Hi friends! Today I’m excited to share how simple it is to make your own natural shower gel at home. This easy recipe lets you control the ingredients so your skin gets gentle, nourishing care without the unknown chemicals found in many commercial products. Plus, it smells wonderful — perfect for everyday pampering or to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
For years I loved buying scented shower gels, switching bottles whenever a new scent caught my eye. Over time I learned more about ingredients and gradually switched to cleaner options. Now I make my own shower gel and I love knowing exactly what goes into it. It’s fast, affordable, and customizable to the scents and properties you prefer.
Below is a basic, reliable recipe and a few variations and tips to help you tailor the shower gel to your preferences. This version uses Castile soap as a gentle surfactant, honey and glycerin for moisture and humectant properties, and nourishing oils like jojoba and vitamin E.
What you’ll need:
- 2/3 cup Castile soap
- 2 tablespoons raw honey (local or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
- Essential oils of your choice. A favorite blend for a festive scent:
- 6 drops Christmas Spirit essential oil (or orange/clove blend)
- 4 drops Idaho Blue Spruce essential oil (or another spruce/woodsy oil)
This combination creates warm fruity top notes from orange and spicy-clove undertones balanced by the woody, resinous character of spruce — imagine sipping spiced cider beside a decorated tree. If you prefer other profiles, try vanilla and lime for a creamy citrus blend, lavender and grapefruit for a bright floral-citrus scent, or eucalyptus and peppermint for a refreshing shower boost. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so start with the suggested drops and adjust to your preference.
How to Make your Own Sweet & Sassy Spruce Shower Gel
- Combine all ingredients in a clean mixing bowl: Castile soap, raw honey, vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, and vegetable glycerin.
- Whisk gently until the honey is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Honey and glycerin act as humectants, helping to retain moisture in the skin, while jojoba and vitamin E provide extra nourishment.
- Add your chosen essential oils, stirring in a few drops at a time. Smell and adjust until you reach the desired aroma.
- Pour the finished shower gel into an 8 oz. squeeze bottle or pump bottle using a funnel if needed, then close with the lid.
- Store the bottle away from direct heat and sunlight. Shake lightly before each use if separation occurs. Use as you would any shower gel — a small amount produces a delicate lather.
Tips and Notes:
- Patch test first: Apply a small amount to a forearm and wait 24 hours if you have sensitive skin or are trying a new essential oil.
- Shelf life: Because this recipe is made with simple, mostly natural ingredients and contains no preservatives, expect a shelf life of several weeks to a few months. Store in a cool, dry place and discard if you notice changes in smell, color, or texture.
- Adjust texture: If you prefer a thicker gel, slightly reduce the water content in your Castile soap solution (if using a diluted liquid) or add a small amount of vegetable thickener specifically made for cosmetics. Keep additions minimal to preserve gentle cleansing properties.
- Suitable containers: Squeeze bottles, pump bottles, or foaming pump dispensers work well. If using a foaming pump, dilute the mixture further with distilled water and test the ratio to achieve the foam consistency you like.
- Customize freely: Swap oils and essential oil blends according to seasonal preferences, skin needs, or fragrance favorites.
This DIY shower gel is a straightforward way to enjoy a cleaner, more natural bathing product without sacrificing a beautiful scent. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and gentle enough for most skin types. Have fun experimenting with scent combinations and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade shower treat.