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DIY Liquid Hand Soap – Great Christmas Savings/Gift Idea

December 14, 2011 by Nellie Lee Luhrmann 4 Comments

 

What is in your liquid hand soap, do you know?  There are 15 ingredients  in the average store bought hand soap, many containing delightful ingredients such as sodium Laureth Sulphate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. As my son’s kinder’s “purchasing officer” I was recently asked to find liquid hand soap dispensers as well as a liquid hand soap to replace the old fashioned soap bar. Upon further investigation I was horrified at not only the price of liquid hand soap but the actual ingredients. Surely I could find a simple recipe that not only saves the ( self funded ) kinder some serious coin but could also double as a in house project that the kids could happily participate in. So off I set  to google suitable recipes looking at quite a few I found one that was

A- Inexpensive

B – Easy

and finally

C – Is free from as many “synthetic nasties” as possible that can cause chemical sensitivities

So here goes

 

YOU WILL NEED 

Cheese grater (from the dollar store)
2 Tablespoons of Liquid Glycerin (found in the band aid section at any drugstore or grocery store)
1 – 8 oz bar of soap ( I used Willows Organic Olive Oil Castile Soap Bar )  which is different from the soap in the picture above.
1 gallon of water

 

To see what to do next pop on over to The Farmers Nest for an easy to follow tutorial complete with pictures.

Why not make some for a christmas gift, try different bars of soap or add your own scents. You can the decorate it with this free printable label

Photo property of The Farmers Nest

 

 

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Comments

  1. Becky says

    December 14, 2011 at 9:22 am

    This sounds like a project for me too! Thanks!

  2. Shay says

    December 14, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    So instead of buying liquid soap that contains various chemicals (including cocamidopropyl betaine, which is a nothing more than a synthetic derived from coconut oil), you recommend making liquid soap by grating a bar of solid soap that contains various chemicals.

    You will save money and it will be fun project, but implying that this is somehow safer for children has no scientific validity.

  3. Nellie Lee Luhrmann says

    December 14, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    Thank you Shay I have corrected my post what I was meant was free from as many synthetic ingredients as possible that may cause “chemical sensitivities” in children

Trackbacks

  1. Free Printable Tag For DIY Soap Gifts · Bath and Body | CraftGossip.com says:
    December 14, 2011 at 12:33 am

    […] DIY Lotion Or Soap In A Handmade Mason Jar Christmas Light Bulb Hand Soap – Great Gift IdeaDIY Candy Cane Mani DIY Snowball Soap Surprise DIY Snowman Poop Soap With Free Printable Tag DownloadFestive Berry soap Slice – YummoKevin Murphy – Colour Bug – Great Tween Christmas IdeaChocolate Snowman S'more Soap Christmas Gift IdeaMaoli Perfumes Review – Perfect Last Minute Stocking FillerDIY Liquid Hand Soap – Great Christmas Savings/Gift Idea […]

Have you read?

DIY Halloween Bath Bombs – Spooky-Fun Self-Care for Ghouls of All Ages

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

  • Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here 
  • Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars 
  • Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange 
  • Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid 
  • Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup baking soda 
  • 1/2 cup citric acid 
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch 
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt 
  • 2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil) 
  • 1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle 
  • 10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends) 
  • Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green) 
  • Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms 
  • Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons 

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

 Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

 Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

 Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

 Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

  • Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!” 
  • Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store 
  • Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting 
  • Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!” 

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely. 
  • Use gloves to avoid stained fingers. 
  • Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon). 

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

 

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