This natural DIY body wash takes just minutes to mix together, works like a charm, and smells amazing! (Plus, you know exactly what’s in it… and it’s all natural!)

We use soap to keep us clean and healthy, however, mainstream soaps themselves can be what make us unwell!

Conventional soaps, cleansers, washes, sanitizers, and other skincare products contain a plethora of potentially hazardous ingredients.

The David Suzuki Foundation has created a “dirty dozen” list that includes some of the most common and most harmful ingredients found in cosmetics, and here is a quick rundown:

1. BHA and BHT
2. Coal tar dyes
3. DEA-related ingredients
4. Dibutyl phthalate
5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
6. Parabens
7. Parfum (aka fragrance)
8. PEG compounds
9. Petrolatum
10. Siloxanes
11. Sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate
12. Triclosan

According to their survey of Canadians, at least one of the chemicals showed up in eighty percent of people’s products. Yikes!

The reason the David Suzuki Foundation classified those particular ingredients as toxic is that they are:

• Carcinogens
• Pesticides
• Reproductive toxins
• Hormone disrupters
• Plasticizers
• Degreasers
• Surfactants

These types of toxins are harmful to our own health and the health of our families. When we use harmful products, the toxins are absorbed through our skin and make their way into our bloodstream. Then they wash down the drain and go on to negatively impact the ecosystem by harming aquatic life, wildlife and plant life.

For years now I have been using store-bought natural bar soaps. When I recently ran out, and didn’t have a replacement waiting, I started looking through my personal ingredients basket to see if there was anything I could whip up. I realized that I already had all the ingredients on hand to make my own natural DIY body wash!

I have done melt-and-pour soaps before, but I have yet to venture into “real” soap-making for bar soaps. I do really like to make my own cleaning and cosmetic products whenever possible though because that way I have total control over the ingredients and can feel confident in their safety.

Creating a simple liquid natural DIY body wash felt like the ideal solution for my situation.

After playing around with the measurements, this is the recipe I have landed on and continue to use. It lathers well, nourishing the skin instead of drying it out, and has a wonderful floral scent. It is simple and easy to throw together, and the recipe is completely customizable to the types of oils and essential oils you prefer or have at home already.

Here is how to make Natural DIY Body Wash.

Natural DIY Body Wash: Ingredient Breakdown

Unscented Liquid Castile Soap

• Made with all-natural ingredients
• Safe for babies
• Plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Sweet Almond Oil

• Mild, making it suitable for all skin types
• Safe for babies
• Lightweight
• Contains the antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin E
• Promotes healing
• Treats acne
• Moisturizing
• Rich in proteins that help the formation of collagen

Argan Oil

• Contains the antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin E
• Boosts cell production
• Contains omega-6 fatty acids
• Contains linoleic acid which is anti-inflammatory
• Moisturizing
• Reduces sebum levels in those with oily skin
• Helps reduce acne

(Read more about how Beth switched from coconut oil to argan oil as a facial moisturizer.)

Geranium Essential Oil

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Astringent
• Deodorant
• Healing
• Treats acne
• Alleviates dermatitis
• Helps with eczema
• Balances oily skin
• Has a scent which reduces feelings of stress, nervousness, and depression

Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

• Antiseptic
• Treats acne
• Soothes irritated skin
• Has a scent which reduces feelings of stress, nervousness, and depression

Of course, you’re welcome to invent your own scents by mixing up the essential oils used. (For a child under two years old, it would be a great wash without any oils at all, or maybe a drop or two of lavender.)

Limiting your toxin exposure is always a worthwhile effort, and making your own cosmetic products is an excellent way to do so. You are one hundred percent in control of the ingredients, and you will actually know what all of them are.

Like many other DIY recipes, this natural DIY body wash is also (significantly!) less costly than buying natural and/or organic items in a store. Plus, you will be supporting the environment as well by reducing the toxic load it takes on from our waste.

Best of all, using this Natural DIY Body Wash will support clear, soft, healthy skin for you and your family. I bet you can whip up a batch today!