Summer is here, which means one thing when you live in sunny and HOT Florida: it’s time to sweat!
I understand that summer is supposed to be a hot weather season, but living in Florida takes this reality to an extreme. Just walking outside your front door to retrieve the mail brings on a workout-style sweat session. This means a Florida gal needs a hard-working (natural) deodorant and a really good way to wash off all that sweat at the end of the day.
Friend, let me introduce you to my Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash.
This body wash only contains 4 natural ingredients, all of which come together to gently and effectively wash away the summer sweat and dirt. The ingredients are all liquid, which means they are pretty watery (and hard to work with as a body wash) without the secret “ingredient” that takes this body wash from a runny liquid mixture to the ultimate foaming soap: a foaming soap dispenser. Let’s take a look at each ingredient…
Rosewater: Rosewater is simply a flavored water that’s created by distilling the petals of the rose with steam, or steeping the petals in water. The result is a fragrant liquid that boasts anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Thanks to these anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, rosewater has been hailed as an amazing skin spray, toner, and a wonderful addition to lotions and creams. Rosewater is a refreshing addition to this summer body wash (which, by the way, may be used all year long, not just during the summer).
Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent, and is used to fight acne due to its anti-bacterial properties. Witch hazel is added to this recipe to help remove excess oils on the skin. I purchase alcohol-free witch hazel so it doesn’t try out my skin. While witch hazel is a gentle pH neutral product, you may leave this ingredient out and add more rosewater in its place if you have very sensitive skin.
Castile Soap: Castile soap is a concentrated vegetable-based soap made of ingredients you can actually pronounce. This soap is gentle on the skin and effective in the fight against dirt and unwanted germs. When it comes to using castile soap on my body (it may also be used in cleaning products), I prefer Baby Mild Unscented Castile Soap. Lavender and citrus castile soap are two great options if you’d like a scented body wash. Since this body wash also includes witch hazel, I only use two tablespoons of castile soap in this recipe. You’re welcome to increase this amount, if desired, but adding more castile soap with the witch hazel may cause your skin to feel dry.
Nourishing Oil: Since oil dissolves oil, it’s only natural to add a nourishing oil to a cleansing body wash. The nourishing oil also helps keep the soap and witch hazel from drying out my skin. I prefer to use 2 tablespoons of almond, jojoba, or olive oil (depending on what I have available). I recommend starting with 1 tablespoon, testing the body wash on your hands, and increasing the nourishing oil until you feel comfortable with how your hands feel once they’re dry.
Each ingredient in this simple body wash, including the special foaming soap dispenser, may be used to make multiple other DIYs.
Rose Water may be used as a replacement to water in any DIY beauty recipe, or used as a facial toner (my favorite way to use rosewater). Witch hazel may be used as a gentle facial toner or refreshing summer spray (this spray is perfect to use after a workout). The castile soap–probably the most versatile ingredient–may be used to make multiple homemade products, from an all-purpose cleaner and dusting spray to facial wipes. Finally, the nourishing oil may be used for cooking purposes (if you use olive oil), or added to any body-care recipe, such as: facial cleanser or facial wipes.
Even the body wash itself may be used in multiple ways. I use this foaming soap during the summer as a refreshing, natural body wash, but it may also be used as hand soap or a face wash. As always, I recommend testing a small amount on your skin first before liberally using it all over your body, just to make sure it agrees with your skin, particularly if you’re going to try it out as a face wash.
Florida, let’s do this summer thing! I’m ready for you.
Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash (Multi-Purpose)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rosewater
- 1/3 cup alcohol-free witch hazel
- 2 TB baby mild castile soap
- 1-2 TB jojoba oil or almond or olive oil (optional)
- foaming soap dispenser Without this product the body wash is very watery.
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a foaming soap dispenser, adding the castile soap as the last ingredient.
- Gently shake the bottle, with the top on, to combine the ingredients. Store the body wash for up to 3 weeks.
To Use:
- Press the pump down to dispense the body wash. Use your hand, a washcloth, or a puff to massage the body wash over the skin. This body wash may also be used as hand soap or a face wash.
THanks.
My skin feels a bit dry after I use this wash. Should I dilute it more? THanks.
Hey Marina, Yes, it’s probably from the castile soap. I would dilute more.
Can aloe juice replace water in your lotion receipt?
For the body/face wash, can I use aloe juice to replace rose water?
My kid has eczema, that is why I always want to add aloe to any skin product.
Also, which company’s shampoo do you use? Thanks for your help.
Hey Marina, I wouldn’t use aloe juice in the lotion recipe, because I’ve had issues with mold when adding aloe. This could be brand specific, too. Just rubbing fresh aloe on the skin may help and be the best solution. I use 100% Pure Shampoo (Kelp and Mint): https://www.100percentpure.com/collections/shampoo.
In the lotion recipe, will aloe gel instead of aloe juice cause the mold ?
Also, did you try Hemp seed oil or Camellia oil for your lotion? I heard some good things about them.
Sorry, One more question. for your tooth paste recipe, is there any oil can replace coconut oil? I live in cold place, coconut oil is very solid in the normal temperature.
Many many thanks.
I bought 99% unsweetened aloe juice from Walmart. It does not say anything how it should be stored. Does this kind of juice need to be refrigerated after opening? Thanks. I learnt so many things in such a short time all thanks to your blog.
By the way , I have tried your lotion, worked very well.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the lotion, Marina. If it doesn’t say “refrigerate after opening” than I think you should be fine. Just watch the final product for any odors or unusual growth–just to make sure.
Hi Kristine:
Can I use aloe juice to replace rose water? Thanks.
Hey Marina, You can definitely try. Make sure the aloe juice doesn’t need to be refrigerated after opening.
Hello Kristine, thank you for this recipe. I been reusing the same foaming soap container for a while know. I clean it well with soap, warm water, and some alcohol. I’m worry that I’m not cleaning my container good eaught. Do you have any recommendations on how to clean plastics soap containers ?? Thank you in advanced.
Hey Elba, I just use hot soapy water. It sounds like you’re doing a good job!
Is this body wash mild enough for babies and kids? Can I use this as hand wash as well?
Hey Kit, Yes, but just like any soap you’ll want to avoid the eye area. I would also recommend unscented castile soap for kiddos.
Do you ever use salt to thicken your body/hand washes so they don’t have to be put in the foaming pump?
Hey Anco, I personally don’t, but I’ve heard of some readers successfully doing this.
Just wondering if you’ve ever done a diy bar soap? Or thoughts of for or against? There’s so many diy recipes out there, but difficult to know if it’s cost efficient to make my own or which to choose from. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Hey Noel, That’s a great question. I’ve played around with the idea of doing a DIY tutorial for bar soap, but honestly, I find that making your own soap is a tedious and time-consuming task. Since there are so many amazing castile soap brands on the market, both for bar soap (which you can use on your body just like another bar soap) and liquid soap (so many uses), I don’t find a need to make my own soap for a recipe base. There are some great tutorials online, and it’s definitely worth trying one if you want to go the homemade soap route.
This is next on the list of to-dos. Does it matter at all that the dispenser would be plastic? I know on other posts you try to use glass items as much as possible. Could I also use the plastic then for the DIY hand-soap, as well? Thanks!
Hey Noel, I do try to stick with glass, particularly with essential oils. But, I haven’t been able to find a good foaming soap dispenser that’s made out of glass, so I stick with the plastic ones for now. So far I haven’t noticed any issues.
You could definitely use the plastic with the hand soap–you’ll get a nice foaming hand soap that way!
i did a bit of searching online and there were recommendations orange blossom water in place of rosewater. One place I found said rosewater was better for dry skin (my hubby) and orange blossom water for oily skin (me.) I’m thinking if there’s enough moisturizing oil in the cleanser it’ll be fine. Thanks for all your shared knowledge!
Perfect, April!
Hey if I make this my husband will not want to use something rose scented. Is there an alternative to the rosewater I can use for the male population in my home?
Hey April, Lol, I completely understand :). Any skin-friendly hydrosol should work: https://www.planttherapy.com/hydrosols (click on the hydrosol and then details about how to use on PT’s site–they provide great information about each hydrosol). You could also use distilled water in place of the rosewater.
Hi can’t wait to try the foaming body wash. Thanks for the tip about the dispenser. I now know to buy a foaming dispenser so thank you.
Hey Kacy, Yes, a foaming dispenser is a valuable tool when it comes to making body wash or face wash. Enjoy!
Thank you very much Kristin ^-^
You’re welcome, May :).
Thank You Kristin!! You mentioned about PH strip/tester, can you tell me where to buy and how to use them (just dip in or need to mix with water then test it)? Your DIY idea is awesome, i printed out 12 pages of them. I can’t wait to try them all, but i am still waiting for amazon to send me all of the ingredients. Thank you so much!!
Hey May, I purchased my strips from Amazon. They are really easy to use: simply dip the paper strip in the solution, and then place it on the color guide to determine the pH level.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog!!
Hi Kristin,
Can i use 100% pure Hammamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water Alcohol Free, instead of Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Organic Aloe Vera Formula Toner Unscented. Is that the same amount (1/3 cup) if i use 100% witch hazel water? Thank You!!
Hey May, Yes, same amount :). Enjoy!
Where did you get your foaming pump? I’m trying to search for one and am having troubles. So excited to try this recipe! 🙂
Hey Kassi, The foaming soap dispensers I purchased from Amazon last year aren’t available anymore. These are the highest-rated foaming soap dispensers, that are also similar to what I’m using, on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aj3FCj. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the body wash!
Hey,
I am not sure if you mentioned this already, but what is the life span of a body wash with these ingredients (jojoba oil, almond oil, Castille oil). Also if I were to make a raw honey+sugar+essential oil body scrub, what would the life span be for those? Thanks for your blog, it’s awesome!
Hey Kruthi, This body wash should last a couple of month if you’re using distilled water or rose water. I keep the amount small so you can use it within that time period. As long as you don’t introduce water into the honey sugar scrub, it should last several months.
Hello Kristin,
I am loving your blog! I have tired many DIY homemade recipes but am very excited about the body wash. I feel like my current soap just isn’t getting it done throughly. I do have a question about the rose water, is there an alternative which is not so pricy (besides water) but still has the benefits? I don’t care for the rose smell.
Thank you,
Danni
*tried… My grammar is off at 6am.
Hey Danielle, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog!! You could use another hydrosol in this recipe, like lavender, chamomile, or calendula (http://www.planttherapy.com/hydrosols). Although I think all of them might be a bit pricey. Another option is to use distilled water and add an essential oil, or two, for a lovely scent.
If you buy rose water designed for cooking, it is only a few dollars. You can find it at International, Asian, Mediterranean or Persian markets. They also sell orange flower water but I don’t know if it has the same anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. There are several different brands. Amazon sells them, but the shipping is expensive.
Just a tiny bit of the rose water on sweetened strawberries is very good, but if you don’t like the smell, you probably wouldn’t like the taste.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I’ve made some and love it.
Hey Tina, Awesome, I’m glad you’re enjoying the body wash!