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:

VolumeProduct
250 mL (Cup)Liquid Castile
8 gAgar-Agar
120 mLWater
20 mLGlycerine
1-5 mLEssential Oil
sqColourant

Equipment:

            • A small pot
            • A whisk or spoon
            • A silicone mould or a shallow container (for shaping the jelly)
            • A measuring cup

Instructions:

          1. 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.
          2. 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.
          3. 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.
          4. 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.
          5. 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.
          6. 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.
          7. 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.

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.