“Soap and water and common sense are the best disinfectants.” So said Sir William Osler (one of the founders of the renowned John Hopkins Hospital). Today, of course we know he was exactly right; the act of scrubbing our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is proven to prevent the spread of germs: protecting us, our loved ones, and the other citizens in our communities. But we also know that one of the side effects of using so much soap or hand sanitizer is that it can be drying to the skin. Fortunately, our herbal allies give us ways to create an effective hand and body soap that is also incredibly hydrating, because obviously we want to be safe while keeping our skin happy and supple.
I wanted a foaming hand and body wash for its ease of use, and one that would work to clean and hydrate my dry skin at the same time. As with so many body care products, I discovered that the best way to get exactly what I want at the best price was to make it myself.
Organic, non-GMO verified castile soap is the scrubbing base for this easy body wash recipe, which I’ve combined with herbal hydrosols that add botanical support and fragrance. I formulated the hydrating elements of this foaming soap with rosehip seed oil in mind because of its light texture and powerhouse moisturizing benefits. This universally loved oil brings essential fatty acids and skin-supporting vitamins to the recipe. Alternatively, you can use deeply moisturizing chia seed oil. Chia seed oil benefits all skin types and adds a lush, silky texture. Chia seed oil can also be a good cost saving alternative. For drier skin like mine, I’ve also added an extra moisturizing boost of pomegranate seed oil.
You will need to put your soap into a foaming soap bottle with a pump. I encourage you to reuse one you’ve purchased in the past! Alternatively, these bottles are readily available in stores.
Makes about 12 oz.
Ingredients
Directions
How to Use Your Homemade Hand and Body Wash
According to the CDC, for most effective washing, we should wet our hands or body, and then turn off the tap or step out of the water to apply soap. This works particularly well with foaming soaps because the foam washes away easily. So, get wet, lather up, and then rinse afterwards.
Pro Tips
You may also enjoy:
How to Make Soap Bars with Herbs
Soap Nut Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe
8 DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions
Topics: Natural Body Care, Recipes
Jessicka Nebesni is the Senior Marketing Strategist and Herbal Liaison for Mountain Rose Herbs. Her passion is to share the most educational, empowering, and useful resources with the Mountain Rose Herbs community and on her IG account @herbalasfolk. Having practiced Macrobiotic food preparations in California, beekeeping in Oregon, and making herbal crafts for local farmers markets in New Jersey, she has a wide variety of experiences and knowledge to share. Her passions include preserving food, gardening, practicing herbal wellness, making DIY skin and body care recipes, and living a lifestyle of minimal impact on the Earth.
“Soap and water and common sense are the best disinfectants.” So said Sir William Osler (one of the founders of the renowned John Hopkins Hospital). Today, of course we know he was exactly right; the act of scrubbing our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is proven to prevent the spread of germs: protecting us, our loved ones, and the other citizens in our communities. But we also know that one of the side effects of using so much soap or hand sanitizer is that it can be drying to the skin. Fortunately, our herbal allies give us ways to create an effective hand and body soap that is also incredibly hydrating, because obviously we want to be safe while keeping our skin happy and supple.
I wanted a foaming hand and body wash for its ease of use, and one that would work to clean and hydrate my dry skin at the same time. As with so many body care products, I discovered that the best way to get exactly what I want at the best price was to make it myself.
Organic, non-GMO verified castile soap is the scrubbing base for this easy body wash recipe, which I’ve combined with herbal hydrosols that add botanical support and fragrance. I formulated the hydrating elements of this foaming soap with rosehip seed oil in mind because of its light texture and powerhouse moisturizing benefits. This universally loved oil brings essential fatty acids and skin-supporting vitamins to the recipe. Alternatively, you can use deeply moisturizing chia seed oil. Chia seed oil benefits all skin types and adds a lush, silky texture. Chia seed oil can also be a good cost saving alternative. For drier skin like mine, I’ve also added an extra moisturizing boost of pomegranate seed oil.
You will need to put your soap into a foaming soap bottle with a pump. I encourage you to reuse one you’ve purchased in the past! Alternatively, these bottles are readily available in stores.
Makes about 12 oz.
Ingredients
Directions
How to Use Your Homemade Hand and Body Wash
According to the CDC, for most effective washing, we should wet our hands or body, and then turn off the tap or step out of the water to apply soap. This works particularly well with foaming soaps because the foam washes away easily. So, get wet, lather up, and then rinse afterwards.
Pro Tips
You may also enjoy:
How to Make Soap Bars with Herbs
Soap Nut Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe
8 DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions
Topics: Natural Body Care, Recipes
Jessicka Nebesni is the Senior Marketing Strategist and Herbal Liaison for Mountain Rose Herbs. Her passion is to share the most educational, empowering, and useful resources with the Mountain Rose Herbs community and on her IG account @herbalasfolk. Having practiced Macrobiotic food preparations in California, beekeeping in Oregon, and making herbal crafts for local farmers markets in New Jersey, she has a wide variety of experiences and knowledge to share. Her passions include preserving food, gardening, practicing herbal wellness, making DIY skin and body care recipes, and living a lifestyle of minimal impact on the Earth.
