Easy DIY Aloe and Lilac Liquid Soap Recipe for Sunburn
If you’re looking for a body wash that can be customized to suit your skin type, this refreshing aloe vera soap recipe is a great option, even for those with sensitive skin! With the addition of lilac-infused aloe gel, which is derived from the aloe vera plant, it’s perfect for those with dry skin or those looking for a soothing after-sun option to help ease sunburn discomfort.
The recipe is easy to make and contains only five natural ingredients that work together to cleanse, moisturize, and nourish your skin. Plus, with the addition of dried lilacs, it has a delightful floral scent that’s perfect for spring and summer.
IDK about you, but after a little too much sun, my skin gets pretty irritated. I even get bumps and acne from the sun. I wanted to find a combination that would work to soothe the skin without creating more acne. This recipe is a good choice for acne sufferers like myself who want to soothe and cool the skin (whether you have a sunburn or not!).
Funny enough, lilacs don’t grow where I live! I was able to order dried online for this project, but you should use whatever blooms you have near you this season!
Lilac and Aloe Soap Recipe
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Ingredients:
If you don’t have access to an aloe vera plant, you can purchase aloe vera gel at health food stores or online retailers. Just make sure to choose a high-quality, pure aloe vera gel that doesn’t contain any additives or synthetic ingredients.
Optional: Coconut Oil, Vitamin e oil, jojoba oil
Supplies:
Instructions:
How to extract aloe gel from an aloe vera plant (aloe barbadensis):
- Choose a mature aloe vera plant: Select a healthy aloe vera plant that has matured for at least three years. The leaves should be plump and thick, and the plant should have at least six to eight leaves.
- Cut a leaf: Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut a leaf from the outermost part of the plant, close to the base. Choose a leaf that is healthy and plump. Make sure to cut a leaf that is at least four to six inches long.
- Drain the yellow sap: After cutting the leaf, hold it upright and allow the yellow sap to drain out for a few minutes. The sap contains a chemical called aloin, which can cause skin irritation.
- Slice off the edges: Slice off the edges of the leaf using a sharp knife, making sure to remove the spiky parts on both sides. This will expose the gel inside.
- Cut the gel: Using the knife, make a cut along the length of the leaf and gently peel the skin back on both sides. This will expose the clear gel inside the leaf.
- Scoop out the gel: Using a spoon, gently scoop out the gel from the inside of the leaf. Make sure to remove all the gel and avoid any pieces of the leaf skin.
- Store the gel: Place the extracted gel in a clean glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for future use. The gel will last for up to two weeks if stored properly.
How to Make Your DIY Lilac Aloe Body Wash
I want to give a shout out to Dishing Up Balance for her original aloe body wash recipe that I adapted to make this soap!
- Chop the lilac if you don’t have a food processor. I decided to chop my lilac as much as possible first since I was using a blender.
2. Then, blend it even more on its own in the blender or processor before adding the other ingredients.
3. Now add 1/4 cup liquid castile soap, 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, oil and guar gum.
4. Blend the mixture until fully combined. It will froth quite a bit.
5. Transfer the mixture to a clean bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can use a pump top if you prefer.
6. Shake well before each use and apply a small amount to a washcloth or loofah to create a rich lather.
7. Use like you would any other body wash. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Storage and Shelf Life of Aloe Soap
After preparing your aloe body wash, store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic bottle with a tight-fitting lid. For best results, keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, as this can cause the ingredients to degrade and reduce the shelf life. Use within 2 weeks.
This aloe body wash can last longer if stored in the refrigerator and you can extend the shelf life even more by using a natural preservative such as vitamin E oil or grapefruit seed extract.
To ensure that your aloe body wash remains fresh and safe to use, it’s important to observe any changes in color, texture, or odor. If you notice any signs of spoilage or rancidity, it’s a good idea to discard the product and make a fresh batch.
Benefits of the Ingredients:
Skin Benefits of Aloe
The gel inside the leaves of the aloe plant has many skin benefits. It contains various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help nourish and hydrate the skin. Some of the benefits of aloe vera for skin include:
- Soothes sunburn: Aloe vera has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, making it an excellent natural remedy for sunburn. It can help reduce redness, inflammation, and pain caused by overexposure to the sun.
- Moisturizes dry skin: Aloe vera gel is rich in water and can help hydrate dry skin. It also helps to lock in moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
- Calms skin irritations: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin irritations such as rashes, insect bites, and minor burns.
- Promotes wound healing: Aloe vera contains compounds that can help speed up the healing of wounds, cuts, and abrasions. It can also help reduce scarring.
- Fights aging: Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging.
Skin Benefits of Lilac
Dried lilacs are often used in skincare products for their soothing and calming properties. Lilacs contain a variety of natural compounds that can help promote healthy skin. Some of the potential skin benefits of lilacs include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Lilacs contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling associated with skin irritations.
- Antioxidant benefits: Lilacs are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can lead to premature aging and other skin problems.
- Relaxing aroma: The scent of lilacs is known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body. Using lilac-infused skincare products can help create a spa-like experience that promotes relaxation and stress relief.
- Natural skin toner: Lilacs contain astringent properties, which can help tighten and tone the skin. This can be particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
- Moisturizing benefits: Lilacs also contain natural oils that can help moisturize and nourish the skin. This can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Skin Benefits of Castile Soap
Castile soap is a type of soap that is made from vegetable oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or hemp oil, instead of animal fats or synthetic detergents. It’s a natural and gentle soap that has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes, including personal hygiene and household cleaning.
There are several reasons why castile soap is a great choice for making homemade body wash:
- Gentle on the skin: Castile soap is a mild and gentle soap that is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
- Chemical-free: Castile soap is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin. This makes it a great choice for those with skin sensitivities or allergies.
- Eco-friendly: Castile soap is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable choice for those who want to reduce their impact on the planet.
- Versatile: Castile soap can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a body wash, shampoo, facial cleanser, and household cleaner. This makes it a great multi-purpose ingredient to have on hand.
FAQs about Aloe Soap
By using this DIY soap recipe, you can enjoy the benefits of a natural remedy that can soothe your skin while providing a refreshing and invigorating experience. With aloe gel as the star ingredient, it can help ease sun-related skin irritations and other common skin issues.
The addition of dried lilacs and other natural ingredients makes this body wash a great option for those looking for a product that contains only good stuff and is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Not only will it leave your skin feeling clean and soft, but it can also provide a spa-like experience that’s perfect for a self-care routine. So, give it a try and see how it can benefit your skin and your senses.
More Luxurious Soaps
Want to make an even cooler handmade soap? Make this Lilac and Aloe Vera soap base into a Shower Jelly!
Looking for more advanced soap making? Check out this Dandelion soap bar recipe using a lye mixture.
If you decide to make your own soap, I would love to see it! Take a photo and tag me on Instagram!
Pin this Aloe Soap Recipe for Later!
About the Author:
I’m Brittany, totally modern and mainstream turned crunchy mama!
Read more here about how I went from a totally incompetent cook and hyper-consumer to striving to live a more meaningful life from scratch.
I can’t wait to share my modern homesteading journey with you and I hope I inspire you to join along!
I love this idea! What a soothing way to wash while having a sunburn. I’ve never put my own dried flowers into skincare, but I can’t wait to try it out.