DIY Body Wash

Feb 20

This is a super easy DIY to make yourself, with no chemicals, artificial fragrances or hidden toxic ingredients.

If you peek on the back of the body washes sitting in your shower right now, I am guessing that you can’t pronounce half the words listed on the ingredient list. That is a good sign to get rid of it and make something to replace it. (Or purchase something clean, my favourite is Morning Start by Young Living. It smells so fresh and has no nasties!) Among these ingredients, there are a few you will definitely want to avoid. These include fragrance, artificial dyes, parabens, sulfates, and triclosan.

Making your own all-natural body wash is easier than you think. With this simple 4 ingredient recipe, I will show you how to make a natural body wash that is moisturising for the skin and cost-effective.

Some of the products that we are using to keep our bodies clean can actually cause our bodies more harm than good.

Why make natural body wash?

Most of the body wash you are going to find at the store is not going to be made with ingredients that you will want to rub all over your body. Just as you can absorb vitamins and minerals through the skin, you can also absorb chemicals. In fact, it can take as little as 26 seconds for something to be absorbed from the skin and enter the bloodstream.

As you can see, what goes on the body is almost as important as what goes in the body.

Fragrance

Fragrance can mean an array of things, and unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t make companies disclose the exact ingredients that are in these fragrances. I prefer to make my own scents by using 100% Therapeutic grade Essential oils.

The environmental working group (EWG) says that fragrances can contain over 14 chemicals. Several of these are not considered safe and can cause skin irritation, allergies and are linked to hormone imbalances. Eeeek.

Artificial dyes

We avoid Artificial dyes at all costs! From food to products. The FDA defines a colour additive as “any substance that imparts colour to a food, drug, cosmetic, or the human body.” This definition leaves out a significant tidbit:

Food dyes are man-made, complex chemicals initially made from coal tar but now from petroleum. Petroleum is a crude oil product commonly used to make gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt (the sticky black stuff that a driveway is paved with), and plastic. Sounds pretty tasty. Artificial colors and dyes can cause allergic reactions, contain hormone disturbers, carcinogens, and have been linked to damage sperm. Some dyes, like red40, are banned in other countries. And we still find it in our foods and beauty care products!

Parabens

Parabens are a group of compounds used as a preservative in most cosmetic and personal products. They, too, mimic estrogen and cause hormone imbalances. Parabens are found in 99% of breast cancer tumors! You can read more about parabens here.

Parabens can also cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and rashes.

Triclosan

This ingredient is found in most antibacterial soaps and cleansers. It can cause more harm than good to the body.

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent and preservative in personal care and home-cleaning products. It is a hormone disruptor; and can irritate the skin, lungs, and eyes.

What ingredients are best for natural body wash?

Castile soap

Castile soap has become a staple in my household for natural cleaning and DIY products. It is a vegetable-based soap that can be found in liquid or bar form. Because it is biodegradable and non-toxic, it is safe to use on people with sensitive skin, pets, and kids. We love Dr Bronners unscented.

Carrier Oil

Adding in a carrier oil will add moisturising properties to the soap as well as more benefits to the skin, depending on which one you pick. My favorite carrier oil to add is coconut oil because it has so many benefits for the skin.

Coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties making it another great ingredient to add to your homemade body wash.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a vegetable-based, odorless, clear liquid. It will add thickness to the body wash and help it to lather more. Glycerin is a natural moisturizer and will help your skin to stay smooth and soft.

Essential oils

Adding essential oils to your body wash can benefit your skin and add a beautiful scent. You can add one essential oil or a blend of oils. I love Grapefruit or rosemary and Bergamot. A classic to start with is frankincense and lavender!