DIY Lavender & Vanilla Body Wash
About the Recipe
This easy DIY creamy body wash is a game-changer for natural skincare—no Castile soap required!
Unlike many homemade body washes that can feel drying or leave a filmy residue, this formula uses Olivem 1000 for a rich, silky texture, glycerin to lock in moisture, and coco glucoside for a gentle, foamy lather. Infused with soothing lavender and vanilla essential oils, it turns your shower into a self-care ritual.
Plus, it's pH-balanced and great for all skin types, even sensitive skin. One downside? Since it’s free of harsh cleansers, it may not lather as much as store-bought body washes—but your skin will love the extra hydration!
Ingredients
Equipment
Glass beakers
Scales
Spoon
Baine -Marie
Thermometer
Pump jar or bottle
PH Strips
Mini whisk
Prep Stage
6 grams Glycerin
0.5 grams Xanthan Gum
Heated Stage
10 grams Olivem 1000
68 grams Distilled Water
Cool down stage
12 grams Coco Glucoside
1g Lavender EO
0.5g Vanilla Essential oil/ Extract
1 gram Preservative Eco
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Thickener
In a small beaker or bowl, mix the glycerin with the xanthan gum, use a mini whisk and stir it well until fully dissolved.
Step 2: Melt the Base Ingredients
In a heatproof container, combine distilled water and Olivem1000. Place this container into a double boiler. Let it melt completely.
Step 3: Blend it Together
Once melted, remove from heat and stir briskly. Then, add your glycerin and xanthan gum mixture, stirring continuously.
Step 4: Cool & Thicken
As the body wash starts to cool, it will thicken into a creamy consistency. Stir regularly to speed up the process. To speed up the process, place it into an ice bath while stirring gently.
Step 5: Add Essential Oils
Once the mixture reaches 40°C (104°F) and is thick and creamy, mix in your Lavender and Vanilla essential oils.
Step 6:Incorporate the Surfactant (Coco Glucoside)
Stir coco glucoside in slowly and gently. This step is key—if you stir too fast, it will foam up!
Step 7: Check & Adjust pH
The ideal pH for a body wash is between 4 and 6. Use a pH testing strip to check. If it's too high, add a few drops of lactic acid or diluted citric acid to lower it.
Step 8: Preserve Your Formula
Stir in a preservative to keep your body wash fresh. After adding, re-test the pH and adjust if needed.
Step 9: Transfer to a bottle:
Transfer your body wash into a pump bottle. Let it sit for 24 hours to allow the ingredients to fully blend and stabilize.
Watch it step-by-step!
Key Ingredients
Glycerin
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it soft, smooth, and hydrated. It helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, preventing dryness and irritation. Plus, its lightweight texture makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Lavender Essential Oil
Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm irritated skin and promote a clear, healthy complexion. Its antibacterial benefits make it great for acne-prone skin, while its relaxing scent also reduces stress and promotes better sleep.
Vanilla Essential Oil
Rich in antioxidants, supporting skin repair and protecting against environmental damage. It also has natural antibacterial properties, making it a gentle yet effective ingredient for maintaining healthy skin. Plus, its warm, comforting aroma provides a luxurious and calming sensory experience.
