Store-bought shower gels often contain petroleum and other chemical-based ingredients, such as added fragrances. If you notice your skin becoming dry, irritated, itchy, or flaky, consider switching to a different shower gel; however, we recommend making your own shower gel so you can know exactly what it contains. It’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons shea butter
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon almond oil
1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
1 tablespoon Castile soap
1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon xanthan gum
1 cup warm water (distilled water)
12 drops essential orange oil
Preparation Method:
To prepare the shower gel, place the shea butter in a small saucepan and melt it over low heat. Add the jojoba oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. Shea butter is an amazing ingredient, considering its high vitamin A content. It is also very moisturizing. Jojoba oil provides great skin healing benefits and is helpful in reducing acne as well as psoriasis. For a beneficial dose of vitamin E for the skin, almond oil is the way to go. And remember that coconut oil is a great moisturizer that fights bacteria.
Now, pour the oil and shea butter mixture into a medium-sized bowl and sprinkle the xanthan gum into the bowl, letting it sit for about a minute. You might wonder what this ingredient is. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent. While it’s not a good idea to consume too much, it can be helpful for the skin. Using a hand blender, dissolve the gum into the shea butter and oil mixture. Do this for one to two minutes.
Next, add the Castile soap, vegetable glycerin, and warm water. Castile soap is a natural, vegetable-based soap. Vegetable glycerin is useful because it is a plant-based humectant, which means it helps retain moisture in the skin. Mix again for about two minutes. At this point, it will start to look like a creamy lotion.
Finally, add the essential orange oil. Sweet orange essential oil has a delightful citrus scent and also fights bacteria while helping to reduce stress at the same time. Pour the shower gel into a soap dispenser. You may want to shake it before use, as it may separate a little. Use within a few weeks, as it does not contain preservatives.
This DIY shower gel is made from some of the most beneficial and healing ingredients for the skin, including shea butter, jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and Castile soap. The essential orange oil is for fragrance and more.
Recipe Summary
In a small saucepan on the stove, gently melt the shea butter in distilled water over low heat.
Add the jojoba, almond, and coconut oils. Mix well using a hand blender.
Pour the mixed oils into a heat-resistant container.
Add the xanthan gum and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
Then, add the Castile soap and mix.
Add the glycerin and sweet orange essential oil. Mix well.
The mixture should be creamy and thick. Pour it into a dispenser.
Use within a few weeks.
