The shower gel is a liquid soap that is used to cleanse the body in the shower or bath. It is usually scented and can have different properties, such as moisturizing, exfoliating, or antibacterial. The shower gel is a popular bath product that you can find in most drugstores and grocery stores, but it can also be fun and easy to make your own at home.
In this article, you will learn how to make your own shower gel with natural ingredients, what the benefits and drawbacks of homemade and commercial shower gels are, and how to use and store your homemade shower gel.
What is shower gel, and why make it yourself?
The shower gel is a type of liquid soap that is designed to be used on the body. It is usually thicker and more viscous than regular liquid soap, and it can create a rich and foamy lather when applied to wet skin. Shower gel can have different ingredients and formulations depending on the brand and the purpose. Some shower gels may contain moisturizers, exfoliants, essential oils, fragrances, colors, or preservatives.
Making your own shower gel can have many advantages over buying commercial shower gels. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of homemade and commercial shower gels.
Benefits of homemade shower gel
- You can customize the scent, texture, and properties of your shower gel according to your preferences and needs. You can choose the ingredients that suit your skin type, the season, or the mood. You can also experiment with different recipes and combinations of ingredients to create your own unique shower gel.
- You can save money by making your own shower gel. Commercial shower gels can be expensive, especially if you buy high-end or organic brands. Making your own shower gel can be cheaper, especially if you use ingredients that you already have at home or that are easy to find and affordable.
- You can reduce waste and environmental impact by making your own shower gel. Commercial shower gels often come in plastic bottles that are not easily recyclable or biodegradable. Making your own shower gel can help you avoid plastic packaging and reduce your consumption of non-renewable resources. You can also use natural and eco-friendly ingredients that are gentle on your skin and the planet.
Ingredients and tools you need to make shower gel
To make your own shower gel, you will need some basic ingredients and tools that are easy to find and use. Here are some of the ingredients and tools that you will need for different methods of making shower gel.
- Ingredients:
- Liquid castile soap
- Water
- Honey (optional)
- Carrier oil (optional)
- Essential oil (optional)
- Shea butter (optional)
- Xanthan gum (optional)
- Sea salt (optional)
- Aloe vera gel (optional)
- Tools and equipment:
- Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Stove
- Funnel
- Bottle or jar
- Label
How to make shower gel step-by-step
There are different methods and recipes that you can use to make your own shower gel at home. Here are three simple and easy methods that you can try, using the ingredients and tools that we mentioned before.
Method 1: Using liquid castile soap and honey
This method is the simplest and quickest way to make your own shower gel. All you need are liquid castile soap, honey, water, and essential oils of your choice. Here are the steps to follow:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well until the honey dissolves completely.
- In a large bowl, pour 2 cups of liquid castile soap. You can use any scent or brand that you like, or you can make your own liquid castile soap from scratch.
- Add the honey and water mixture to the liquid castile soap. Stir well until everything is well combined.
- Add 20 to 30 drops of essential oils of your choice. You can use any scent or combination of scents that you like, such as lavender, orange, peppermint, or rosemary. Stir well to incorporate the essential oils.
- Transfer your shower gel to a clean and dry bottle or jar. You can use a funnel to make the process easier and avoid spilling. Label your shower gel with the name, date, and ingredients.
Method 2: Using shea butter and xanthan gum
This method is a bit more complex and time-consuming, but it will result in a creamy and luxurious shower gel. You will need shea butter, xanthan gum, liquid castile soap, water, and essential oils of your choice. Here are the steps to follow:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/4 cup of shea butter. You can use any type of shea butter that you like, such as raw, refined, or whipped shea butter.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum with 1/4 cup of water. Whisk well until there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth and thick.
- In a large bowl, pour 2 cups of liquid castile soap. You can use any scent or brand that you like, or you can make your own liquid castile soap from scratch.
- Add the melted shea butter to the liquid castile soap. Stir well until everything is well combined.
- Add the xanthan gum and water mixture to the liquid castile soap and shea butter mixture. Stir well until everything is well combined and the texture is creamy and gel-like.
- Add 20 to 30 drops of essential oils of your choice. You can use any scent or combination of scents that you like, such as lavender, orange, peppermint, or rosemary. Stir well to incorporate the essential oils.
- Transfer your shower gel to a clean and dry bottle or jar. You can use a funnel to make the process easier and avoid spilling. Label your shower gel with the name, date, and ingredients.
Method 3: Using Sea Salt and Aloe Vera Gel
This method is another simple and easy way to make your own shower gel. You will need sea salt, aloe vera gel, liquid castile soap, water, and essential oils of your choice. Here are the steps to follow:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of sea salt with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well until the sea salt dissolves completely.
- In a large bowl, pour 2 cups of liquid castile soap. You can use any scent or brand that you like, or you can make your own liquid castile soap from scratch.
- Add 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel to the liquid castile soap. You can use fresh or bottled aloe vera gel, but make sure that it is pure and free of additives or preservatives.
- Add the sea salt and water mixture to the liquid castile soap and aloe vera gel mixture. Stir well until everything is well combined and the texture is thick and gel-like.
- Add 20 to 30 drops of essential oils of your choice. You can use any scent or combination of scents that you like, such as lavender, orange, peppermint, or rosemary. Stir well to incorporate the essential oils.
- Transfer your shower gel to a clean and dry bottle or jar. You can use a funnel to make the process easier and avoid spilling. Label your shower gel with the name, date, and ingredients.
How to use and store your homemade shower gel
Now that you have made your own shower gel, you can enjoy using it in the shower or bath. Here are some tips for using and storing your homemade shower gel.
Tips for using your shower gel
- Shake your shower gel well before each use, as some ingredients may settle or separate over time.
- Wet your skin and apply a small amount of shower gel to your hands, a washcloth, or a loofah. Massage the shower gel gently over your body, creating a rich and foamy lather. Rinse well with warm water, and pat your skin dry with a towel.
- Avoid getting the shower gel in your eyes, mouth, or nose, as it may cause irritation or discomfort. If this happens, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Enjoy the scent and benefits of your shower gel, and feel the difference in your skin. You can also use your shower gel as a bubble bath by adding a few tablespoons to the running water in your bathtub.
Tips for storing your shower gel
- Store your shower gel in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help to preserve the quality and shelf life of your shower gel.
- Use your shower gel within 6 months of making it, as it may lose its effectiveness or spoil over time. You can extend the shelf life of your shower gel by adding a natural preservative, such as vitamin E oil, grapefruit seed extract, or rosemary antioxidant extract, to your recipe. You can also refrigerate your shower gel to keep it fresh longer, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it.
- Keep your shower gel in a clean and dry bottle or jar, and use a pump or a cap to dispense it. This will help to prevent contamination and waste from your shower gel. Avoid using your fingers or dirty utensils to scoop out your shower gel, as this may introduce bacteria or mold to your gel.
Conclusion
Making your own shower gel is a fun and easy way to create a natural and personalized bath product that can cleanse, moisturize, and pamper your skin. You can use simple and affordable ingredients and tools that you can find at home or in your local store and customize the scent, texture, and properties of your shower gel according to your preferences and needs. You can also save money, reduce waste, and avoid harsh chemicals by making your own shower gel. Try one of the methods and recipes that we shared in this article, or experiment with your own combinations of ingredients and scents, and enjoy the benefits of your homemade shower gel.
