Create Your Own Natural Body Soap

This is part 5 of a 9-part “DIY Personal Care Products” series originally featured in Epoch Times.

In this series we explore how to save money and lower our toxic burden by harnessing the healing powers of nature through home-made personal care products. By making your own product line, you can avoid the side effects of chemical additives, artificial fragrances, and toxic preservatives commonly found in commercial products.

Article #5: Crafting Your Own Natural Body Soap

Last week we crafted age-defying eye cream in our journey toward financial prudence and reduced chemical exposure.  Today, we expand upon our do-it-yourself personal care product line by immersing ourselves in the realm of body soap.

In this article, we explore the potential dangers of chemicals found in some store-bought body soap and the advantages of formulating your own.  An all-natural recipe is provided.

Unmasking the Perils of Conventional Body Soaps

Here are some of the harmful chemicals commonly found in store-bought options:

1. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): A widely-used preservative in personal care products, MIT is a biocide used industrially to control microbial growth.  However, MIT has been associated with inflammation and may be toxic to neurons.  A 2020 study published in PLoS One reported that MIT applied topically triggered local inflammation and persistent tactile sensitivity in mice.  A 2002 study in the Journal of Neuroscience reported acute and chronic exposure to MIT caused neuronal cell death in rat cells.  The researchers concluded “a significant portion of the general population is being constantly exposed to low levels of these compounds, which are potent neurotoxins.”

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A surfactant commonly used in soap for its foaming capabilities is SLS.  Nonetheless, a study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences reported that SLS can penetrate the skin, resulting in irritation.  In fact, SLS is a common choice in cosmetic research due to its skin-irritating properties.  SLS was shown to disrupt skin barrier function and shift the skin microbiota balance toward dysbiosis, according to a study in Cosmetics.  SLS can also strip skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.

3. Parabens: As synthetic preservatives, parabens extend the lifespan of soap. However, research has established a connection between parabens and hormone disruption due to their ability to mimic estrogen within the human body, which has raised concerns about their potential involvement in the development of breast cancer and impaired fertility. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology detected parabens in 90% of the breast tumors examined. Additionally, a study published in Pharmacological Reports shed light on parabens' capacity to alter the expression of estrogen-responsive genes in human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, maternal exposure to parabens has been associated with reduced gestational age, birth weight, and body length, as highlighted in a 2017 review article published in the Journal of Endocrinology.

4. Artificial Fragrances: The alluring scents in soaps often originate from synthetic ingredients.  Fragrances can consist of dozens of chemicals that are not required to be disclosed on the product label, but can trigger allergic reactions and dermatitis. Some fragrances have shown endocrine-disrupting or neurotoxic effects, according to a 2021 review article in Current Treatment Options in Allergy.  Fragrance ingredients, such as benzophenone and styrene, are listed as possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program.

5. Phthalates: While phthalates function as stabilizers and solvents in soap, they are plasticizers that are associated with numerous health effects.  A 2022 review article in Environmental Research reported an association between phthalate exposure in personal care products and obesity, hypertension, reproductive, and endocrine disorders.

6. Artificial Dye: Sometimes added to soaps to achieve desired colors, these synthetic chemicals are commonly made from coal tar.  According to a 2012 review article in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, “all nine currently US-approved dyes raise health concerns of varying degrees” ranging from hypersensitivity reactions to carcinogenicity.   

You can avoid these harmful chemicals and protect your health from potential risks associated with long-term exposure by making your own body soap.

Benefits of Making Your Own Body Soap

By incorporating natural body soap into your cleansing ritual, you bestow upon your skin a host of benefits beyond chemical-free assurance, such as:

1. Cost Savings in Inflationary Times:  Natural ingredients used in homemade body soap are often more affordable when purchased in bulk, plus you lock into today’s prices.  Reusing containers further reduces costs. This article includes a recipe for natural body soap made using organic ingredients.  Using today’s bulk pricing, it costs 0.48¢ per ounce, which is less expensive than many organic store-bought versions.  It’s comparable in price to many conventional brands,   however; since this recipe includes only organic ingredients, you pay a similar price for a higher quality product.   

2. Customizable Formulas: By experimenting with natural ingredients, such as essential oils, you can tailor your body soap to fit your unique needs and preferences. 

3. Eco-Friendly Approach: Creating your own soap supports sustainability by reducing demand for single-use packaging.

4. Nourishing Moisture: Natural ingredients, such as beeswax and shea butter, lock in moisture, keeping your skin soft and hydrated. 

DIY Body Soap Recipe

Included below is a recipe that harnesses the power of natural ingredients to promote skin health, including:

Aloe Vera: Used daily by the Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra as part of their beauty routine, Aloe keeps skin moist, according to a study published in the International Research Journal of Plant Science. 

Beeswax: One of the oldest raw ingredients used in skincare, beeswax is produced by honeybees.  Ointments based on beeswax were reported in the Ebers Papyrus (roughly 1550 BCE) to remedy skin wounds and burns.  Beeswax is also known as an Ayurvedic remedy for inflammation, cracked heels, and burns. 

Beeswax is anti-bacterial and contains vitamin A, which helps regenerate the skin when damaged, according to a 2020 study published in Molecules.  By forming a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, beeswax locks in moisture while protecting the skin from environmental irritants and harsh weather.    

Castile soap: Originating in the Mediterranean region in the 12th century, castile soap was originally made from olive oil.  Today, it is made from a variety of plant-derived oils, such as: olive, coconut, jojoba, hemp, avocado or walnut oil.  While surfactants, such as SLS, can leave the skin dry, castile soap contains natural fats that can help condition the skin.         

Honey:  Known for its ability to heal wounds and burns, honey has been used for its therapeutic properties dating back to at least 2000 B.C.  Honey contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory activity, according to a 2017 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology. 

Honey can modulate the skin’s immune system and promote tissue repair, according to a 2016 study in the Central Asian Journal of Global Health.  A constituent of honey, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, contains strong inhibitory potential against several types of cancer, including skin cancer, according to a 2019 study in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.  

Shea Butter: Due to its fatty acid content, including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, shea butter is naturally moisturizing.  According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Oleo Science, shea butter is a “significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds.”  Specifically, several components of shea butter inhibited tumor promoters and one compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, inhibited skin tumor promotion in vivo.  According to a 2014 study published in Phytochemistry, some constituents of shea butter also demonstrate potent inhibitory activity against melanoma cells (skin cancer).

ǂEssential Oil: These natural oils add desirable aroma to soap while providing health benefits.  Rosemary essential oil, for example, contains antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that can extend the shelf-life of soap by staving off microbial growth.  Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anticancer activities for the skin, according to a 2023 study in Antioxidants.     

A Word on Ingredient Quality

Choose organic ingredients whenever possible.  Organic means the crop was not genetically modified and was not sprayed with most synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.     

In addition to organic, when choosing oils, select products that are 100% pure, cold-pressed, and unrefined. 

Essential oils are sometimes adulterated by adding a similar but cheaper oil or diluting the natural oil with various solvent oils in order to reduce costs.  In 2023, ConsumersAdvocate.org tested 11 peppermint essential oil samples and four were reportedly adulterated.  Therefore, choose essential oils that are 100% pure, do not contain additives or synthetic chemicals, and have been tested for heavy metals, microbes and glyphosate.   

Recipe: Body Soap

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons shea butter

2 teaspoons beeswax

1 Tablespoon pure aloe vera gel or 2-inch piece of fresh aloe*

4 teaspoons viscous (thick) honey

1 cup liquid pure castile soap, unscented

10-15 drops essential oilǂ (For aromatic purposes, I enjoy 2 drops rosemary and 10 drops vanilla essential oil; For dry skin, I enjoy 2 drops rosemary and 10 drops sandalwood or chamomile essential oil)

Instructions:

1. In a glass bowl, add shea butter and beeswax.

2. Melt the mixture over medium-low heat using a double boiler, stirring until well combined.  If you don’t have a double boiler, use the glass bowl and a large pot as a substitute.  When choosing the size of the pot, the glass bowl should fit comfortably over the top of the pot, almost like a lid, but leave enough space between the bottom of the glass bowl and the pot to ensure steam can flow between them. Place water in the bottom of the pot, place the glass bowl containing the ingredients on top of the pot, and simmer until the water steams.      

3. Once all ingredients are melted, remove from heat and allow to cool to the touch.

4. Add aloe vera and mix using a hand blender until combined.

5. Add honey, castile soap and essential oil.  Mix with a hand blender until combined. 

6. Transfer the mixture to a foaming soap dispenser, which will thicken the soap.  Alternatively, transfer the mixture to an old shampoo or soap bottle, or reusable bottle or container.  Make sure the container has a secure lid so water does not enter, which could promote microbial growth.

7. Shake the container before each use.  Apply a small amount to your hand, rub together to lather, and gently massage on your body.

*If using fresh aloe, choose a thick leaf and cut a 2-inch piece.  Remove the outer coating and add just the aloe gel.

Contraindications and Precautions

ǂPregnant or breastfeeding women, children under the age of 2, and anyone consuming prescription medications should consult their healthcare provider before using essential oils.  Essential oils may irritate the skin.  People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should avoid rosemary essential oil.  

Before using the recipes in this article, consult with your health care provider to ensure the ingredients are aligned with your specific health needs.  Always check for sensitivities or adverse reactions by applying a small amount of product.  Do not use these recipes if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.   

Final Thoughts

During the exciting journey of creating your own body soap, remember to tailor your ingredients to your unique skin care needs, ensuring a personalized and effective solution.  Not only does this endeavor save you money, it also lightens the chemical load on your body, promoting a healthier approach to self-care.

Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll explore crafting natural face cream - a luxurious moisturizer without harmful chemicals!