2016 Note: This post was first published back in 2013 as I was just learning how to DIY in my bathroom. Since that time I’ve learned a lot about making homemade products, including the safety side of ingredients. While this recipe is extremely gentle and luxurious, and many folks have loved this body wash, it must be used very, very quickly due to the coconut milk. This is a fun DIY to make and freeze, and pull out in a small batches to use “in the moment.” You can find my current body wash recipe over here.
Being a mom is dirty business.
Literally.
Within a few hours minutes I can go from fresh, clean and smelling fabulous to, “When’s the last time she bathed?” How is it that every piece of dirt, marker, food crumb, and well, you know what else, ends up being worn by mom? I truly cherish the dirt and whatever else happens to find its way onto my skin, clothes, and hair, each day. Let me rephrase that. I truly cherish the little people who lovingly adorn me with such well-earned souvenirs. This OCD (or is it CDO?) woman is truly learning to embrace the dirt that comes with the role of mommy-hood.
While I truly am learning to love this stage of dirtiness and fun, I am all for a good scrub down. You’re welcome, honey.
This past year I have been challenged to “clean-up” the non-food items in our home. I’m talking about the products we use on our bodies: soaps, toothpastes, lotions, deodorants, and make-up. Anything that comes in contact with our skin and within seconds our bloodstream.
Nothing like a super clean system filled with pastured, organic meats and good fats, organic fruits, and veggies, soaked organic whole grains, fermented and proboitic goodies and then adding in a large dose of daily toxins.
As I have shared in the past, I have fallen in love with developing my own recipes for toothpaste, lotion, lip balm, and laundry soap. I’ve even ventured down the road of making my own make-up. I’ve also found a local lady who makes wonderfully nourishing homemade soaps. Life has been good.
My beloved soap lady went on vacation last month. I intended to order lots of back-ups, but life got the best
of me, and I forgot. After a few days of grieving and wondering how I would survive a month, inspiration came knocking on my natural door. I decided to try making my own soap, more of a body wash to be exact.
I have a great love for Dr. Bronner’s Soap. If you haven’t tried Dr. Bronner’s you really must. No toxic ingredients and a thousand and one uses (okay, maybe more like ten) for just one bottle of soap. This body wash uses Dr. Bronner’s as well as coconut milk as the main ingredients. Please buy real coconut milk , usually found in a can, not the coconut beverage sold in cartons.
This soap is gentle enough I have also been using it on my children. The lavender is perfect for a nighttime bath!
Nourishing Homemade Body Wash
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk canned
- 2/3 cup castile soap I prefer the lavender or Baby Mild
- 3 tsp vitamin E oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 tsp vegetable glycerin optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bottle. Shake and use on a washcloth.
- This body wash has a very short lifespan since it lacks preservatives and contains coconut milk, so it's best to keep this body wash in the fridge and use it within a week. If you don't think you'll use this body wash quickly, reduce the recipe, or freeze the extra in an ice cube tray to defrost in small batches. See the 2016 note below. The glycerin may be left out if you don't have any on hand. As an alternative, you can use a nourishing oil, like jojoba, almond, or olive oil.
Notes
*This recipe needs to be used quickly due to the coconut milk. If you’re looking for a body wash that can be stored at room temperature with a longer shelf-life, I recommend use this recipe.
2016 Note: This post was first published back in 2013 as I was just learning how to DIY in my bathroom. Since that time I’ve learned a lot about making homemade products, including the safety side of ingredients. While this recipe is extremely gentle and luxurious, and many folks have loved this body wash, it must be used very, very quickly due to the coconut milk. This is a fun DIY to make and freeze, and pull out in a small batches to use “in the moment.” You can find my current body wash recipe over here.
With the cleaning power of Dr. Bronner’s and the antibacterial properties and hydrating moisture of coconut milk mixed with the antioxidant powers of Vitamin E and Essential Oil, this body soap is a perfect combo for both fighting the dirt and helping this mom relax at the end of a fun, messy day.
More DIYs You May Like:
Homemade Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser
DIY Homemade Facial Cleansing Wipes
Hi, I was just wondering if like the honey and coconut milk body wash the vegetable glycerin was optional?
Hey Nicki, Yes, you can leave it out.
I LOVE this body wash, but would like to thicken it up a little. I think I saw a mention of xanthum gum to thicken it… how much should I use?
Hey Kay, You’ll want to blend 1-2 teaspoons of xanthum gum with about 1 tablespoon of glycerin (you could also add 1 tablespoon of nourishing oil, like jojoba or olive oil), then add the liquid ingredients. Here’s an example from my shower gel recipe: https://livesimply.me/2015/09/02/homemade-moisturizing-shower-gel/. An immersion blender works really well for blending.
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk?
Hey Rachel, I’m not sure. It’s worth a try!
Hi Kristin!
I am in love with you DIY recipes. However, how much castile soap should be used? Unfortunately, the measurement is actually a ‘square’ for me and I can’t figure it out. Thanks in advance.
Hey Ebone, It’s ⅔ cup of castile soap :). What browser and computer are you using? I’m going to have my tech guy look into the issue.
I found the mixture too strong, so I added the rest of the can of coconut milk and I like it very much. Thank-you!
Awesome, Catherine! Enjoy!!
Hi Kirstin,
I was just curious about what would it be like if I substituted Mango or Cocoa butter instead of coconut milk? I have a lot of Mango butter spare and I wondered if it could be used within a body wash?
Hey Hammy, I don’t believe mango or cocoa butter can be substituted for the coconut milk. Even if you melt the butters, I believe they will return back to a thick, hard state after about 24 hours. I could be wrong since I haven’t tried using these butters for something like this, but that’s my guess.
Thanks! Is it okay to use a whole can of coconut milk for this mix? How long will it last for?
Hey Hammy, Yep, just shake and use a can of coconut milk (both the cream and milk)–you’ll have extra leftovers. It will last about 3 weeks. Another option is to store half the body wash in the freezer or fridge and then defrost/bring the body wash to room temperature when needed.
I’m looking forward to trying this this afternoon as my family experiments with some homemade toiletries! What do you find is the best and most convenient container for the concoction?? Foaming pump? Regular Pump? Spray bottle? Jar?? Thanks!
Hey Alicia, I think a regular pump bottle (similar to the one in this recipe: https://livesimply.me/2015/01/31/diy-homemade-honey-face-wash/) is the easiest way to use the body wash. I haven’t tried a foaming pump but I think it’s a great idea!!
I always love this type of organic body wash. I can’t wait more. I will obviously try your recipe in this weekend.
Thank you, Tina! Enjoy!!
Hi, how can I make this body wash with a citrus smell (I’m gonna attempt this once more, hope they don’t pour it in the sink again) what’s a good EO combination
Hi Kristin,
This is an awesome lists of home made body wash. I want to ask a question. How long can i preserve these? I want to know about its expire date.Thank You.
Hey Alisa, You can store the body wash in the freezer until needed or the fridge. 🙂 Enjoy!
I can’t wait to try this one. Does this go bad? If so, how soon?
Hey Elle, This will last a couple of weeks (sometimes even three weeks) on the counter. You can also refrigerate (or freeze) half to extend the shelf-life. Enjoy!!
I can’t wait to try this, but I have discovered soap nuts, could I use them in place of the Dr. Bonners?
Hey Lavel, I’ve never had much success with soap nuts (I may be using them wrong?), so I’m not really sure if they will work in place of the castile soap. If you try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Hi Kristin!
Thanks for this informative article.I can’t wait any more do this by myself. I love natural herbal body wash.
Thank you, Dejenni! Enjoy!
Goodness Kristin!!
I just tried this with rose water it is gorgeous!!
I’m loving testing many of the recipes on your blog.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
M
I love your comment, Monserratt! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes. Now I need to try some rose water body wash–great idea!!! 🙂
Hey kristin thanks a lot for sharing this awesome homemade remedy of organic body wash..it is so beneficial for sensitive skin..thanks again,now i have no worries for my skin
Thank you, Lisa :).
Hey there!
I am super excited to start cleaning the toxins out of home ‘home care’ products & was thrilled when I found this recipe. The recipe was super easy to make and smelled great! I used it Monday (yesterday) for the 1st time & LOVED every part of it, except the little red spots that formed all over my body almost instantly after use. I refrained from using the body wash today & stuck with my usual Dr. Bronner’s bar soap (which has not bothered me in over a year) however I have seen no improvement in my skin irritation, in fact it may be worse:( I’m super bummed about this & am wondering if anyone has answers as to why this is occurring or maybe suggestions for other natural body washes that won’t cause this irritation. Thanks in advance!
Hey Britany, I’m so sorry to hear your skin is irritated! I’m wondering if you have a coconut allergy?
So, just wondering, would oat milk work in place of the coconut milk?
Hey Courtney, I’ve never tried using oat milk…it may work.
So, after checking the product you used, I see that it’s the coconut milk that’s used for like baking, not the drinking kind. Lol my mistake
Courtney, You can drink canned coconut milk. It just doesn’t contain a ton of ingredients like the “coconut beverage” products. 🙂
Oh yea I know, just meant not the beverage.
One more question, how do you think emulsifying wax would work, to keep it all together?
Hey Courtney, I wouldn’t recommend adding wax to this body wash. Do you mean one of the lotion recipes on Live Simply?
I hope this question hasn’t already been asked, but I tend to prefer bar soaps. Is there a way to make this in more of a solid form? I saw another blog that had a recipe for ph balanced shampoo “tablets” where you would put the shampoo liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze…but I also don’t like the idea of grabbing something out of my freezer every time I go to take a shower.
Hi, Cant wait to try it..Not sure if i could get my hands on Castille soap… I’m currently using a paste of Besan Powder aka gram flour with honey, sandalwood powder and a pinch of turmeric. Could you tell me if I’m missing something or should i add anything for added benefits. Thanks in advance..
ps: your coconut oil moisturizer is awesome.
Hey Suresh, Wow, I don’t know much about Besan Powder. Are you adding a liquid to the ingredients?
No, Kristin. Since i add honey and a little water to make a paste out of it. Besan powder also known as bengal gram flour is a well known in india infact i have been using it instead of a face wash for about 10 years now. Should i be adding a liquid ? I dint because i thought honey would act as a moisturizing agent.
Suresh, Your combination sounds great. If the body wash is easy to use I don’t think another liquid is needed.
I absolutely love this body wash! But my husband would like it to be thicker…what can I do to thicken it up a bit? Thanks!
Hey Jene, I’m so glad you love the body wash. I believe a few readers have commented in the past about using xanthum gum to thicken the body wash. I will need to go through the comments here to double check.