How to Make a Homemade Shower Gel Salt Scrub

I have worked as a beauty therapist, a freelance makeup artist, and a retail store manager for a fashion, beauty, and crafts store.

Sea Salt Scrubs

2 in 1

Adding salt to shower gel or making your own shower gel scrub from scratch is easily done at home. Shower gels are one of the most widely used cosmetic products today that the vast majority of us will buy rather than consider making ourselves.

Whether we use shower gels or soaps, we are continually adding them to our grocery list as essentials.The more family members, the greater the cost. Many commercial products contain chemicals that we don’t know enough about either, another great reason to go au natural as much as possible.

You are in control of the ingredients so you will know exactly what has gone into your new shower gel salt scrub recipe.

We tend to buy body scrubs separately, if ever. It's a product I find essential to have on hand and use regularly, so a shower gel scrub is the perfect solution, a 2-in-1 beauty product.

Scrubs do what they say on the tin, in a nutshell. Scrub tends to conjure up images of scrubbing the skin raw or excessively, which is totally wrong when talking in terms of face scrubs, lip scrubs or body scrubs. I prefer to use the term exfoliators as scrubs can seem a bit harsh.

Homemade Shower Gel

Salt Pans at Maras, Peru

Why Add Salt to Shower Gel?

• Salt, particularly sea salt, is being incorporated more and more in spa treatments due to its incredible skin benefits. Salts obtained from the Dead Sea (Dead Sea salt) are the best to use in body scrubs and shower gels as they have over 80 minerals that are beneficial to the skin and are 100% natural.
• Minerals in Dead Sea salts include potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and bromine, which are absorbed through the skin in a scrub and help nourish the skin.
• Dead Sea salt helps in exfoliating the dead skin cell build up that is the upper layer of the skin.
• The dead skin cell layer thickens as we mature. Salt exfoliates this layer completely, revealing younger-looking rejuvenated skin.
• The scrubbing effect removes hard skin, which eliminates the dry and dull appearance of the skin.
• Salt scrubs improve circulation and thus increases blood flow which will regenerate skin cells giving a healthy glow to our skin. New cells will help tighten the skin and thereby make wrinkles less visible.
• Sea salt has antiseptic properties which will keep bacteria associated with skin infections away. Any inflammation or itching of the skin will be a distant memory.
• Scrubs will clean clogged pores that would have turned into spots or skin eruptions.
• Salt works wonders on acne prone skin in preventing acne forming and will help heal existing acne breakouts.
• Uneven skin tone and skin discoloration will be improved dramatically by using sea salt and it has been known to help treat psoriasis and eczema.
• When combined with oils in shower gels or scrubs, the abrasive action is minimized and gives a wonderful polished look and feel to the skin.

Raspberry

Great Body Wash

Shower Gel Poll

Vanilla Berry Shower Gel Scrub

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Pure Castile Liquid Soap
• ¼ cup Water
• 1-2 tsp Sea Salt
• 6 drops Raspberry Essential Oil
• 6 drops Vanilla Essential Oil

You Will Need:

• Glass Jar or Bottle with lid
• Bowl
• Spoon/Spatula

Method:

• Mix the liquid soap and water together in the bowl until evenly combined.
• Add the salt and essential oils.
• Mix thoroughly to an even consistency.
• If you want to make a little coarser add a little more sea salt and mix through.
• Decant to your container and store in a dry place until needed.
• Use in place of your normal shower gel on the body (not on the face).

Tips:

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• Do a small patch test first on the skin to make sure it is compatible with your skin.
• You may experiment and replace the raspberry and vanilla to your own choice of fragrance combinations. Lavender, jasmine and sandalwood are all some of my favourites.
• Use within three days, you may get longer just keep trying the whiff test! If it smells fine it’s good to use and if not . . . don’t.
• Do you only have Castile soap? No problem, just grate it and melt it first in ½ cup water stirring until melted. Let cool and carry on.
• When using fragrance oils or essential oil, please make sure with the supplier or stockist it is safe to use on the skin as not all will be skin friendly and safe to use.

Scent of Orange

Important Essential Oil Info

• Citrus essential oils are photosensitive, which means if the skin is exposed to sunlight, it may burn easier. When the skin is covered they are fine to use.
• Essential oils may erode plastic in plastic containers over time, so caution should be taken if using them for this or any other homemade skin care product.
• Essential oils should never be applied to the skin directly so always be cautious when handling them.
• Always check for contra-indications to any fragrance or essential oil before using (pregnancy, allergies, children etc . . .). Never use the oils if they are likely to affect anyone that is likely to be using the shower gel.

Mixed Citrus Fruits

Orange and Lemon Salt Scrub

If you prefer to make a sea salt scrub separately then this is the recipe for you. Four gorgeous ingredients that will make your skin glow, feel moisturized and will smell out of this world . . . . What more could you want?

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Sea Salt
• ½ cup Olive Oil
• 2 slices Orange (seeds removed)
• 2 slices Lemon (seeds removed)
• Blender
• Glass Jar (recycle old ones)
• Spoon

Method:

• Pour olive oil into your blender and add the sea salt.
• Add the slices of orange and lemon into the blender.
• Turn on and mix together to a nice medium consistency.
• Spoon scrub into glass jar and store until needed.
• Scrub will last for approximately 10 days.

To Apply:

• Do a patch test first on the skin to check for skin compatibility and avoid any irritation, inflammation or allergy arising.
• In the shower, apply in circular movements over the body paying particular attention to hard skin areas and dry skin.
• Massage in for 3-5 minutes before rinsing off and pat the skin dry rather than excessive drying as this will remove the olive oil goodness and drag the skin.
• Apply an additional body moisturizer if needed, to help lock in the moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth.

Tips:

• If you have no blender just use a mixing bowl. Add the oil and salt to a bowl. Squeeze the fruit slices into the bowl to retain all the juice. Chop up the rest of the slices including pulp and peel really small and add to the bowl. Mix well and spoon into the jar.
• If you fancy a different combination of citrus try lemon and lime or grapefruit and orange.
• Fancy making a fragrance olive oil instead? Then why not try making lavender oil using fresh lavender!
• A larger quantity may be made easily by doubling up on the ingredients if you want enough for all the family.
• Don’t fancy a salt scrub then use granulated sugar instead.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

How to Make a Homemade Shower Gel Salt Scrub Comments

Phyllis on April 09, 2020:

My salt shower gel came out foamy. Please help correct. I followed menu.

:-(

Albert Moritis on July 10, 2017:

Please can l add baking soda to the recipes of sea salt, olive oil, lemon and orange shower gel? Thanks

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on March 05, 2015:

Great hub on making your own sea salt for shower gel scrubs. I never thought of that idea. Very useful and informative at the same time. Voted up!

Maddi on June 11, 2014:

This is so interesting! I am going to have to try this out and maybe even mix up my own customized batch once I get the hang of it. Thank you for a great read!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 26, 2013:

Hi Kathryn,

Many thanks for checking this out and you are going to make your own "signature" one!! Delighted to hear this and look forward to hearing how it goes for you!! Appreciate you commenting and letting me know, have fun!

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on June 25, 2013:

Oooooh, I have the ingredients to make a variation of one or two of these! I'm making this very soon! Thanks for sharing this with us.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on February 11, 2013:

Hi cracknutcase,

Many thanks for your visit and lovely comment, have fun trying this out sometime! Appreciate your votes!! :-)

Cracknutcase from India,bangalore on February 11, 2013:

Very informative and useful..

Thank u for sharing your knowledge with us :)

Voted up

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on January 08, 2013:

Hi Crystal,

Lovely to see you hope 2013 is your best ever! many thanks for your lovely comments. I do enjoy these DIY beauty treats which make sense on every level for our skin. Salt is a wonderful exfoliant as is sugar when combined with other nutritious goodies! Have fun trying this out and why not try some olive oil as a great skin softener. I have been using it daily on my face particularly and find a tiny drop on the fingertips is enough and it doesn't leave a greasy feel, more of a soft smooth one. Thanks again Crystal!:-)

Crystal Tatum from Georgia on January 08, 2013:

You do such an excellent job with these hubs. Congrats on carving out a great niche for yourself. Great recipes and I definitely need these right now, as my skin is dry in the winter.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on January 08, 2013:

Hi vespa,

If you have both recipe ingredients available you are lucky to have the choice! Raspberries are a way off to be in season here and are expensive unfortunately as I adore them!! Pink Sea Salt I would love to try, how cheap you can buy it for which equates to less than 15 cents in euro!! I can see you with a stall selling wonderful kitchen delights and beauty products, great combo!! Many thanks for your great input and interest as always my friend!!

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on January 07, 2013:

I can't decide whether to try the citrus or raspberry vanilla scrub first, although the latter sounds especially enticing. I love all your Hubs and read them with interest, and this one is no exception. We don't have access to dead sea salt but we can get Andean pink sea salt, which is mined deep in the Andes mountains and pollutant free, for only 15 cents (U.S.) a pound! That's what I'll be using for my fresh shower scrub. Thanks for more great recipes. : )

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 22, 2012:

Hi Om,

I love citrus scent too I have to admit, so fresh and when combined with different herbs and spices it works beautifully. Thanks for taking the time to read, glad you enjoyed!!

Om Paramapoonya on December 22, 2012:

The orange and lemon salt scrub sounds quite enticing. I love natural toiletries with citrusy aromas :)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on December 21, 2012:

Hi teaches,

The salt is great just make sure no open wounds or cuts exist first or it will sting and get into the abrasion. It is a wonderful skin cleanser and works wonders for the body. Delighted you enjoyed and cheers for the votes up!!

Dianna Mendez on December 21, 2012:

This gel soap is right up my alley. I love the natural salts that are so beneficial to the body and the antibacterial effects go a long way in helping the body to remain strong. When I get some time, this is going to be a good project. Voted up.