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| Method for Shampoos & Liquid Soaps |
| There are two methods for making shampoos and soaps. To make natural soaps and hard shampoo or conditioning bars (which are great for dry scalps, fine or dry hair and ideal for travelling) from scratch, using organic vegetable oils and butters, you need to refer to my soapmaking pages (coming soon). This page gives details on the second method, which uses herbal infusions, naturally-derived detergents and thickeners, but which will also normally require preservatives. To make shampoos and liquid soaps in this way, you simply heat water or a herbal infusion, then beat in the detergents and thickeners to achieve the gel-like product we are all familiar with as shampoo or liquid soap. You can vary the infusions and active ingredients you use to achieve different results and suit your particular needs. As ever, the only equipment you will need are saucepans and mixing bowls, measuring spoons, a measuring jug, spatulas and a whisk. You can use your normal kitchen utensils, provided they are well washed (preferably in a dishwasher) before being used for food again, though if you are going to make skincare products at home often, it's worth investing in a separate set of pans, bowls etc. Stainless steel or - even better - enamel pans (or a double boiler) are good choices, but avoid non-stick, aluminium or copper, which may react with some ingredients. You will also need sterilised bottles to put your shampoo or liquid soap into. You can buy these specially, in glass or recyclable plastic, or you can beg extra old ones from friends and family. Wash bottles first in hot soapy water, then rinse and place in a warm oven for about half an hour. Quantities are given for all recipes, and most will make enough to last for at least a few weeks. When preserved, the shelf life of most shampoos and liquid soaps is up to two years if kept in cool, dry conditions away from direct heat and sunlight (soap or shampoo bars made from scratch will last longer). Unpreserved products with water-based ingredients can go mouldy, which can present a challenge. You can extend the shelf life of unpreserved shampoo or liquid soaps by keeping them in the fridge, or using pump dispensers on your bottles (recommended in all cases anyway), although these are not failsafe methods. |
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| Sample Recipe: Basic Shampoo for Normal-Dry Hair Makes about 1 litre A note about detergents: It is perfectly possible to make soaps and shampoos without detergents, but the results will not be quite the same as those of conventional products. Many brands of cosmetic detergent are available, though some contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate (I have used the 'Alpha detergent' distributed by Aromantic, which is SLS free). Choose your detergents wisely, or perhaps consider making shampoo bars and soaps from scratch if this is a concern. Ingredients: 660ml distilled or mineral water 200ml detergent (or according to manufacturer's instructions) 100ml Betaine 5g Guar Gum 5-10ml Preservative 5ml Vitamin E 5ml Phytokeratin (INCI name: Hydrolised corn and wheat protein) OPTIONAL: 10 drops each of lavender, rose geranium and jasmine essential oil, 5 drops each of peppermint and thyme essential oils. Method: 1.) Put the water in a pan and bring to the boil. If liked, you can make a strong herbal infusion as the base for your shampoo by allowing up to 40g of your preferred herb and leaving to stand for 20-30 minutes in the hot (but not boiling) water. Then strain and continue with the recipe. (NB: A shampoo containing a herbal infusion will need a full quantity of broad-spectrum preservative to prevent bacterial growth.) 2) Place your detergents in a bowl and carefully pour on the boiling water, stirring well until the ingredients are dissolved and fully incorporated. 3.) Meanwhile, mix the guar gum to a paste with a little of the detergent mixture. Add to the shampoo and stir as it cools. You can speed this up by sitting the bottom of the bowl in a sink or basin of cold water. Stir in the phytokeratin (this is used to help soften and promote health in hair). 4.) When the shampoo cools to just over room temperature (no warmer than 30�C), add the essential oils, preservative, vitamin E or other active ingredients, if using. If the texture is too thin, you can also add a little bit of sea salt and stir well to thicken the shampoo. Sample Recipe: Basic Liquid Soap Ingredients: 300ml detergent 30g Omega fat-restoring agent (INCI name: Olive Oil PEG-10 Esters); used to make a more moisturising soap. 650ml distilled or mineral water 5g sea salt 5-10ml Preservative OPTIONAL: 30 drops of your favourite essential oil to scent, or 20 drops each lemon and thyme essential oil with 10 drops tea tree for a good antibacterial hand soap. Method: 1.) The method for liquid soaps is almost the same as shampoo, but you should begin by dissolving the salt in boiling water. Then add the detergent, stirring rather than beating until the mixture begins to thicken. 2.) Add the remaining ingredients and stir until the soap is thick and cool, then pour into pump dispenser bottles. |
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