Basic Shower Jelly Recipe
Making your own shower jelly can be a fun DIY project, and it’s easy to customise with your favourite scents, colours, and skin-loving ingredients. Below is a basic recipe for homemade shower jelly:
Volume | Product |
---|---|
250 mL (Cup) | Liquid Castile |
8 g | Agar-Agar |
120 mL | Water |
20 mL | Glycerine |
1-5 mL | Essential Oil |
sq | Colourant |
Equipment:
- A small pot
- A whisk or spoon
- A silicone mould or a shallow container (for shaping the jelly)
- A measuring cup
Instructions:
- Prepare the Gelatine Base:
- In a small saucepan, combine the agar-agar powder and water. Stir until the agar-agar is fully dissolved. Let it sit for a minute to hydrate if necessary.
- Heat the mixture on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, continuing to stir. This activates the agar-agar to form a gel.
- Mix in the Soap:
- Once the agar-agar mixture has simmered, remove it from heat and add in your liquid castile soap or shower gel. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Glycerine (Optional):
- For extra moisture, add glycerin to the mixture and stir. Glycerine helps to attract moisture to your skin and gives the jelly a smoother texture.
- Add Fragrance and Colour:
- If you want your shower jelly to have a pleasant scent, now is the time to add essential oils. Choose your favourite fragrance (e.g., lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus). Add about 10-15 drops.
- Add a few drops of food coloring or soap dye if you want your jelly to have some colour. Stir until it’s fully incorporated.
- Cool and Set:
- Pour the mixture into your silicone mould or shallow container. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 2-3 hours, or until the jelly has fully set and has a firm, gel-like consistency.
- Unmould:
- Once the jelly has set, carefully remove it from the mould. If it’s stuck, you can gently loosen the edges with your finger or a butter knife. If using a shallow container, cut the jelly into cubes or desired shapes.
- Store:
- Store the shower jelly in an airtight container at room temperature, or in the fridge if you’d like it to have an extra cooling effect when you use it.
- Prepare the Gelatine Base:
Tips & Customizations:
- Exfoliating Jellies: Add sugar or salt for a gentle exfoliating effect.
- Herbal Infusions: You can infuse your water with dried herbs like chamomile, lavender, or peppermint for added benefits.
- Bubbly Jellies: For extra bubbles, you can add a little bit of liquid castile soap or bubble bath to the mix before it sets.
- Vegan or Sensitive Skin: Ensure the soap and any additives are safe for your skin type. If you’re vegan, make sure the soap is plant-based and free from animal-derived ingredients.