Domesticity: DIY Body Wash

First, I'd like to give you some insight into where my head has been for quite some time.  For months now, I've been toying and warring with ideas of what I'd really like to do with this blog.  I have moments where I'm super afraid of being "really real" for fear I might turn people off or offend some.  While I don't think I'm particularly offensive, I have thoughts I would very much like to share, but I've been afraid of sharing too much or being too transparent.  This turns some off, for certain.  But I've thought and prayed and sought guidance in all this, and I believe I need to share what is in my mind and heart.  Things that help me will help others.  I've only been able to find solutions and tips because of helpful others, and it is my turn to pass that on!  Anyway...on with the show!



As most of you know, I have sought out many ways to save money, save the earth, and save our bodies from harm.  I've shown you how to make laundry detergent, I've failed at making dishwasher detergent, I've made a carpet cleaner I should show you (along with an all-purpose cleaner, hardwood cleaner, and a glass cleaner), and I have even made some personal care products that I don't yet have the courage to share :)

Since Chris was out of his body wash I make for him, you get to witness the process!  It's really simple, and so adaptable to your preferences.

First, you'll need to gather (or possibly purchase?) your supplies.  Please note, I use some additional and optional supplies.  The only supplies needed are liquid castile soap (Dr. Bronner's peppermint is what I use for Chris, lavender for myself) and aloe vera gel.  Gel, not juice!  I also add essential oils, Vitamin E oil, and some sort of moisturizing oil...such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.

You will also need a clean, empty container.  We reuse!

I always add the castile first, but it doesn't matter the order in which you add the castile and aloe.  The important part is that the castile and aloe are added in equal ratios.  If you would like exact measurements, find out how much your container holds, subtract about 10% and divide that in half.  That is the amount of castile and aloe you will need!  I just eyeball it.  Almost half full of castile...

 And nearly fill the rest with the aloe vera gel.  (I found my aloe vera gel at Whole Foods.)

Next come the optional ingredients.
The sweet almond oil adds moisturizing benefits and allows nutrients from the other ingredients to be absorbed easily into the skin.  It also has a nice, light fragrance.  Add just a little...nearly fill that 10% you have empty.  Obviously, if you felt you needed more moisturizing, you would cut back on both your castile and aloe gel, in order to leave more room for your moisturizing oil(s).  Sometimes I add more than one type.  It depends on what mood I'm in and what I feel like dragging out and putting away.

I did not take picture of each of these ingredients, but I added a few squirts of vitamin E oil, lavender essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, and lemon essential oil.  The vitamin E oil is incredibly beneficial for the skin.  It soothes and can help with things like scars, stretch marks, and other bruises and skin irritations.  Lavender is also very soothing topically and aromatically.  Lavender provides more benefits than I can list!  It's also maybe my favorite essential oil scent.  The eucalyptus and lemon are both very astringent and wonderful for clearing the sinuses!  Chris also loves mint and citrus scents, so those are my main reasons for adding those and using the peppermint castile.  I usually add around 8 drops of each essential oil, as a little goes a long way!  They are very concentrated, and different essential oils can be irritating to the skin from direct, undiluted contact.  Always use essential oils carefully, and only after you've done some personal research!

Whew!  And now, you should have a full bottle of body wash, made to your own specifications!  It will always need to be shaken before use.  Don't be alarmed if it separates between uses...a nice shake will mix it all together again :)

Don't be afraid to ask any questions!  And try it, you'll probably love it!