Lavender-Infused Homemade Liquid Hand Soap (+ 4 More Ways To Make Hand Soap)

One of my favorite summer rituals is heralding the arrival of lavender season with childlike glee. Since we're lucky enough to live close to a few lavender farms, I make a point to visit during their blooming season from June to September.

Standing in a lavender field and watching the rolling waves of purple blooms sway in the breeze, their scent perfuming the air—it's hard not to imagine oneself in Provence, peeking out from a straw hat to take in the countryside. While I wistfully await the day when I can purchase that plane ticket to the south of France, I'll be making every lavender DIY project I can get my hands on.

Since lavender lends itself so well to natural beauty, I thought I'd channel my inner perfumier and try my hand at making lavender hand soap. After all, while I may not be able to gaze out my kitchen window and see the rolling hills of Provence, I'm a firm believer that the scent of my kitchen can take me there.

From a practical point of view, one of the things I like best about this recipe is its simplicity. Four ingredients are all you need, most of which you probably already have at home.

If you're like me, and you often run out of hand soap at the most inopportune times—say when the guests arrive, or you've just come in from the garden—then you'll want to pin this for later.

Scroll down for the recipe!

4 More Ways to Make Your Own Hand Soap

If you're concerned that too much hand washing will dry out your hands, opt for natural, homemade hand soaps. They will change your life! They're moisturizing, they smell good, and can even be a fun option for kids (hello, foaming soap!). Not to mention they're easy to mix and much more affordable in the long term.  

1. DIY Coconut Oil Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap

Cold weather is hard on skin, especially our hands. That's why a non-drying, natural hand soap is a must in the bathroom and kitchen. This one is made with germ-fighting Castile soap, moisturizing coconut oil, and freshly scented essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus. 

2. Castile Honey Homemade Hand Soap

Honey is a natural antimicrobial and humectant [source], attracting moisture from the air, and the almond oil nicely counteracts the drying effects of soap. Combining them results in a wonderful foaming hand soap, which clearly makes hand washing more fun (yes, and that includes the kids!)

3. Green Tea, Lemongrass + Ginger Liquid Hand Soap

A germ-fighting hand soap is the first step toward keeping colds and the flu at a distance. We're always making this recipe come fall—it's packed with antiseptic essential oils! The lemongrass and ginger essential oils combined with green tea smells lovely and fresh, and the sweet almond oil prevents your skin from drying out with the winter chill. 

4. Charcoal Hand Soap

Since it's an excellent exfoliant that removes dead skin cells along with extracting dirt and grime, charcoal soap can also be used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Opt for this recipe if you have sensitive skin but also if you're looking to keep germs at bay during the flu season. 

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4.34 from 21 votes

DIY Lavender-Infused Hand Soap

A simple four-ingredient recipe for lavender-infused hand soap

Active Time10 minutes mins

Course: Bath and Body Soap

Keyword: DIY, lavender, skincare

Yield: 2 cups

Author: Heidi's Bridge

Cost: $5

Equipment

• Medium-sized bowl
• Refillable soap dispenser

Materials

• 1 cup Castile soap (we used Dr. Bronner's Lavender Castile Soap)
• 2 tablespoons filtered water
• 25 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 2-4 tablespoons aloe vera gel optional for thickening your hand soap

Instructions

• Measure out your Castile soap and mix with water (and aloe vera gel, if using) in a medium bowl.
• Pour the mixture into your soap dispenser and add lavender essential oil.
• Add sweet almond oil to the mixture, and gently shake to combine. Enjoy!

Notes

While this simple hand soap recipe requires just four ingredients, you're free to add any extra essential oils, carrier oils, and natural fragrances that you like. Make sure to keep the product ratios the same, otherwise, the sky's the limit—so go ahead and mix and match until you find a blend that you enjoy.

If you like your hand soap on the thicker side, then go ahead and add some aloe vera gel when you add the water. Make sure to whisk well to remove any lumps. 

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.