SUPER Moisturizing DIY Antibacterial Hand Soap (leaves your hands silky smooth & ready for handshakes)

Last updated on March 10, 2025 by Jess Healey
Originally published on September 6, 2017

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First, I am NOT a germ freak… at all (see my blog posts on Earthing and hand sanitizer).

That said… yes, I wash my hands and certainly encourage my toddler washing his hands in our home, too. We simply aren’t obsessive about it.

When we do wash our hands, we want to make sure that a few things are occurring…

[/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Antibacterial-Moisturizing-hand-soap-Pronounce-Skincare-DIY-Blog-Shop-Pinterest.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” _label=”New Item 2″ style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″][x_feature_box title=”” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”numbers” graphic_size=”40px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”hsl(110, 32%, 62%)” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”0px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_animation=”swing”]We are actually getting them clean… in a NON-TOXIC fashion.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”numbers” graphic_size=”40px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”hsl(180, 100%, 25%)” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”0px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_animation=”swing”]We are actually improving their condition… in an organic, HEALTHY fashion.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”numbers” graphic_size=”40px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”hsl(110, 32%, 62%)” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”0px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_animation=”swing”]We aren’t hurting our own bodies… and also not hurting our ENVIRONMENT.[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_blockquote cite=”” type=”center”]Sound good to you, too? Then this is the super easy DIY antibacterial hand soap for you.[/x_blockquote][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ _label=”Recipe” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column bg_color=”hsla(110, 32%, 62%, 0.34)” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ class=”cs-ta-left” style=”padding: 6px 20px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-left”]

DIY Moisturizing Antibacterial Hand Soap (8OZ)

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Supplies/Ingredients

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[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” _label=”New Item 2″ style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(180, 100%, 25%);”]Make It[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]

Add the following ingredients in the order they are listed below…

  • Pour Castile Soap into your bottle until it is 1/4 full
  • Add 2 T of Almond Oil
  • Add 1 T of Vegetable Glycerin
  • Add the following essential oils:
    • Lavender – 15 drops
    • Cedarwood Atlas – 8-10 drops
    • Tea Tree – 8-10 drops
    • Adjust EOs according to your scent preference, but these ratios and amount totals work well for this size container; remember, less is often more with EOs
  • Fill to the top with distilled H2O

*T=tablespoon and t=teaspoon

[/cs_text][x_blockquote cite=”” type=”center”]Ta-da. You are ready to rub-a-dub-clean and be Oh So SMOOTH!!![/x_blockquote][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ _label=”Q&A” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(180, 100%, 25%);margin-top:-5px;”]And now, some ‘whys’ are answered for you[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”20px”][x_accordion][x_accordion_item title=”Why Vegetable Glycerin (I know that someone will ask)?” open=”true”]You can learn more about it in this post I wrote for a DIY Natural (& Easy) Remedy For Pests, but in a nutshell, vegetable glycerine is a great vessel to help essential oils bind to whatever you spray &/or place them on (in this case, you).

Other DIY posts I have written, which use Vegetable Glycerin include…

[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Why Almond Oil?” open=”false”]

Learn more about Almond Oil (and other excellent carrier oils you should keep around the home) in THIS post on my blog. Then, you have GOT to check out this extensive post all about carrier oils here!

Here are a few of my own recipes on the blog using almond oil…

[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Finally, why those particular EOs?” open=”false”]

Well, they are all proven germ-fighters12… and they smell delish, too!

Whew! So, basically by keeping a few simple ingredients on hand you can really get a lot accomplished by way of easy, fun DIY projects, which will detoxify your home, the environment, and your body. You can create healthy habits, friends… it’s easy!

[/x_accordion_item][/x_accordion][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ _label=”Signature” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”4/5″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-right”]xo,[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/5″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Pronounce-Shop-DIY-Blog-Jessica-Healey-signature.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ _label=”Shop” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(110, 32%, 62%);”]WOULD YOU LOVE TO TRY THIS HAND SOAP,[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]

but you aren’t always a DIY-ish person (or maybe you are simply lacking time, motivation, supplies, raw products, etc etc etc etc)?

Please, head on over to my Pronounce Skincare Shop where I sell this hand soap.

While you are there, please look around at all of my other skincare creations. I love making them for my family and for you!

[/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Hand-Soap-2-sizes-Pronounce-Skincare-Herbal-Boutique.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_text][product id=”111340″]
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content][cs_content_seo]First, I am NOT a germ freak… at all (see my blog posts on Earthing and hand sanitizer).
That said… yes, I wash my hands and certainly encourage my toddler washing his hands in our home, too. We simply aren’t obsessive about it.
When we do wash our hands, we want to make sure that a few things are occurring…
We are actually getting them clean… in a NON-TOXIC fashion.We are actually improving their condition… in an organic, HEALTHY fashion.We aren’t hurting our own bodies… and also not hurting our ENVIRONMENT.Sound good to you, too? Then this is the super easy DIY antibacterial hand soap for you.DIY Moisturizing Antibacterial Hand Soap (8OZ)
Supplies/Ingredients

Container(s) – Glass hand pump (THIS one is super cute)
Distilled water (or boiled H2O)
Castile Soap (THIS castile soap is also a very nice option)
Almond Oil (Pronounce Skincare certified organic almond oil)
Vegetable Glycerin (like THIS Pronounce Skincare certified organic vegetable glycerin)
Essential Oils: Lavender, Cedarwood Atlas, Tea Tree

Make ItAdd the following ingredients in the order they are listed below…

Pour Castile Soap into your bottle until it is 1/4 full
Add 2 T of Almond Oil
Add 1 T of Vegetable Glycerin
Add the following essential oils:

Lavender – 15 drops
Cedarwood Atlas – 8-10 drops
Tea Tree – 8-10 drops
Adjust EOs according to your scent preference, but these ratios and amount totals work well for this size container; remember, less is often more with EOs

Fill to the top with distilled H2O

*T=tablespoon and t=teaspoon
Ta-da. You are ready to rub-a-dub-clean and be Oh So SMOOTH!!!And now, some ‘whys’ are answered for youWhy Vegetable Glycerin (I know that someone will ask)?You can learn more about it in this post I wrote for a DIY Natural (& Easy) Remedy For Pests, but in a nutshell, vegetable glycerine is a great vessel to help essential oils bind to whatever you spray &/or place them on (in this case, you).
Other DIY posts I have written, which use Vegetable Glycerin include…

Non-Toxic Citrus Dusting Spray
Bye, Bye Bugs (especially mosquitoes) DIY Bug Spray
Why Almond Oil?Learn more about Almond Oil (and other excellent carrier oils you should keep around the home) in THIS post on my blog. Then, you have GOT to check out this extensive post all about carrier oils here!Here are a few of my own recipes on the blog using almond oil…DIY ‘Fix Pretty Much Anything’ Healing Salve (almond oil & EOs)DIY Secret Ingredient Deodorant recipe (with NO baking soda, friends)!!!DIY Soothing Tooshie Salve, too (which also works wonders for YOUR skin…think rough elbows, heels, knees, etc etc etc)Finally, Non-Toxic Citrus Dusting SprayFinally, why those particular EOs?Well, they are all proven germ-fighters12… and they smell delish, too!Whew! So, basically by keeping a few simple ingredients on hand you can really get a lot accomplished by way of easy, fun DIY projects, which will detoxify your home, the environment, and your body. You can create healthy habits, friends… it’s easy!xo,WOULD YOU LOVE TO TRY THIS HAND SOAP,but you aren’t always a DIY-ish person (or maybe you are simply lacking time, motivation, supplies, raw products, etc etc etc etc)?
Please, head on over to my Pronounce Skincare Shop where I sell this hand soap.
While you are there, please look around at all of my other skincare creations. I love making them for my family and for you!

Rated 5.00 out of 5Hand Soap
$6.00 – $20.00
Select optionsHand Soap 2 sizes - Pronounce Skincare & Herbal Boutique[/cs_content_seo]

Love it? Share it!

The Original Scratch Mommy. <3

Founder + Publisher + Head Cook + Chief Scientist + Handcrafter + Owner behind Pronounce Skincare® and Scratch Mommy®.

Mom to her spunky son, Ollie. Wifey to Nicholas. Loves music, food, being creative, concerts, dogs, deep conversations, camping, and summer.

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38 Comments

    1. Hi Sheka~ Yes, this recipe will separate. You can shake…I really don’t too often because it works great as is. If you want to add in a bit of guar gum it will help with separation.

      Reply
  2. Pingback: 18 DIY Gentle Hand Sanitizers For Extra Safety - The Moms Buzz

    1. Hi there! Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will get that linked fixed here shortly. You can find the vegetable glycerin linked here.

      Reply

  4. So… I tried adding salt water to help make it a bit thicker (I was also using coconut oil in lieu of glycerin). This has resulted in somewhat of a cool whip-esque mess of frustration. Have I completely ruined this batch, or do you think this heaping bowl of foam can possibly be salvaged or even used as something else (sadly, not dessert topping)?

    Reply

    1. Hi Bella’s! Haha, no I don’t think I would use it as dessert topping ? Don’t feel like you’ve ruined it – you’re just experimenting. It’s all a part of the DIY fun ? Do you feel like your foam soap is still cleansing your hands?

      Reply

    1. Hi there! The carrier oil is necessary to help with moisturizing the hands. That being said, almond oil is not necessary. You can learn about some other great carrier oils on our carrier oil post! I hope this helps you 🙂

      Reply

  6. I have all of the ingredients except the almond oil, cedar wood and tea tree oil. Is there a substitute or can I skip those ingredients?

    Reply

    1. Hi Linda! You can substitute the almond oil with another carrier oil of your choosing. As for the cedarwood and tea tree oils, those are pretty crucial to the recipe. If you leave them out you will be losing the antibacterial properties of the hand soap. There is a post on our sister site, Scratch Mommy, detailing other essential oils that have the same properties. I hope this helps you!

      Reply

    1. Hi Charlotte! The essential oils are what makes this soap antibacterial. We have a post on our sister site, Scratch Mommy, explaining which other essential oils have similar properties. I hope this helps you! ?

      Reply

  8. Hello! I really love this soap and it smells lovely. Mine does seem too watery, however. Can I add less water to it while still maintaining the anti-bacterial qualities? What ingredient can I add to make it less watery? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Emily! You can increase the Castile and decrease the water if you feel it’s too watery for you! I hope this helps you ?

      Reply

      1. I thought I followed your instructions but because I wasn’t sure of the size of the Bottle i wasn’t accurate. However, I added about a spoon full of coconut oil. It’s turned out like soapy water . I added loads more castle soap but it’s still like water but 3/4 is the castle soap. Is it the coconut that’s changed the chemical balance or something? Any ideas how I can thicken it up or should I throw it away?

        Reply

        1. Hi Pippa! It doesn’t seem to me like you’ve done anything wrong. The consistency of this recipe is pretty thin. It can still be used, you don’t need to throw it out! If you wish to thicken it a bit you can ass some guar gum. I hope this helps you!

          Reply

  9. This soap is the bomb! It is just the best hand soap I have ever used. I just make four 12 oz. bottles and two 24 oz. bottles. I am going to make extra for my family and friends.

    Reply

    1. Yay Cynthia! We are so happy you love this soap as much as we do! Keep sharing the love of clean hands ?

      Reply

  10. Thank you for this recipe! Do you have any other EO blends you would recommend for this soap? Tea tree oil and cedarwood oil tends to bother my sinuses for some reason, is there an alternative?

    Reply

    1. Hi Ashley! This is a great question! Yes, if they bother you then don’t use them! You can find a few other essential oils here on our sister site, Scratch Mommy. This should help explain which oils are antibacterial and that you could use in place of the cedarwood and tea tree oils. I hope this helps you! Happy DIYing ?

      Reply

  11. Just a question…How is Castile Soap a good option to be environmentally friendly when the specific brand you listed states that it doesn’t break down in water and can harm aquatic life? Soap is only going to be used with water so…?

    Reply

    1. Hi Madi! This is a really great question! The listing is a little confusing, huh? Castile soap is safe to use in your home because the water will be treated before being released back into the streams/rivers/etc. They are suggesting you don’t use the soap directly in bodies of water, an example would be, bathing in a lake while camping. I hope this helped you, it has definitely helped us! Happy DIYing ?

      Reply

    1. Hi Aquala. Both tea tree and cedarwood essential oils have been shown to have antibacterial properties. Happy DIYing!

      Reply

  13. Do the ingredients separate? Do you have to shake the bottle every day or so? I’ve been looking and looking for a homemade hand soap that I won’t have to remix.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jenna~ Yes, it will separate. You can shake…I really don’t too often because it works great! If you want to add in a bit of guar gum it will help with separation.

      Reply

        1. Hi Jenn. I don’t know much about glucomannan, but after a quick search it appears people are using it mainly for weight loss? I don’t know about adding it into this recipe. I would probably skip the arrowroot, too, but you could give it a try. If you do, please let us know how it worked out for you!

          Reply

    1. Hi Karen! This hand soap will suds a little but not like other foaming hand soaps. We do not use any surfactants in our soap (which is a good thing!) so it will not foam like others do. I hope this helps you! ?

      Reply

    1. Hi Ben! Tea tree oil and cedarwood oil have both been shown to have antibacterial properties. Hope this helps you!

      Reply

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