Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

DIY Liquid Hand Soap – Great Christmas Savings/Gift Idea

by 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

  2. 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.

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Have you read?

DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

  • No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative 
  • Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies 
  • Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy 
  • Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support 
  • Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies 

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm) 
  • 2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets 

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil 
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Optional for kids under 5:
 Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

  1. Melt the base:
     In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid. 
  2. Cool slightly:
     Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid. 
  3. Add essential oils:
     Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness. 
  4. Pour into tins or jars:
     Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on. 
  5. Label & store:
     Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months. 

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

  • For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season. 
  • For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale. 
  • For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes). 

Mum Tips

  • Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities. 
  • Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles. 
  • For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support. 

 

 

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