Hand & Body Wash

Analisa Malone

This shows you how to thicken a soap and water solution so it not runny and resembles the consistency of store bought.

Use this base for:

  • Hand wash
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Shampoo
  • Even Dog wash

This is a the base which stays the same. What changes is how concentrated it is and which optional ingredients you include. For example, a dog wash skips essential oils that may not suit pets, while a body wash or shampoo might add skin-conditioning ingredients like aloe vera, glycerine or vitamin E.

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The Recipe

500ml Makes / Yield
1-2 minutes Time

Ingredients

  • Castile Soap
    25-50ml (approx 1-2 tablespoons)
  • Xanthan Gum
    1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Glycerine
    ~ 1 tablespoon (enough to cover the xanthan)
  • Water
    Top up to 500ml. Tap or pre-boiled water is generally fine. If you have hard water, use distilled or demineralised water instead.

Method

  1. Combine the glycerine and xanthan gum in a jug and mix until a smooth paste forms. This is what thickens without the clumps.
  2. Add the water, essential oils (if using) and then the Castile soap last, to avoid extra bubbles.
  3. Gently stir until you're close to the consistency you're after as the gel will continue to settle and thicken slightly over the next hour.
  4. Use a funnel to transfer to a pump bottle. That's it.

Good to know

Is it safe for babies or very sensitive skin?

Castile soap, especially unscented versions, is generally safe for babies and sensitive skin when heavily diluted. Always avoid the eyes as soap can sting. Its best to apply a small drop to a washcloth to help with control. Monitor skin for dryness and adjust dilution as needed. Dilute, dilute, dilute, and always patch test first

What about using it on pets?

Always patch test first, use the plain soap base or even just the Castile Soap very diluted, skip essential oils entirely.

What if I made it too thick or too thin?

If it's too thick, dilute with a little water and mix gently. If it's too thin, let it rest for an hour first, since the gel continues to thicken over time, then add a little more xanthan gum if it's still needed. Always mix xanthan gum with glycerine first to form a paste, otherwise it will clump.

What's the shelf life?

Castile soap on its own has a long shelf life if stored correctly, up to 2 years. Once diluted with water and without preservatives, the water becomes the limiting factor. Make small batches and use within a few months, and store in a clean, sealed bottle.

Why this works

Castile soap
The cleaning agent in both recipes. Gentle enough for skin and fur when diluted, while still lifting everyday dirt and oils.

Xanthan gum
A natural thickener that gives the wash body, so it pours and sits in the hand rather than running like water. Left out of the hand wash on purpose, since a foaming pump needs a thin liquid.

Glycerine
Helps the xanthan gum blend in without clumping, and keeps the finished wash from separating.

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