If you’ve been trying to switch to cleaner, more natural skincare (like me), body wash is one of the easiest swaps to make.
Most store-bought washes are full of synthetic fragrance, harsh surfactants, and ingredients that leave your skin tight and dry.
This homemade Aloe Vera Body & Face Wash is different. It’s gentle, hydrating, and simple, and you control every ingredient that goes into it.
This recipe makes about 12 ounces, which is perfect for a standard pump bottle.
I love gifting this wash to my friends. I just pour it into a cute bottle, tie a ribbon around it, and it instantly feels so thoughtful. They usually love it because it’s handmade and practical.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Aloe vera helps soothe and hydrate
- Castile soap gently cleans without stripping
- Carrier oils nourish and protect your skin barrier
- Essential oils are completely customizable (or optional!)
It’s gentle enough for your face and effective enough for your body. A win-win.
Aloe Vera Body and Face Wash Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- 4–5 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 15 drops essential oils (optional for body wash only)
When I make it for my face, I skip the essential oils and keep it super simple. But if I’m making it just as a body wash, adding essential oils is amazing bc it gives it that delicious, spa-like smell in the shower. 💚
Instructions:
1. Infuse the Carrier Oil
If you’re using essential oils (body wash only), add them directly to your carrier oil first.
This helps disperse them more evenly throughout the wash instead of dropping them straight into the soap.
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2. Mix Aloe with Water
Stir the aloe vera gel and water together until combined.
It may look a little clumpy at first, that’s totally normal. Just keep stirring until it’s blended as smoothly as possible.
3. Add Soap & Oil
Add in the liquid castile soap and your carrier oil mixture.
Stir gently until everything is combined. Try not to overmix to avoid too many bubbles.
4. Bottle It Up
Pour into your soap bottle.
Give it a gentle shake before each use since natural ingredients can separate.
Customization Ideas
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is.
- Use jojoba oil for lightweight hydration
- Sweet almond oil for extra softness
- Coconut oil (fractionated) for a silky feel
- Lavender for calming
- Peppermint for a refreshing shower
- Or skip essential oils completely for sensitive skin
You really can’t mess this up.
Notes:
- You can add a natural preservative to extend the shelf life.
- If kept in the fridge, it can last a couple of weeks.
- Because this contains water and aloe, I recommend making small batches and using it fresh.
Aloe Vera Face & Body Wash
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- 4-5 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 15 drops essential oils
Instructions
- If you are using essential oils, add them to the carrier oil.
- Stir the aloe vera gel and water together until clumpy and combined.
- Then add in the castile soap and carrier oil. Stir until combined.
- Add to your soap bottle and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use any carrier oil you would like.
- Any essential oils work, or are optional.
- You can add a preservative to extend the shelf life. If kept in the fridge, this can last a couple of weeks.
