Imagine this: You’ve just returned home after a long and exhausting trip—whether it’s for business or leisure, the stress, the travel, the people and the day’s hustle have left you drained. And let’s face it, you don’t feel your freshest, your ‘bestest’. You’re tired, you’re stinking, and all you want is to jump in the shower, let the water cleanse you, and wash away the fatigue; before you have your favorite beverage and jump to bed.
But here’s the thing—why settle for just a boring, plain old shower experience when you can indulge in a soothing, aromatic, and revitalizing shower with your very own aromatherapy shower gel? And guess what? It hardly takes a minute to prepare.
Aromatherapy shower gels, infused with essential oils, can elevate a regular shower into a luxurious, sensory experience. It’s not just about cleansing your skin; it’s about rejuvenating your body and mind with every lather. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, energy, or just a mood boost, an aromatherapy shower gel made with your favorite essential oils can make the whole experience feel like a spa retreat. Ready to make your own? Let’s dive in!
What is Shower Gel?
Shower gel is a liquid soap designed for use in the shower or bath. So, it’s like bar soap, right? No. Unlike bar soap, which is solid, shower gel has a gel-like consistency and is typically formulated to cleanse the skin, remove dirt, oil, and impurities, while also moisturizing and refreshing. Shower gels are often enriched with various ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and essential oils to provide added benefits such as hydration, soothing properties, or even a pleasant fragrance.
What makes shower gel a popular choice is its ease of use and versatility. It lathers easily, can be applied with a loofah (exfoliating organic body scrubber) or washcloth, and is less likely to leave a residue compared to bar soap. Plus, with the right blend of ingredients, a shower gel can do much more than just clean your skin—it can improve your skin’s texture, nourish it, and give it a subtle scent that lingers after your shower.
DIY Aromatherapy Shower Gel Recipe
Creating your own aromatherapy shower gel not only gives you control over the ingredients, but also allows you to tailor the experience to your mood and needs. Here are five unique DIY shower gel recipes, each designed to uplift, soothe, or energize. And remember, essential oils have different therapeutic properties, so choose the right one based on your desired mood.
1. Relaxing Lavender & Chamomile Shower Gel
Mood: Perfect for winding down after a long day. Lavender is known for its calming and stress-relieving properties, while chamomile soothes the mind and skin.
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 tbsp almond oil (or your preferred carrier oil at home)
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops chamomile essential oil
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (optional for added hydration)
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Castile soap and almond oil.
- Add the lavender and chamomile essential oils.
- Stir in aloe vera gel if you’d like extra moisture.
- Pour into a clean bottle and shake gently to mix.
- Use as you would any shower gel and enjoy the relaxing aroma.
2. Energizing Citrus & Peppermint Shower Gel
Mood: A great pick-me-up for mornings or when you need a burst of energy. The citrus oils are invigorating, while peppermint refreshes and stimulates the senses.
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops tangerine essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- Mix the Castile soap and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Add the essential oils: lemon, tangerine, and peppermint.
- Stir well and transfer the mixture into a bottle.
- Shake before use and apply to your body in the shower for an energizing cleanse.
3. Soothing Rose & Geranium Shower Gel
Mood: Ideal for a calming, restorative experience. Rose and geranium are great for emotional balance and skin hydration, helping to calm both mind and body.
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil
- 15 drops rose essential oil
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for additional moisture)
- Combine the Castile soap and jojoba oil.
- Add the rose and geranium oils.
- Stir in honey if you want extra hydration.
- Pour into a container and shake gently before use.
4. Refreshing Eucalyptus & Tea Tree Shower Gel
Mood: Perfect for clearing your head and helping with congestion. Eucalyptus and tea tree oils are both refreshing and antimicrobial, making this ideal for when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 8 drops tea tree essential oil
- In a bowl, combine the Castile soap and olive oil.
- Add eucalyptus and tea tree oils.
- Stir to combine and transfer to a bottle.
- Use when you need a refreshing shower that helps clear your airways.
5. Uplifting Bergamot & Ylang Ylang Shower Gel
Mood: Great for lifting your spirits and reducing stress. Bergamot is known to reduce anxiety, while ylang ylang adds a floral sweetness and helps with balancing emotions. Add the vitamin E if you are back from a tedious trek or other outdoorsy activity.
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 tbsp sweet almond oil
- 10 drops bergamot essential oil
- 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil (optional for added skin care)
- Mix the Castile soap and sweet almond oil.
- Add the bergamot and ylang ylang oils.
- Stir in the vitamin E oil for extra skin nourishment.
- Shake well and store in a bottle. Use in the shower for a mood-lifting experience.
Which Oil to Use for Which Mood?
- Relaxing: Use lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood to calm your senses and unwind.
- Energizing: Go for citrus oils like lemon, orange, or grapefruit, combined with a little peppermint or rosemary for a burst of energy.
- Soothing: Rose and geranium are perfect for a gentle, nurturing experience. It is good for dry skin & beauty routines as well.
- Smooth Breathing: Eucalyptus and tea tree oils will clear your mind and refresh your body.
- Uplifting: Bergamot and ylang ylang can help reduce anxiety and uplift your mood.
Creating your own aromatherapy shower gel at home is not only a fun DIY project, but also a way to indulge in a customized self-care ritual. Whether you’re looking to relax, refresh, or energize, these simple recipes can elevate your shower experience. And by using essential oils, you get the added benefit of aromatherapy that nourishes both your body and mind!
Precautions Using Aromatherapy Shower Gel Recipe
While aromatherapy shower gels can offer a luxurious and therapeutic experience, it’s important to keep in mind some basic precautions to ensure safe and effective use, especially when using essential oils. Here are some essential tips to follow:
Patch Test: Before applying any aromatherapy shower gel, always perform a patch test to check for any skin reactions.
Dilute: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted properly.
Avoid Sensitive Areas: Be careful when using aromatherapy shower gels around sensitive areas especially your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
Skin Sensitivity: Some essential oils like citrus oils (e.g., lemon, orange) may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure immediately after using products containing these oils.
Avoid Use During Pregnancy: Always check with a doctor before using any aromatherapy products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Essential Oils for Children: Be cautious when using essential oils for young children (under 2 years old).
Check for Contraindications: Always consult with a healthcare personnel if you are uncertain about any particular oils.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of your DIY aromatherapy shower gel safely and effectively!
Conclusion
Bringing aromatherapy into your shower routine with DIY shower gels can elevate your self-care experience, providing both relaxation and rejuvenation. With the right blend of essential oils, you can target different moods and skin concerns. Just remember to follow safety guidelines, including proper dilution and patch testing, to ensure a soothing and safe experience every time. Embrace the power of natural ingredients and let your shower become your personal spa retreat!