Greenlight logo
Greenlight logo
Chore list for teens: teenager washing the dishes
Beginner

How to make your own foaming hand soap

Share via

Harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances in your hand soap? No thanks. A budget-friendly and eco-conscious option? Yes, please.

Our top DIY recipe lets you create a gentle, effective, customizable hand soap that's just right for the whole family.

Why choose DIY foaming hand soap?

Making your own foaming hand soap has some great benefits:

Healthier for your family

By avoiding harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, you can create a hand soap that's gentle on sensitive skin. This is especially important for kids, who are more prone to irritation.

Budget-friendly

DIY foaming hand soap is generally more affordable than store-bought brands. You get to choose the ingredients and skip the pricey marketing and packaging.

Eco-conscious

Making your own hand soap reduces plastic and other packaging waste, which helps the environment. You can use reusable dispensers and opt for natural ingredients.

Fun and customizable

Get creative with different ingredients to craft a hand soap that's uniquely yours. Add essential oils for your favorite aroma, natural food coloring for a splash of color, or even dried herbs for a touch of exfoliation. Let your imagination run wild!

DIY foaming hand soap recipe

Here are the ingredients you'll need: 

  • 1/4 cup Castile soap

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 tablespoon carrier oil (optional, such as jojoba or almond oil)

  • 10-15 drops essential oil (optional)

  • Empty foaming soap dispenser

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in the empty foaming soap dispenser.

  2. Shake well for at least 30 seconds to mix everything.

  3. Pump the dispenser a few times to create a rich, foamy lather.

  4. Enjoy clean, healthy hands.

Here are some helpful tips for making and using your DIY foaming hand soap:

  • Choose essential oils: Opt for kid-friendly options like lavender, chamomile, or citrus. Avoid using potent essential oils, as they can irritate the skin.

  • Add color: For a fun touch, add natural food coloring or beetroot powder to your soap. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired color.

  • Troubleshooting: If your soap is too thick, add more water, one teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more Castile soap.

  • Keeping it clean: Wash your dispenser regularly with warm, soapy water to prevent grime buildup and bacteria growth.

  • Storage: Keep your homemade foaming hand soap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help it last longer and prevent bacteria.

With these tips, you can enjoy clean, healthy hands with your very own DIY foaming hand soap. Try it today, and get ready to feel the foam.

Interested in learning more cool stuff to help you on your parenting journey? Check out the Greenlight Learning Center for budgeting, saving, and investing resources.


Share via

Hey, smart parents 👋

Teach money lessons at home with Greenlight’s Smart Parent newsletter. Money tips, insights, and fun family trivia — delivered every month.

Logo
Join Greenlight. One month, risk-free.†

Plans start at just $5.99/month for the whole family. Includes up to five kids.

Read how we use and collect your information by visiting our Privacy Statement.