Gentle Natural DIY Body Wash | Moisturizing & Easy

During the holiday season, I received several requests asking if I could create a natural body wash. That curiosity inspired me to make a small test batch and try it out with my family—and the results were truly exciting.

Not only did this body wash cleanse the skin effectively, but it also nourished and supported the skin barrier, leaving the skin feeling balanced—never dry and never oily.

Today, I’m sharing this Natural DIY Body Wash with you. Watch my video to learn how I made it and to discover the benefits of creating your own skincare products at home.

What is a body wash, and why do some people prefer it over bar soap?

A body wash is a liquid cleanser designed to gently cleanse the skin, much like traditional soap. Many people choose body wash over bar soap for several reasons.

One reason is convenience and ease of use. Body wash is especially great for travel, and you only need a small amount on a loofah or washcloth to create a rich lather for your entire body.

Another reason is that body washes can be more gentle and hydrating. Ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and nourishing carrier oils help attract moisture to the skin and lock it in, supporting overall skin health.

For those with dry, sensitive, or problematic skin, a carefully formulated body wash can be a wonderful alternative, offering effective cleansing without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

Now that you understand what a body wash is and why many people prefer it over bar soap, let’s move into how you can make one at home.

This natural DIY body wash is simple, gentle, and thoughtfully formulated using skin-supportive ingredients that cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Whether you’re new to DIY skincare or looking for a cleaner alternative for your daily routine, this recipe is a wonderful place to start.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need and walk through the process step by step.

Distilled water. This is the perfect base for our body wash. It’s free from minerals, chlorine, and impurities, which means it won’t interfere with our formula. Think of it as the clean canvas that lets all our other ingredients shine.

Glycerin: It hydrates and moisturizes without clogging pores, gently cleanses, and even supports your skin’s natural healing process. Your skin will feel soft and protected after every wash.

Xanthan gum: a natural thickener and emulsifier, giving our body wash that smooth, luxurious texture we all love. And it’s completely safe for DIY formulas.

Decyl glucoside. This is a gentle, plant-derived surfactant that removes dirt, oil, and impurities without irritating or drying the skin. It creates a rich, stable lather while helping maintain your skin’s natural moisture and pH balance. Plus, it’s biodegradable like all the ingredients in my DIYs!

Coco-glucoside: a mild, naturally derived, and works as an emulsifier, moisturizer, and softener. It’s perfect for sensitive skin, baby products, or anyone looking for a sulfate-free, non-drying formula.

Cocamidopropyl betaine, or CAPB: a provides a luxurious, creamy texture to the body wash, keeps it gentle, and conditions the skin beautifully—ideal for sensitive skin.

Sweet almond oil: rich in vitamins D and E, linoleic acid, and oleic acid. It moisturizes deeply, nourishes, and helps create a mild, stable body wash. (Quick tip: if you have a nut allergy, you can swap in grapeseed oil—it’s light, absorbent, and just as nourishing.)

Avocado oil: This oil is wonderfully nourishing and perfect for dry or mature skin. Packed with vitamins A, B, D, E, and beneficial fatty acids, it helps soften, condition, and support the skin’s natural elasticity.

Finally, our essential oils for fragrance and extra skin benefits.

• Patchouli: Earthy, musky, and grounding. It moisturizes and soothes the skin while blending beautifully with cedarwood and geranium.

• Cedarwood Virginian: Calming and soft-woody, perfect for creating a relaxing, spa-like experience.

• Geranium: Floral, uplifting, and balancing. Great for stress relief and supporting overall skin health.

The result is a refreshing, revitalizing scent with a soft woody and floral finish—making every shower feel like a gentle, luxurious self-care ritual.

Making the DIY Body Wash

Now that we’ve talked about all our amazing ingredients, let’s put them together and create our natural DIY body wash. I like to divide the process into three simple parts: the water and glycerin base, the surfactants, and the oils.

Part 1: The Base

Step 1: Measure out 400 grams of distilled water. This is our clean canvas.

Step 2: Add 16 grams of glycerin for hydration and softness.

Step 3: Add 4 grams of xanthan gum. I add it directly, because dissolving it in water can be tricky. Once it’s in, mix everything together using an immersion blender—this is the only step where we’ll use it. Blend until smooth, and you’ll have a creamy, even base ready for the next step.

Part 2: The Surfactants

Surfactants are what make our body wash clean and lather beautifully.

Step 1: Measure 96 grams of decyl glucoside, 96 grams of coco-glucoside, and 80 grams of cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

Step 2: Gently mix them together. Try not to create too many bubbles here—we want a smooth, soft lather later.

Part 3: Oils & Fragrance

Now comes the nourishing and aromatic part of our body wash.

Step 1: Measure 15 grams of avocado oil and 5 grams of sweet almond oil. Mix them together.

Step 2: Add essential oils for fragrance and skin benefits:

• 15 drops Patchouli

• 10 drops Cedarwood Virginian

• 5 drops Geranium

This totals 30 drops, which is less than 0.25% dilution, keeping it gentle and skin-safe.

Step 3: Mix the carrier oils and essential oils thoroughly.

Step 4: Take a quarter of your surfactant mixture and slowly add it to the oils. Mix gently to avoid creating bubbles. Once it’s fully incorporated, add it to the rest of the surfactants.

Step 5: Finally, combine the surfactants mixture with the glycerin and water base. Mix slowly and carefully to minimize bubbles. If needed, add a little more xanthan gum until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

💡 Tip: I like to keep my body wash in the refrigerator. The avocado oil thickens as it chills, giving the body wash a perfect, creamy

Luxurious Natural DIY Body Wash that is gentle on your skin, leaving your skin feeling revitalized, moisturized and clean.