The Truth About Body Wash: Why You Should Ditch Chemicals and Make Your Own

Most people use body wash every day without thinking about what’s in it. But if you’ve ever flipped a bottle and read the fine print, you might notice a list of chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances that sound more like industrial cleaners than skincare. 

The truth is, many conventional body washes contain ingredients that can strip your skin of natural oils, cause irritation, and even interfere with your hormones over time.

Even more startling: some of the same chemicals found in store-bought body washes are also in paint thinner, antifreeze, degreasers, and air fresheners. That’s right—products marketed for cleanliness often share ingredients with harsh industrial solutions.

Since your skin is one of the most absorbable organs—everything you put on your skin goes straight to your bloodstream and around your body—these should be nowhere near your body and your family's! 

The Creepy Truth About Conventional Body Wash

Daily use of synthetic-laden body washes exposes you to ingredients that can build up in your system over time, causing all sorts of damage! Here’s what to watch out for:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – Found in engine degreasers and car wash soaps, these foaming agents strip protective oils, leaving skin dry, red, and sensitive.
• Parabens – Preservatives that mimic hormones, potentially disrupting your endocrine system. They’re also in some industrial lubricants and adhesives.
• Synthetic Fragrances & Phthalates – These “fragrances” can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some linked to hormone disruption. Similar compounds are in air fresheners and cleaning products.
• Artificial Dyes – Petroleum-derived colors that offer no benefit, only visual appeal. The same chemicals are used in printer ink and plastics.
• Triclosan – Previously an antibacterial agent, it’s now restricted in many countries due to hormone disruption and effects on your microbiome. Also found in some industrial cleaning agents.

When you realize that “squeaky clean” often comes from chemicals shared with industrial products, making your own body wash starts to sound a lot safer—and smarter.

However, it’s not all gloom and doom—making your own body wash can actually be a fun party with friends and kids. Here is what we did with Brayden, Alea, and a few friends as part of our homeschool curriculum. 

DIY Honey & Jojoba Body Wash: Nourishing, Simple, and Safe

Making your own body wash gives you complete control over what touches your skin. Here’s a gentle, effective recipe that hydrates, cleanses, and restores balance without harmful additives.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw honey
• ¼ cup jojoba oil
• ¼ cup castor oil
• ¼ cup liquid Castile soap
• 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
• 20 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree, sweet orange, peppermint, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Combine honey, jojoba oil, and castor oil in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Add vegetable glycerin and Castile soap, stirring slowly to avoid foam.
3. Add essential oils and mix well.
4. Pour into a clean, airtight bottle. Shake gently before each use.

Shelf Life & Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Lasts 2–3 months.
• Use a pump or squeeze bottle to avoid contamination.
• If color or scent changes, make a fresh batch.

Why This Body Wash is Better

Every ingredient in this DIY blend nourishes your skin while supporting its natural functions:

• Honey – Moisturizes, gently exfoliates, and provides natural antibacterial protection.
• Jojoba Oil – Balances sebum, soothes inflammation, and protects against premature aging.
• Castor Oil – Adds creamy lather, deeply hydrates, and supports skin elasticity.
• Vegetable Glycerin – Draws moisture into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
• Castile Soap – Plant-based, gentle, biodegradable, and effective at cleansing without stripping oils.
• Essential Oils – Add aroma plus therapeutic benefits, from calming lavender to clarifying tea tree.

Unlike chemical-heavy body washes, this formula respects your skin’s ecosystem. It cleans without aggression, hydrates naturally, and provides nutrients to strengthen the skin barrier. Over time, your skin becomes more resilient, balanced, and radiant.

Why Making Your Own Matters

Switching to natural, homemade body wash isn’t just about skin—it’s about health and environmental responsibility. Every chemical you rinse off your body ends up in waterways, affecting ecosystems. By choosing biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, you protect your health and the planet, all while enjoying the luxury of soft, nourished skin.

Also, it is a fun way to connect with your kids and/or friends by creating bottles of your own body wash together! It can also start conversations about better ways to care for yourself, our planet, and others.

Final Touch: A Nightly Mineral Boost

To complete your nightly self-care ritual, add a serving of Acid-Kicking Minerals about 30 minutes before bed. This powerful mineral blend helps neutralize acid, relax muscles, calm the nervous system, and curb evening sugar cravings. Over time, it promotes deep, restorative sleep and supports natural energy renewal.

Wake up feeling lighter, more balanced, and fully recharged—ready to take on the day with clarity and strength.