How to make shower gel from natural handmade soap

Making shower gel is another way of recycling natural soap that didn't turn out exactly how you wanted it, and also of turning your most precious soap bars into a mild, soft gel if (like me) you prefer liquid soap in the shower.

The proportions to make shower gel are:: 1 part natural handmade soap; 12 parts liquid (water or herbal tea); (optional) 1 tb dried herb(s) per litre of water; 1 tb to 2 tbs per litre of jojoba, apricot kernel, avocado or macadamia oil for extra superfatting

How to prepare the gel:: I usually prepare a couple of litres of shower gel at a time, which requires approximately 150g of natural soap. Whole soaps do not need to be grated - I simply slice them up with a knife.
I place the soap in a pan and add 1.8 litres of cold water. If you wish to use a herbal decoction, also add a small cheesecloth bag, tied with a cotton string, with the herb(s) of your choice. Lavender, marshmallow, chamomile, calendula, green tea or rosemary add extra "pampering" qualities for your skin; chamomile, nettle or rosemary are particularly good if you're planning to use this gel as a shampoo. Herbal tea blends can also be used.
Place the pot on medium heat and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Usually, all the soap is melted by this time. If there's any residual soap bits, reduce the heat and simmer until all the soap is melted.
When the mixture is cool, take the herb bag out and squeeze well; add the oil of your choice (more or less, depending on how nourishing you'd like your gel to be), stir thoroughly and pour into plastic bottles. Since this gel tends to set, leave some head space in each bottle, so you can add more water and shake well to dilute the soap before use.

Learn how to make soap
Order our soap making book
Meet other soapmakers
Natural soap & shampoo recipes
Eco-friendly household cleaners
Teach yourself soapmaking methods
DWCP: Discounted Water Cold Process

Natural handmade soap
Soap supplies Australia
Making soap
Soap recipes
Soap mailing list
Soap Naturally book
Essential oils

Soap Recipe Corner
Soapmaking Methods
NSW, Australia
email contact form

Enhance your Internet experience with Firefox. Download your free copy of the Firefox browser with Google toolbar by clicking the button above.

Ads on this page are served by Google. You can sign up for the Google AdWords programme by clicking the button below.

last updated 12 mar 2007