diluted? Thanks.
Hey Holly, Not sarcastic at all :). Dr. Bronner’s is extremely concentrated which is one of the great beauties of this natural product, a little bit goes a long way. I buy a gallon at a time and it lasts months. With that gallon I’m able to make everything from body wash to hand soap and even laundry soap. Hope that helps :).
So, really, all you are doing is diluting the Dr. Bronner’s and then adding oils (nourishing and essential), correct?
Can you use other brands of castile soaps?
Correct, Janell! It’s that easy. Yes, you can use any brand of castile soap.
I live on a farm with access to well water. Lots of lime so we use a water softener for hot water. Should I purchase distilled for use in making your different soaps.
Hey Carla, Yes, I would use distilled water :).
Wow. I love how easy this is. I have most of the ingredients at home already!
faganeatspaleo.blogspot.com
Yay, Jamie! I love how simple homemade products are, with just a few ingredients multiple creations are possible. Enjoy!!
Don’t you need a preservative since water is being added?
Hey Leigh, For long-term use, yes. An effective natural preservative can be very expensive and hard to find. Hand soap is usually something that is used very quickly, so I don’t add a preservative; rather, I usually stick with distilled water to reduce any potential issues. This recipe isn’t a product that should sit around for the long haul. If you won’t use as much soap as the recipe calls for in a short amount of time, then I recommend reducing the amounts.
Hi,
You mention several times not to let this “sit around for the long haul.” About how long is that? I used filtered water but may I shouldn’t have. Should I toss it after a month or after a week? Please clarify.
I also read that tea tree oil and lavender oil may not be safe for young boys as it increases estrogen and can can issues. Not sure, but wondering what else I could use to still make it a germ killer.
Thank you,
Blakely
Hey Blakely, For filtered water, I will do about two weeks. Here are my best tips for working with water based products: https://livesimply.me/2016/09/02/my-safety-tips-for-making-and-using-natural-products/. You could skip the essential oils and still have a great product, particularly when you’re scrubbing your hands with hot water.
Hi Kirstin,
If you were to use saline solution in the place of distilled water would this lengthen the shelf life of the soap?
Hey Daisy, I’m not sure.
Frankincense essential oil is a natural antibiotic.
Hello!
I really want to use your soap recipe. I love your ingredients. However, I want to make a foaming hand soap. Can this recipe be tweaked to be used with a foaming soap bottle? Sorry if this is a duplicate question, but for some reason, I’m not able to read all the comments.
Thanks!
Hey Cindy, Yes, you can use this recipe just use a foaming soap bottle instead. Enjoy!
hi! i can’t get mine to stay mixed. i literally need to mix it each time i use it. thoughts? i didn’t use vitamin E oil.. could that be the cause?
Hey Erin,
The water and Castile soap will separate, that’s 100% normal. Once you shake it, they should blend together so you can use the soap.
Couldn’t you try using the xanthan gum to keep the hand soap stable so you don’t need to shake it?
Hey Carol, You may need something more to keep everything together (emulsify the gum and ingredients). If you have some xantham gum available it might be worth playing around with a small amount.
If you use an emulsifier which there are plenty of natural options it will prevent the separation.
Could you suggest another soap? We have coconut allergies.
Hey Angie, A concentrated castile soap made with olive oil would probably be the best option. I looked around online briefly and found this one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Liquid-Castile-Soap-Unscented/dp/B00E78CFX6?th=1. It’s super expensive, but my guess is if this brand exists, there must be other options, too. There’s also this option: http://www.countryrosesoap.com/Organic_Castile_Liquid_Soap_p/lcso-32oz.htm. I recommend googling “olive oil castile soap” or “coconut free castile soap.” Hopefully there will be an affordable brand option. I’d love to hear what you find!
Make your own Castille soap and use only Olive oil…
https://livesimply.me/2014/09/02/diy-homemade-liquid-hand-soap/
I’ve recently learned that adding an emolsifier to EO helps it adhere to the base you’re working with (oil/water), by acting like a sort-of ‘glue’ for the two, keeping them together as opposed to the seperation that normally takes place with oil & water. Perhaps adding your EO’s to a Tbs or so of witch hazel may do the trick? There are online calculators that help to convert units as well as to input your EO’s so that you can be certain you’re following the correct usage guidlines with EO’s (1% dilution is recommended if children will be using the soap, I believe).
Thanks for the recipe & cute story about your dad ?
Hey Rebekah, Adding glycerin will also work in a similar way–add the glycerin and the EO, swirl it together, than add the remaining ingredients. I don’t add it to this recipe since castile soap is used versus just straight water. You definitely could.
I will be trying this recipe.
I sounds a better recipe than the one I made up.
Thanks Jamie!
Let us know how you like it!
LS Team.