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.
DIY Lavender-Infused Hand Soap
Equipment
- Medium-sized bowl
- Refillable soap dispenser
Materials
- 1 cup Castile soap (we used Dr. Bronner's Lavender Castile Soap)
- 1 cup filtered water
- 25 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
Instructions
- Measure out your Castile soap and mix with water 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
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.
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Cheryl C says
This recipe followed exactly produced a thin watery solution. I added an extra one half cup of the castile soap and it was no better. Is there anything to add to give the hand soap a more gel like consistency ? This is using a simple pump top. Other similar recipes I have used in foaming dispensers have produced great suds and thick foam.
Edson Magara says
Where on earth do you get such amazing pair of scissors and a glorious soap bottle! Am stunned! Great advice too. I do hand washes for sale using Lavender Essential oil. It has never disappointed.
jenny taylor says
Love your scissors and your soap dispenser. Since you haven't replied to comments and questions as far as i can see, i will assume your 'dispenser' is a house plant mister bottle? I wonder if that makes it foam?!
Verena says
great recipe! can't wait to try this soap out!
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frances says
Where did you get your lovely soap bottle? It seems necessary to have a pretty bottle if you do all the work to make soap :)
Athena says
I made this soap and it is lovely! My only complaint is that it was a bit too watery for my liking. I think the amount of water in the recipe could even be cut down by half.
Mavrick says
Grade A stuff. I'm unonistequably in your debt.