DIY Foaming Hand Soap
A simple Necessity
This post may contain affiliate links. Should a purchase be made trough these links, a small commission may be earned at no additional cost to you.
There’s something satisfying about creating the things we use every day with our own two hands—especially when it’s simple, affordable, and made with wholesome ingredients. Lately, I have been getting many questions about liquid soap. One of my favorite quick and easy DIYs is homemade foaming hand soap. Not only does it smell amazing and feel gentle on the skin, but it also skips all the synthetic ingredients you’ll find in store-bought versions.
Here’s my go-to recipe that I keep by the kitchen sink:
Simple ingredients
🌿 Rustic Roots Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
½ cup liquid Castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby Mild)
1 ½ cups distilled or filtered water
1 tablespoon coconut oil or sunflower oil
25 drops lavender essential oil
25 drops lemon essential oil
✨ Why This Recipe Works
Liquid Castile Soap: This is the base of the recipe and does the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning. Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap that originated in the Castile region of Spain. It’s traditionally made with olive oil, though many brands now use a blend of oils like coconut, hemp, or jojoba for extra suds and skin-softening power. Dr. Bronner’s, my favorite, is certified organic and biodegradable—perfect for a low-tox home and gentle on sensitive skin. It is made to dilute.
Distilled Water: Helps dilute the soap without reducing its cleaning power, while also protecting your pump from clogs and extending the life of the product. Using distilled or filtered water avoids introducing bacteria or minerals.
Coconut or Sunflower Oil: Just a small spoonful adds a moisturizing boost. Coconut oil is nourishing and has natural antimicrobial properties. Sunflower oil is light, vitamin-rich, and especially good for sensitive skin. Either one makes this soap gentle enough for frequent handwashing.
Essential Oils – Lavender & Lemon: This is my absolute favorite scent combination—herbaceous lavender calms the senses while lemon adds a fresh, clean brightness. Both oils also offer natural antibacterial properties, giving this hand soap a functional aromatic boost.
How to Make It
Add the ingredients to a clean foaming soap dispenser. (Tip: reuse an old one or pick up a simple glass version for a rustic touch.)
Gently swirl to combine—don’t shake too hard or you’ll end up with bubbles before it’s even time to use it.
Label it if you like (I do—especially when gifting), and that’s it!
I reuse old foaming soap bottles
🌼 Why Make Your Own?
It’s budget-friendly – one bottle of Castile soap goes a long way. It is made to dilute if you buy Dr. Bronner’s.
You control the ingredients – no parabens, sulfates, dyes, or artificial fragrances.
It’s customizable – change the scent with the seasons or for different rooms.
It’s better for the planet – fewer plastic bottles, no harmful chemicals in your drains.
It’s just plain satisfying – there’s joy in the simple things.
A foaming soap that is gentle to your hands.
Whether you're chasing muddy garden hands or trying to encourage little ones to wash up, this foaming hand soap makes the task feel a little more special. The soothing scent of lavender paired with the energizing brightness of lemon is such a cheerful combination—like a breath of fresh air every time you use it.
A label for your soap!
If you give this a try, let me know your favorite scent combinations! I’d love to hear what you’re mixing up in your home.
My Mantra
Stay rooted,
Roxanne
