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How to Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap (+ Best Essential Oils for Hand Washing)

48 · Jul 14, 2022 · Stephanie Gerber ·

I’ve always been a compulsive hand-washer, even before hand washing was really, shall we say, cool. With a husband who’s equally obsessed with cleanliness, it seemed like were always running out of soap. Not only is it expensive to stock every sink in the house, but those cheap plastic bottles create a ton of trash, which I always felt guilty about. I know it sounds ridiculous, but learning to make our own foaming hand soap almost felt like winning the lottery. (Almost.)

The beauty of DIY hand soap is that you can ditch all the chemicals, colors and crazy scents. Plus, one bottle of all-natural castile soap fills an almost endless supply soap dispensers, meaning you’ll never run out again.

How to Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap

How to make your own foaming hand soap

You know you’ve officially gone DIY when you find yourself giddily making your own hand soap on a Saturday afternoon. Just 2 tablespoons of castile soap is enough to make 16 ounces of foaming hand soap! Plus it keeps heaps of trash out of the landfill and chemicals out of your home. It’s a win-win-win.

While I used to save leftover plastic foaming soap bottles that I’d then refill over and over, I recently invested in a few glass dispensers that I keep stashed next to every sink. I bought ’em for the looks but I love that they last forever and you can run them through the dishwasher. Alternatively, you can also just purchase some foaming soap pump lids and convert old mason jars into soap dispensers.

Why Castile?

As for the soap, I recommend using liquid castile soap. Castile is a plant-based, biodegradable, natural soap that can be used as a base for DIY beauty and household products, as well as on its own as a powerful cleaner.

Because it’s incredibly concentrated, you only need a couple tablespoons to make an entire bottle of foaming hand soap. Dr. Bronner’s is one the more popular brands, but there are plenty of equally green, less-expensive brands to choose from.

How to Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap

Best Essential Oils for Hand Soap

If you like your hand soap scented, you can add essential oils. I recommend using oils that’ll help boost the antibacterial power of your soap, like lavender, tea tree and lemon. But you’re free to use whichever oils you like.

Our recipe calls for 27 drops of essential oil, which is a 3% dilution. Along with lemongrass and ginger, here are a few of our favorite scent combinations:

Floral finish: 10 drops of rose and 17 drops of lemon

Minty clean: 13 drops of tea tree and 14 drops of peppermint

French lavender: 27 drops of lavender

Orange blossom: 12 drops sweet orange and 15 drops vanilla essential oil

Fresh scent: 10 drops of eucalyptus and 17 drops of lemon

Ingredients for making foaming hand soap

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons liquid Castile soap
  • 27 drops essential oil
  • Water
  • 12 ounce foaming soap dispenser

Instructions

Pour Castile soap into bottle. If adding essential oils, add them now too.

Slowly add water into bottle, making sure to leave room for the foaming pump.

Screw on the lid and gently shake the bottle to mix everything together.

To use, just pump one or two times into hands and wash for 20 seconds. Then rinse with warm water.

How to Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap

Foaming Hand Soap FAQ

Can I make foaming hand soap with dish soap?

Any liquid soap should technically work for this. If you run out of castile soap, you can use dish soap, body wash or even traditional gel hand soap. But these types of soap aren’t always as gentle, or as natural, as castile soap, and they may dry out skin.

See also
8 Ways to Use Essential Oils in the Bathroom

How can I make moisturizing hand soap?

If you suffer from dry skin, go ahead and add a tablespoon of oil to your foaming hand soap. I like sweet almond, jojoba or sesame oil because they’re light and shouldn’t leave your skin feeling terribly greasy. But use whichever oil you like.

Just remember to shake your bottle of hand soap prior to each use.

Do I need to add preservatives to homemade hand soap?

We go through soap pretty quickly at my house, so I’ve never had an issue with it going bad or growing mold. But this soap is mostly water and mold can become an issue if it’s not used quickly enough. If you’d like to add a preservative, I recommend a natural one, such as grapefruit seed extract.

Will foaming hand soap work in a non-foaming dispenser?

Without a foaming dispenser, your hand soap will be more liquid, than foam. While it will still work to get rid of dirt and grime, it won’t give you the dense foam we all know and love.

Can I add alcohol or some other antibacterial agent to my hand soap?

I wouldn’t recommend it since alcohol is especially drying, especially if you have sensitive skin. But I do recommend adding essential oils for an antibacterial boost. Cinnamon, eucalyptus and tea tree are my personal favorites.

Looking for more ways to use that bottle of castile soap? Here are 6 green cleaning recipes that use castile soap.

Photos by Ana Stanciu

DIY Foaming Hand Soap

Hellow Glow
With just two ingredients, making your own foaming hand soap couldn't be cheaper -- or easier.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 mins
Total Time 2 mins
Course Green Cleaning
Servings 12 ounces

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
  • 10 drops essential oil optional
  • Water
  • 12 ounce foaming soap dispenser

Instructions
 

  • Pour castile soap into bottle. (If you choose to, add essential oils at this time as well.)
  • Slowly add water into bottle, making sure to leave room for the foaming pump.
  • Add lid, shake, and you are good to go!
  • When ready to use, just pump one to two times into hands and rinse with warm water.

Notes

Any liquid soap should technically work for this. If you run out of castile soap, you can use dish soap, body wash or even traditional gel hand soap. But these types of soap aren’t always as gentle, or as natural, as castile soap, and they may dry out skin.
To boost the antibacterial power of your soap, try adding cinnamon, clove, oregano, lavender, tea tree or thyme essential oils.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
48

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sherry says

    February 20, 2013 at 10:46 am

    I haven’t tried Method yet but I’m looking forward to it. I love the bottle designs.
    I’ve been using this idea for awhile,I’m cheap and it’s great!

  2. Sandy says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Thanks for the giveaway!!

  3. Monica says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:15 am

    I have been doing this for some time now to save money.

  4. Seriously Sassy Mama says

    February 20, 2013 at 10:24 am

    I liked them. Never thought of this idea. I will blame my let brain for my lack of creativity.

  5. erica says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:35 am

    i like method on FB. and i REALLY like their products. been using their soap and cleaning spray for about a year now. (and just tried the laundry detergent too!)

    <3

  6. Rachel says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:35 am

    I love this! and I liked!

  7. Susanna says

    February 20, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    This is a great idea, never thought about that, your bottles are much cuter than what I have too 🙂

  8. Lea Anna says

    February 20, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    What a good idea! I liked Method on Facebook.

  9. Michelle says

    February 20, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    I liked them on FB . Such a good idea. Now I just need the cute bottles.

  10. Scott says

    February 20, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    With kids I am always in to saving money! Cleaner hand are always a good thing too.

  11. Jen @ Cuddles and Chaos says

    February 20, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    Oh. my. gosh! Why didn’t I think of using my Dr. Bronner’s for foaming soap?! This is amazing. Thank yooooou!

  12. Mandi says

    February 20, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    I like Method on Facebook and like their products a lot! Thanks for the contest!

  13. Jeanne says

    February 20, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    Can’t wait to try this.

  14. sara says

    February 20, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    I liked Method on Facebook. Those bottles are super fun! I have refilled Method dish soap bottles because I love their shape, but these are even better!

  15. Jessica says

    February 20, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    I liked Method!

  16. Kim L. says

    February 20, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    I love those bottles! I agree with you, the pump is much easier for kids to use and they use so much less! My son was putting about 3 pumps of regular liquid soap on his hands at a time. (and they still weren’t clean lol)

  17. rachel says

    February 20, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    I liked Method! Also, I adore them in real life. 🙂

  18. Joanna says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    I liked Method on Facebook and I loooove everything Method in real life! Hope I win. Thanks so much for hosting this super giveaway. Nifty trick by the way, i will definitely be trying this.

  19. Allison Asher says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    I love Method products and I would love it if I won some.

  20. julie says

    February 20, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    LIKE MEthod on FB: JULIE M

    jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

  21. Penny Snyder says

    February 20, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    Like Method on FB! Penny Hayes Snyder

  22. Melanie says

    February 20, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  23. Lorena Keech says

    February 20, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    I like Method on facebook.

  24. Emily K. says

    February 20, 2013 at 9:46 pm

    I liked Method on fb! Thanks for the giveaway!

  25. Jen Haile says

    February 20, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    I liked them on Facebook!

  26. Rhonda says

    February 20, 2013 at 10:03 pm

    I would love to win! Love the Method bottles!!

  27. robyn paris says

    February 20, 2013 at 10:29 pm

    i like method facebook page

  28. lisa lo says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    I like Method on FB,
    lisa lo

  29. helen says

    February 21, 2013 at 12:27 am

    how fun!! i love foaming soap. this is a fab idea 🙂 thanks for sharing!

  30. Margot C says

    February 21, 2013 at 3:16 am

    I already do this! (my husband thinks that I am a crank putting water in the liquid soap, now I can point to your post!)

    I liked Method on facebook already; I hope that counts.

  31. Kathleen says

    February 21, 2013 at 3:20 am

    Thank you for this giveaway! I hope I get to try this…

  32. Sylvia Zajis says

    February 21, 2013 at 3:30 am

    Liked Method on FB, thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  33. Brigid OHara Koshko says

    February 21, 2013 at 5:13 am

    Liked Method on Facebook. Thanks for the opportunity!

  34. katherine d says

    February 21, 2013 at 5:38 am

    i like method on fb

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

  35. Lori Davis says

    February 21, 2013 at 6:55 am

    I liked Method on Facebook! Thank you!

  36. saki says

    February 21, 2013 at 7:34 am

    liked them on FB and entered their contest too 🙂

  37. Tonya Dean says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:27 am

    I like Method on Facebook – Tonya Dean

    tdlsfm(at)yahoo(dot)com

  38. Lisa Ehrman says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:20 am

    This looks like a great product that could save me money. My kids would waste less soap. I liked their FB page.

  39. Adrianne B says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:38 am

    I liked the Method FB page. I love the foam soap because it uses less product!

  40. Kristen m says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:45 am

    I like method on fb!
    blue65829 at aol dot com

  41. Megan Parsons says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:47 am

    I liked Method on facebook: Megan McGowan Parsons
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

  42. MaryAnn Casey says

    February 21, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I “liked” it under the name MaryAnn Thews Casey

  43. Mary says

    February 21, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    I liked them under Mary Thomas Koch

  44. Kumiko says

    February 21, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Method is my favorite cleaning spray. We use it in both the bathroom and kitchen.

  45. MerrySherry says

    February 21, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    Because of you, I clicked like on Method’s FB page and hope I will get to try their foaming soap! Thank you!

  46. J Baker says

    February 21, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    We only use Method soap to wash our hands at home and love their cleaning products!

  47. Danielle Porter says

    February 21, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    I liked them on FB 😉

  48. Cassandra Eastman says

    February 21, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    I liked Method on facebook as Cassandra Eastman!

  49. Catherine S says

    February 21, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    I do love the Method line. And I do recycle my foaming handwash containers in this way too. It’s amazing how little soap is necessary to make a fine foam.

  50. jodine q says

    February 21, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    i like method on FB. i haven’t tried this product, but i would be interested in trying a more environmentally friendly brand. it also helps that i can re-use the bottle to make my own soap.

  51. Linda Lansford says

    February 21, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    Like the Method Facebook page

  52. Ann Hughes says

    February 21, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    love Method and Orla Kiely!

  53. Jelli says

    February 21, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    I liked Method’s FB page. I also use Dr. Bronners for our foaming soap dispensers at home. Sadly, I ran out of it the other day. Would love to try Method!

  54. Christine says

    February 21, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    Like the Method Facebook page

  55. Sherri Lewis says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    I liked them on facebook as Sherri Caudill Lewis. Thank you for the giveaway!

  56. David Carlson says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    I liked Method on Facebook.

  57. Dominique says

    February 21, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    liked on facebook dominique munster thanks

  58. Tracy L Davis says

    February 21, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    Like the Method Facebook page (tracy davis hayes)

  59. SHYAMA BALACHANDRA says

    February 21, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    Liked and entered their contest!

  60. april says

    February 21, 2013 at 11:30 pm

    I like Method on Facebook. Thanks for the great giveaway, I love their soap!

  61. Vilay says

    February 22, 2013 at 2:15 am

    I liked Method on fb. Great giveaway!

  62. mary colen grace achurra says

    February 22, 2013 at 2:52 am

    this is so smart and amazing! 🙂

  63. Amy Bond says

    February 22, 2013 at 11:48 am

    I like on FB, great idea with the foaming soap!

  64. Carolyn K says

    February 22, 2013 at 11:56 am

    I liked them on facebook!

  65. jenna b says

    February 22, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    liked on fb
    jenna burris

  66. Faith Still says

    February 22, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    I liked Method on fb.

  67. karel says

    February 22, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Liked on Facebook. Thanks for the giveaway!

  68. Sonya says

    February 22, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    liked on facebook (Sonya Bryer Sanderson)

  69. Cacie says

    February 22, 2013 at 10:38 pm

    Liked. Thanks

  70. Angela s says

    February 22, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    Like them on Facebook as Angela Saver.

    [email protected]

  71. Angela s says

    February 22, 2013 at 11:53 pm

    I like them on Facebook as Angela Saver.

    [email protected]

  72. Klydra P. says

    February 23, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    I like Method on FB-Klydra Pugh
    Thanks for the chance
    [email protected]

  73. Klydra P. says

    February 23, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    I also entered the FB Orly contest
    Thanks
    [email protected]

  74. Susan Chester says

    February 23, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    I liked Method on FB.

  75. Shaunda E says

    February 23, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    I like Method on Facebook
    (Shaunda Adams Eppes)

  76. natalie nichols says

    February 23, 2013 at 9:47 pm

    i liked method on fb Natalie Parvis

  77. natalie nichols says

    February 23, 2013 at 9:48 pm

    i entered their contest

  78. JenniferB says

    February 23, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    I liked method on Facebook

  79. beatriz says

    February 23, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    I liked them on fb! we have made our own foaming soap for 2 years and I really do need new bottles!!

  80. Lynne T. says

    February 24, 2013 at 12:26 am

    I’ve liked them on Facebook.

  81. Paige says

    February 24, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    I liked Method on Facebook and really like this soap saving idea even more.

  82. dawn k says

    February 24, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    Liked method on facebook

  83. dawn k says

    February 24, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    followed method on facebook

  84. golden storm says

    February 24, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    liked method on facebook golden storm
    [email protected]

  85. Erica E. says

    February 25, 2013 at 12:18 am

    I like Method on Facebook. Thanks for the fun idea, and for the giveaway!

  86. Nadene Adams says

    February 25, 2013 at 10:31 am

    I like Method on Facebook!

  87. C. rEYNOLDS says

    February 25, 2013 at 9:41 am

    LIKED THEM ON FACEBOOK

  88. Lauren E says

    February 25, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    I liked them on facebook. This is a great idea!

  89. April Gray says

    February 25, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    i had already liked them on facebook 🙂

  90. Jasanna Czellar says

    February 26, 2013 at 12:39 am

    Liked method on FB as Jasanna!

  91. Lori Houston says

    February 26, 2013 at 8:11 am

    Thanks for offering the giveaway!! I love Method products… and Liked their FB page.

  92. Lisa says

    February 26, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    I liked their Facebook page with the username of Lisa Alyson. I also think it’s really neat how you can make foam soap so easily..who knew?

  93. Kayte CookWatts says

    February 26, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    We love Method! Tomato Vine sounds like such a cool scent!

  94. tink Pixiedust says

    February 26, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    I didn’t even know that method had an FB page! Just ‘Liked’ them. 🙂 I found you via Pinterest and am so glad I did! 🙂

  95. Diane Cooper says

    February 26, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    I liked Method on Facebook.

  96. Theresa D says

    February 27, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    I Like the Method Facebook page

  97. Jennifer E. says

    February 27, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    I liked them on Facebook.

  98. Kathy S says

    February 27, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    Liked on FB

  99. Terri Moore says

    February 28, 2013 at 2:28 am

    I’m a Facebook and real life fan of Method!

  100. Pick Me! says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:43 am

    A great product with lovely scents.

  101. Debra L. Guillen says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Like the Method Facebook page

  102. Paula Tavernie says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    I like Method on FB(Paula Tavernie)
    ptavernie at yahoo dot com

  103. Joanna says

    February 28, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    I liked it under “Jo Franz”

  104. Hesper Fry says

    February 28, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I like Method on Facebook. I have always wanted to try their products.

  105. Amber Mullooly says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    Liked Method on FB! Love their products!

  106. Helga says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:26 pm

    I liked method on fb

  107. Paulina says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    I a lot of Method products and I liked them on facebook!

  108. Bethany says

    March 1, 2013 at 12:33 am

    Liked! I love these bottles! Beautiful design!

  109. Brittney House says

    March 1, 2013 at 1:12 am

    method fb fan brittney house

  110. Jennifer Holovack says

    March 1, 2013 at 1:20 am

    Liked Method, Jen Holovack. Thank you 🙂
    [email protected]

  111. Rachel Robertson (Azrael) says

    March 1, 2013 at 1:20 am

    Luv the bottles and luv luv the foaming soap idea! thanks 🙂

  112. Geoff K says

    March 1, 2013 at 5:38 am

    I love Method soaps and cleaning products! They’re always coming up with new and interesting scents, which I love, and their holiday collection can’t be beat. Thanks for the chance to enter!

    I like Method on facebook: Geoff K

  113. Susan Smith says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:35 am

    Liked Method on FB Susan Smith

  114. Erica C. says

    March 1, 2013 at 11:13 am

    I like method on facebook 🙂

  115. Lisa Garner says

    March 1, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Cute bottles! I like Method on Facebook.
    lisalmg225 at gmail dot com

  116. Trisha W. says

    March 1, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    I already like them. Thanks.

  117. Terry Cross says

    March 1, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    I like Method on FB

  118. Sara Haaf says

    March 1, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    I already liked method on fb and thanks for the heads up on their contest, now that’s also entered.

  119. susan smoaks says

    March 1, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    i like the method facebook fan page – tony l smoaks

  120. Allyson Bossie says

    March 1, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    I absolutely love Method Soap! I also liked them on FB as Allyson Bossie

  121. kat b. says

    March 1, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    love the orla kiely method soaps! so cute. [like the facebook page as well!]

  122. kat b. says

    March 1, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    liked the page. love these bottles!

  123. Lori C. says

    March 1, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    liked the page; can’t wait to make my own foaming soap!

  124. laura ari says

    March 1, 2013 at 7:30 pm

    I like the method page

  125. Jayme Hennessy says

    March 1, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    I liked Method on facebook. My facebook user id url is https://www.facebook.com/hennessyj5?ref=tn_tnmn

  126. carol lewis says

    March 1, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    Would love to win this! I like them on FB carol lewis.

  127. Michelle Tucker says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    I liked their page. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
    michelletucker at baconnation dot net

  128. D says

    March 1, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    Liked & love

  129. Brian E. says

    March 1, 2013 at 11:41 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway…Like Method / Facebook: bryan eason

  130. Janai says

    March 1, 2013 at 11:43 pm

    I liked there facebook page. Thanks for the opportunity to enter!

  131. amy says

    March 2, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    i like them on facebook, amy sanford

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