How to Make Your Own DIY Liquid Hand Soap
It’s officially hand-washing season! And if you step into any large store, you will see hundreds of options for mass-produced liquid hand washes. But are they the safest options if you are looking to incorporate more natural options into your personal care routine?
Taking control of your hand hygiene by crafting your own using essential oils is fast becoming a healthier, more sustainable, and environmentally conscious choice. For many of us seeking a natural and wholesome lifestyle, this DIY approach offers an easy and impactful way to keep healthier.
Firstly, homemade liquid hand washes infused with essential oils provide a gentle, chemical-free cleansing experience. Unlike commercial brands laden with synthetic ingredients, these homemade liquid hand washes pamper your skin, leaving it soft and nourished. Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus offer natural antibacterial properties, ensuring that your hands stay squeaky clean without harsh chemicals.
Secondly, creating your hand wash reduces waste and lessens the environmental burden of single-use plastic bottles. By reusing containers and selecting eco-friendly ingredients, you contribute to a more sustainable planet.
Plus, as fall approaches and coughs and colds become more prevalent, regular hand washing remains your first line of defense. Clean hands help prevent the spread of germs, keeping you and those around you healthier.
So it is time to embrace the art of homemade handwashing, not just as a trend but as a vital habit that empowers you to lead a more natural, healthier, and environmentally conscious life. Your hands, and the Earth, will thank you!
Here is a list of our top 5 essential oils and other ingredients you’ll need to make your DIY Liquid Hand Soap
Liquid Castile Soap
Liquid castile soap is a versatile, eco-friendly soap derived from olive oil and traditionally made using a process called saponification. The process mixes a vegetable oil like olive oil or coconut oil with a chemical called potassium hydroxide. Once these ingredients are mixed together, the oil separates (that’s what saponification is) and what is left over is a sudsy liquid soap! It's all-natural, biodegradable, and free from synthetic additives, suitable for various cleaning and personal care purposes.
Tamanu Oil is expeller pressed from the nut of the Tamanu tree. The oil has some amazing benefits for the skin because of its unique composition of certain essential fatty acids. It has been shown to be antimicrobial, antibacterial and fortifying.
Eucalyptus essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree and has been shown to be a powerful agent to ward against infection and germs. It’s cleansing and fortifying and smells slightly minty.
Tea Tree essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree. Like Eucalyptus, it also has some powerful antimicrobial and skin protective properties, but it is also very soothing to the skin and has been shown to support and encourage the skin’s innate ability to recover from injury and damage.
Lemongrass essential oil is steam distilled from the baldes of grass from this tropical bush that grows in very humid climates. It has a very high percentage of a certain kind of molecule that has been shown to be very powerful combating germs and microbes, and has the ability to cut through dirt and grime. It has a calming lemon-like aroma, and can even encourage us to focus and concentrate more effectively.
Geranium essential oil is steam distilled from the fragrant floral scented leaves of this flowering bush. The oil is composed of some unique molecules that has been shown to not only soothe and repair the skin from environmental stressors and damage, but also offers special protective and germ fighting benefits.
Clove essential oil is steam distilled from the dried fruit buds of this tropical spice tree. The oil is made up of constituents that are known to be powerful agents against all kinds of pathogens. Plus, its warming, spicy aroma can make us feel comforted and protected.
How to make the liquid hand soap recipe using essential oils:
What you’ll need to make your own DIY liquid hand soap:
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring cups with spouts, or a glass or small metal mixing bowl
- Metal or glass stirrer, or metal spoon
- 2 oz Plastic flip-top bottle
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 grams or 4 TSBP) Unscented castille soap
- 1 tsp of Tamanu Oil
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus Essential oil
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 3 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 1 drop of Clove Essential Oil
Steps:
- Measuring out your liquid castille soap and set aside
- In another measuring cup or small glass or metal bowl measure, out the Tamanu oil and the essential oils and blend well.
- Slowly drizzle in the liquid castile soap mixing continuously being careful not make any bubbles until all is well blended
- Pour into your 2 oz plastic flip-top bottle
Make sure you label your bottle and use as needed!
Here are 3 Benefits of why you should be using essential oils in your homemade liquid hand wash
Antibacterial Properties: Essential oils like tea tree, clove, and eucalyptus offer natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, helping to effectively cleanse hands and eliminate harmful germs without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Skin Soothing: Many essential oils, such as tea tree and geranium, possess soothing and calming qualities. When used in a natural hand wash, they help prevent irritation and swelling, leaving hands feeling soothed.
Aromatherapeutic Benefits: Essential oils not only cleanse but also provide aromatherapeutic benefits. Scents like lemongrass and eucalyptus can uplift your mood, reduce stress, and create a more enjoyable handwashing experience, enhancing your overall well-being.
In conclusion
Making more plant-focused choices in our skin care can help us live a more natural lifestyle, and by making your own simple DIY products at home - like this hand washing soap - you are consciously making an impact to improve your own health and wellbeing and that of the planet!
