Summer is here, which means one thing when you live in sunny and HOT Florida: it’s time to sweat!

This Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash is the perfect way to wash the dirt away!

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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.

This Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash is the perfect way to wash the dirt away!

Friend, let me introduce you to my Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash.

This Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash is the perfect way to wash the dirt away!

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…

This Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash is the perfect way to wash the dirt away!

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.

This Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash is the perfect way to wash the dirt away!

Each ingredient in this simple body wash, including the special foaming soap dispenser, may be used to make multiple other DIYs.

This Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash is the perfect way to wash the dirt away!

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.

This Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash is the perfect way to wash the dirt away!

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
4.83 from 17 votes

Easy DIY Foaming Body Wash (Multi-Purpose)

A homemade body wash recipe made with castile soap and natural ingredients. This DIY gentle body wash is easy to make in under 5 minutes!
Kristin Marr
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Servings 1 8 ounce soap dispenser

Ingredients

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.

Video

Notes

When you introduce water into a product without a preservative you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so use water-based products quickly.
The foaming soap dispensers I purchased from Amazon last year aren’t available anymore. You can find a foaming soap dispenser at most home stores (like Target, HomeGoods, or Walmart), or via Amazon.
Rosewater can be a pricey product, so feel free to use distilled water instead to reduce the overall cost of this body wash, or use 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup rosewater.
If you’d like to add a scent to this body wash, and you’re using unscented castile soap, add a few drops of a skin-friendly essential oil.
From my home testing, this body wash has a pH of 7.
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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75 Comments

  1. 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.

      1. 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.

  2. 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.

    1. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Do you ever use salt to thicken your body/hand washes so they don’t have to be put in the foaming pump?

  5. 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!

    1. 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.

  6. 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!

    1. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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?

  9. 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.

  10. 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!!

    1. 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!!

  11. 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!!

  12. Where did you get your foaming pump? I’m trying to search for one and am having troubles. So excited to try this recipe! 🙂

    1. 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!

  13. 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!

    1. 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.

  14. 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

    1. 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.