Shower gel is a satisfying alternative to soap, and if you use it with a knob or a mesh sponge your skin will feel truly pampered. Since many of the commercial brands of shower gels contain so many ingredients that have not been properly tested or are not even regulated, making it yourself is a guarantee of safety and quality. Plus, making a custom gel at a very low cost makes this experience even better, because you save!
In this article, you will learn how to prepare various types of gels based on the result you want to achieve.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Shower gel made from leftover soap bars
An excellent gel to cleanse the skin and to eliminate all those leftovers of soap that you never know how to use. The scent of the soaps used will mix and be masked by the scent you add to the gel; however, sometimes it may happen that the combination of smells is not ideal, so be careful not to use too strongly scented soap.
Step 1. Collect scraps of soap equal to 250g of chopped or ground soap
Step 2. Cut the soap into as small pieces as possible
If you want you can buy soap flakes.
Step 3. Mix the 250g of soap with 250ml of water in a saucepan and put it on the stove over medium heat
Stir often.
Step 4. Continue heating and stirring until the soap dissolves and mixes with the water
Step 5. Once the soap and water have formed a uniform mixture, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the gel to cool
Step 6. Add the perfumes or essential oils you want
See the Notes below for other advice regarding perfumes and oils, which must be used with care.
Step 7. To give the gel a nice color you can use water based food coloring
Step 8. We recommend that you also add an antibacterial, such as a few drops of grapefruit seed extract
Method 2 of 4: Shower gel made with shampoo
This method uses pure shampoo, which is usually suitable for all skin types. The addition of salt in addition to making the gel slightly exfoliating thickens it a little, softens the skin and increases the moisturizing properties.
Step 1. Pour the shampoo into a bowl
Step 2. Add the water and mix until the two elements are combined
Step 3. Add the salt and mix
With practice you will learn to vary the amount of salt in your gels to achieve different densities. But remember not to overdo it with salt, which in excessive doses can irritate
Step 4. Add the scented oil
Stir to distribute it evenly in the gel.
Step 5. Pour into a suitable bottle (an old shampoo bottle that you washed well is fine)
Step 6. Use the gel every time you shower
Method 3 of 4: Vanilla and Rose Shower Gel
It is based on Method 2 just seen, and is a beautifully scented gel that will make you feel good thanks to the gentleness of the rose and the invigorating and pleasant scent of vanilla. In addition, it is gentle on the skin.
Step 1. Prepare the base following the instructions in Method 2
Pour the base into the bottle. Follow this recipe to add the scents.
Step 2. Mix vanilla essence or extract with rose essential oil
Add the glycerin and mix.
Step 3. Pour the scented mixture into the bottle with the shower gel base
Shake the bottle well to distribute the perfumes and glycerin evenly.
Step 4. Shake well before use
Method 4 of 4: Note on the use of essential oils and fragrances
Step 1. Keep in mind that not everyone agrees on the use of essential oils in shower gels
If you want to use it, always respect the recommended quantities, and inform yourself about the precautions to be taken regarding the oil you intend to use. If you are unsure don't use it. If you want, there are some excellent alternatives:
- Dried herbs such as lavender buds, geranium leaves, rosemary stems, etc. Crumble them first with a pestle or food processor.
- Dried fruits such as orange or grapefruit wedges.
- Spices like cinnamon, star anise, ginger.
- Pure extracts (vanilla, almond, etc.).
Advice
- If you use essential oils or synthetic perfumes, keep in mind that the heat of the soap removes some of the scent, so wait for the mixture of soap and water to cool. This way you will have to use less perfume.
- You can find grapefruit seed extract at a herbalist's shop, drugstore, or health food stores.
- There are many essential or scented oils to choose from, such as strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, coconut, honeysuckle, raspberry, lavender, rosemary.
- When you are really good at making shower gels you could make a few more and put it in beautiful bottles to give as gifts.
- Instead of using leftover soap from your home, you could buy your favorite scented soap.
Warnings
- In the first method, do not leave the soap unattended on the fire. Keep some water on hand in case the mixture feels too thick or dry, or if it seems to stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Even if you add an antibacterial, homemade liquid soap can develop bacteria or mold if left on for too long. Since taking a shower you rinse immediately shouldn't be a problem for people in good health, but if you smell strange odors or mold builds up, throw away the gel.
- For homemade cosmetics it is a good idea to carry out a skin test before using them to check that they do not cause allergic reactions.
- In Method 2, which uses essential or perfumed oils, always check that there are no contraindications (such as pregnancy / breastfeeding, immuno suppression, use for children and babies, allergies) and do not use oils that may cause problems for other family members who use the gel. If you are unsure, ask the shopkeeper for advice or ask your doctor
- In Method 1, let the product cool well before putting it in the bottle.
