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Finding a hand soap that’s gentle, effective, and free from unnecessary chemicals can feel like a challenge. That’s why making your own gel hand soap is such a satisfying solution. Not only does it save money, but it also allows you to know exactly what goes into the soap your family uses every day.
This gel soap combines natural ingredients to cleanse without stripping your skin, leaving hands feeling soft and moisturized—perfect for frequent use. It's base is castile soap - a versatile, plant-based soap made traditionally from olive oil, though modern versions may include coconut, hemp, or other vegetable oils. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from synthetic detergents, making it gentle on skin and eco-friendly. Castile soap is highly concentrated and can be diluted for various uses, from personal care (like hand soap and body wash) to household cleaning products. Its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a staple for natural, intentional living.
It was important to me that this soap was a gel - not a liquid or a foam. There a million ways to customize this recipe, but I've been happy with this one! As I make more batches in the future, I will be sure to update this post with any tricks or tips I learn along the way.
Why Homemade?
Switching to homemade hand soap isn’t just about saving money (though it’s a great perk!). It’s also about knowing what’s in the products you use daily. Many store-bought hand soaps are packed with artificial fragrances, harsh surfactants, and other unnecessary additives. By making your own, you can:
Prioritize Gentle Ingredients:Â This recipe avoids sulfates and synthetic fragrances, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Customize Moisturizing Benefits:Â Add oils and glycerin to keep your hands hydrated even with frequent washing.
Save Money:Â Homemade hand soap costs a fraction of store-bought options and lasts much longer.
Live Intentionally:Â Making your own products reflects an intentional choice to simplify your life and align with your values.
Use in two ways: As a gel soap: use recipe beow or as a foam soap: omit the xanthan gum from the recipe and just mix everything together in one bowl and use a foam dispenser
Ingredients (click to shop!)
1 cup Castile soap or this brand (gentle cleansing) - I used unscented, but you can use one already scented with essential oils to help avoid the castile soap's light scent if you prefer!
3/4 cup distilled water (dilution and better consistency! Distilled water instead of tap reduces chances of bacteria growth as well.)
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin (moisturizing)
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (thickening agent for gel texture - if you're making foam soap you do not need this!)
2 tablespoons jojoba oil (hydration and softness)
35-40 drops essential oils (for scent + other benefits) I did:
20 drops lavender essential oil (calming and antibacterial)
20 drops tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial)
Clove, lemon, peppermint, orange, and eucalyptus would all be great choices here!
Glass or plastic pump bottles to store it in! If you're making foam soap, you'll want to opt for these ones.
Instructions
Prepare the Thickener (gel soap only!):
In a small bowl, begin whisking the 3/4 cup of distilled water, slowly sprinkling in the xanthan gum as you go until it's fully dissolved. The faster you do this the better - you do not want clumps here! Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. If you're really picky about the consistency, I would recommend using an immersion blender to make sure it is fully incorporated.
If you're making foam soap, you want the formula to be liquid so you can omit this step and add everything into one bowl.
Mix the Soap Base:
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the Castile soap, vegetable glycerin, and jojoba oil. Stir gently to prevent creating bubbles.
Incorporate the Thickener:
Slowly whisk the xanthan gum mixture into the soap base. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add Essential Oils:
Stir in your essential oils of choice.
Bottle Your Soap:
Use a funnel to pour the finished hand soap into a pump or foam dispenser. Shake gently before each use if separation occurs.
How/Where to Use
This gel hand soap is perfect for:
Daily Handwashing:Â Use in kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere frequent handwashing is necessary.
Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin: Thanks to the moisturizing glycerin and jojoba oil, it’s safe for even the most delicate hands.
Family-Friendly:Â Ideal for kids and adults alike due to its natural, non-toxic formula.
Note: Castile soap is known to have its own scent, and some people do not enjoy it. If that's you, I recommend experimenting with different brands, as each brand or supplier may source their soap from different kinds of oils. You can also buy pre-scented ones, usually already given a scent with essential oils. Just be sure to pay attention to the ingredients!
Use within 1-2 months for best quality, and make in smaller batches if you don’t use it quickly! The water content increases the risk for bacteria to grow, so you don't want it sitting around for more than that timeframe!
Pro Tip:Â To make refills easier, store the remainder of your soap in a larger bottle and refill smaller pump dispensers as needed.
Why It Works
Castile Soap: A plant-based, biodegradable soap that effectively cleanses without harsh chemicals. I love Dr. Bronner’s or this brand for a cheaper alternative from Amazon!
Vegetable Glycerin:Â Adds a silky feel to the soap while moisturizing the skin.
Xanthan Gum:Â Creates a gel-like consistency for easier application.
Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural oils, leaving hands soft and hydrated.
Essential Oils:Â Lavender and tea tree provide natural antibacterial and calming properties.
Cost Breakdown
Castile Soap:Â Approximately $3.39
Distilled Water:Â Negligible cost.
Vegetable Glycerin:Â Approximately $0.87
Xanthan Gum:Â Approximately $.07
Jojoba Oil:Â Approximately $1
Essential Oils:Â Approximately $0.79
Total Cost: About $6.38 for a 16 oz batch (compared to $5–$10 for quality store-bought gel hand soap).
Closing Thoughts
Making your own gel hand soap is a simple yet impactful way to embrace intentional living. By choosing natural ingredients, you’re not only caring for your family’s skin but also reducing unnecessary waste and being intentional with the ingredients you're using at home. This recipe is part of my growing collection of DIY home and personal care products—all designed to simplify your life while staying aligned with your values.
Have you tried making this hand soap? Let me know how it turned out! Share your favorite essential oil blends or tips in the comments. Together, we can make everyday choices that reflect the life we want to live.
RECIPE CARD
