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Making my own homemade kids shampoo with Castile soap started as a simple experiment- but it quickly became one of my favorite swaps in our home. Like many moms, I’m cautious about what goes on my kids’ skin. After digging through dozens of ingredient labels and getting frustrated by the number of unpronounceable chemicals, I decided to try making it myself.
And honestly? I’m so glad I did.
This DIY recipe is more than just budget-friendly. It’s soothing, gentle, and safe– even for sensitive skin. Plus, I know exactly what’s in it. No mystery preservatives or artificial fragrances. Just pure, natural ingredients I feel great about using on my kids (and even myself).
Let me walk you through the recipe, why I chose each ingredient, and how to make it work best for your family.
Why I Chose to Make My Own Shampoo for the Kids
Like many families in the midwest, we battle dry winter air, bug bites in the summer, and post-swim itchy skin. One of my sons has especially sensitive skin and eczema. I wanted something calming, non-irritating, and totally clean.
Commercial “tear-free” shampoos often come with trade-offs: added surfactants or synthetic preservatives. I just wasn’t comfortable with those anymore.
So I pulled out a bar of Castile soap, grabbed my favorite chamomile tea, added nourishing oils like jojoba, a touch of aloe vera, and finally found a preservative that let me keep everything fresh without compromising on safety.
The Star Ingredients
🧼 Castile Soap (Bar, Grated)
Castile soap is a plant-based, all-purpose soap that’s naturally gentle and effective. I use a bar and grate it myself- nothing fancy. It’s easy to melt down, and gives this shampoo its cleansing base without stripping the skin or scalp.
🌼 Chamomile Tea
I brew a basic chamomile tea bag (from my pantry!) and use it in place of plain water. Chamomile is calming, soothing, and great for irritated or sensitive skin. It’s also perfect for bedtime baths- it helps relax them after a long day of being wild little boys!
💧 Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is as close to our natural skin oils as it gets. It’s non-comedogenic, lightweight, and helps keep the scalp moisturized. This is especially helpful for those dry, flaky winter patches we see here in Wisconsin.
🍃 Aloe Vera Gel (Cold-Pressed)
I add just a small amount, about 2 tablespoons, of hand-harvested, cold-pressed aloe. It’s soothing, adds hydration, and helps calm down any irritation (like post-sun or post-bug bite baths). It also gives the shampoo a silkier feel.
🌿 Leucidal® Liquid (Natural Preservative)
This one was a game changer. Since this recipe includes water (and tea!), bacteria and mold can grow over time. I use Leucidal® Liquid, a natural preservative made from fermented radish root. It extends shelf life to about 3 months and is ECOCERT-approved for natural products. It’s gentle, effective, and totally kid-safe.
How I Make My Homemade 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo and Body Wash
Here’s the simple process I follow:
🧴 Ingredients:
- 4 cups reverse osmosis (RO) water, boiled to 212°F (can use distilled water)
- 1 chamomile tea bag (steeped 5–10 minutes)
- 1 cup grated Castile soap (I use one bar)
- 1 tbsp organic jojoba oil
- 2 tbsp cold-pressed aloe vera gel
- 3 tsp (or 3% of batch) Leucidal® Liquid
- Optional 2-3 drops of kid safe essential oil (I add lavender and only 2 drops)
👩🍳 Directions:
- Boil the Water
I heat 4 cups of RO water to 212°F in my favorite tea kettle. (In Wisconsin, that’s your standard boiling point!) After boiling, I let it sit for 5 minutes. - Steep the Chamomile Tea
Drop one tea bag into the hot water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. You’ll get a lightly golden, aromatic tea that makes the shampoo smell amazing and feel extra gentle. - Melt the Soap Flakes
While the tea is still warm (not boiling), I pour it over the grated Castile soap in a large glass bowl. I stir until the soap fully dissolves into a smooth liquid. - Cool It Down
Once everything is melted, I let the mixture cool to room temperature. This is important-adding oils or aloe to hot liquid can break down their benefits. - Add Oils + Aloe
I mix in the jojoba oil and aloe vera gel, stirring gently to combine. This is where you would add your essential oils if using. - Add the Preservative
Finally, I add 3 teaspoons of Leucidal® Liquid. Since it’s a natural preservative, it doesn’t interfere with the scent or feel at all. - Bottle It Up
I pour the finished product into a clean pump bottle. I keep one bottle in the shower and the rest in the fridge to stay fresh.
Storage + Shelf Life: How I Keep It Safe
Since this shampoo is natural and water-based, storage is important. Without a preservative, homemade blends like this can grow bacteria, yeast, or mold within 1–2 weeks, especially if left in a warm, damp bathroom.
Here’s what I do:
- With Leucidal® Liquid: Shelf life is 3 months.
- Store one small pump bottle in the shower, and keep the rest in the fridge.
- Always use clean hands or a pump to avoid contamination.
- If it smells off or changes texture, toss it and make a new batch.
And yes—I’ve forgotten bottles in the shower before. After about a month, I noticed it started smelling slightly funky. That’s your cue it’s time to say goodbye. If you’re not using a preservative, refrigerate everything and use it up within a week.
Bonus Tip: Make It a Family Favorite
- Add a drop or two of kid-safe essential oils (like lavender or orange) for scent—just be sure to patch test first.
- Make a foam pump version for extra fun.
- Label bottles with cute names like “Monster Wash” or “Super Suds” to encourage independent bathing.
- We also make it extra special by using seasonal pump bottles! Right now for spring, we’re using a bunny-shaped simple hand soap bottle. Around Christmas, we switch it up with a festive reindeer or a Christmas tree bottle. It keeps bath time exciting and helps the kids look forward to their routine- plus it’s an easy little tradition that sparks joy every season.
Why This Recipe Works for My Family
My two boys are wildly different- one is cautious and gentle, the other is a fearless chaos tornado. But this shampoo works for both of them. It lathers just enough, rinses easily, and leaves their hair soft without any residue.
Even better? It gives me peace of mind. I know exactly what’s going on their skin and that it’s nourishing, not irritating.
Start Simple, Stay Consistent
This homemade kids shampoo with Castile soap is now a staple in our home. It’s easy, affordable, and full of ingredients I trust. Once you make it once or twice, it becomes second nature and your family (and wallet) will thank you.
Have your kids help make the shampoo too! Since it’s made with all-safe, gentle ingredients, it’s perfect for their little hands to get involved. Letting them participate not only makes the process more fun but also helps them feel proud and excited to use it during bath and shower time. It’s a great way to turn a simple routine into a special family activity.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear what ingredients you add, how it works for your little ones, and what tweaks make it your own.
With love,
Bri & Cat
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