Okay, real talk—dry skin is the worst. You know the drill: flaky patches, that itchy “why is my skin crying?” feeling, and somehow every store-bought body wash either leaves you feeling like a raisin or costs more than a fancy latte. That’s when I started experimenting with DIY body washes, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer. Not only do you get to control every ingredient, but your skin actually thanks you instead of screaming in protest.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the harsh soaps and give your skin the TLC it deserves, I’ve rounded up the 7 best DIY body washes for dry skin. These are my tried-and-tested favorites, perfect for giving your skin some serious love.
1. Oatmeal & Honey Soothing Body Wash
Ever wonder why oatmeal baths are a thing? It’s not just grandma’s superstition—it actually calms inflammation and locks in moisture. Pair that with honey, and you’ve basically bottled a hug for your skin.
Ingredients:
½ cup rolled oats (finely ground)
¼ cup raw honey
½ cup liquid castile soap
2 tbsp olive oil or sweet almond oil
How to Make:
Grind the oats into a fine powder.
Mix oats, honey, and oils in a bowl.
Slowly stir in the castile soap until smooth.
Pour into a bottle and shake before each use.
Why it works: Oatmeal soothes, honey hydrates, and the oils prevent that dreaded post-shower tightness. Plus, it smells like a spa day at home.
Pro tip: If you want extra softness, add a few drops of lavender essential oil—trust me, it’s heavenly.
2. Coconut Milk & Vanilla Body Wash
This one’s basically dessert in a bottle. Coconut milk hydrates like a champ, while vanilla gives it a sweet, comforting scent without making your bathroom smell like a bakery exploded.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
½ cup liquid castile soap
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make:
Warm coconut milk slightly (not hot!).
Stir in coconut oil until melted.
Mix in castile soap and vanilla.
Store in a pump bottle and enjoy.
Why it works: Coconut milk contains fatty acids that restore moisture, while coconut oil locks it in. Your skin will feel soft without that greasy residue.
Personal note: I once used this before bed, and I woke up feeling like I had angel-level skin. No exaggeration.
3. Aloe Vera & Chamomile Calming Wash
If your skin gets itchy or irritated, this is your holy grail. Aloe vera heals and hydrates, while chamomile soothes redness like a mini miracle in a bottle.
Ingredients:
½ cup aloe vera gel
½ cup liquid castile soap
2 tbsp jojoba oil or grapeseed oil
1 tsp chamomile tea (steeped and cooled)
How to Make:
Brew the chamomile tea and let it cool.
Mix aloe gel, oils, and tea together.
Stir in castile soap gently.
Pour into your favorite bottle and use.
Why it works: Aloe soothes, chamomile reduces redness, and the oils keep your skin feeling soft instead of tight. Perfect for sensitive, dry skin.
Fun fact: This is basically like giving your skin a cup of chamomile tea… but way less awkward than sipping it while standing in the shower.
4. Avocado & Olive Oil Hydrating Wash
Avocado isn’t just for toast, folks. This creamy little fruit is packed with vitamins and healthy fats, which makes it perfect for dry, flaky skin.
Ingredients:
½ ripe avocado (mashed)
½ cup liquid castile soap
3 tbsp olive oil
Optional: a few drops of rosehip oil
How to Make:
Mash the avocado until smooth.
Mix in olive oil and optional rosehip oil.
Slowly add castile soap and stir gently.
Store in a bottle and shake before use.
Why it works: Avocado provides essential nutrients like vitamin E, while olive oil keeps moisture locked in. I tried this after a winter hike, and my legs felt instantly revived.
Pro tip: Don’t overdo it—you don’t want chunks of avocado in your shower (unless you like exfoliating by accident.
5. Milk & Honey Luxurious Body Wash
Milk baths are like something out of a fairy tale, and you can totally recreate that at home. Lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates, and honey keeps skin soft and hydrated.
Ingredients:
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup raw honey
½ cup liquid castile soap
1 tbsp coconut oil
How to Make:
Warm the milk slightly.
Mix in honey and coconut oil until smooth.
Stir in castile soap.
Pour into a bottle and use immediately.
Why it works: This one’s rich and creamy without feeling heavy. Plus, it leaves a subtle, natural glow.
Personal experience: I use this when my skin feels extra dry, and it’s like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket—only less itchy.
6. Shea Butter & Almond Oil Nourishing Wash
Shea butter is basically the MVP of dry skin. It’s super emollient, meaning it doesn’t just sit on the surface—it penetrates and hydrates. Pair it with almond oil, and you’ve got a dream team.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp shea butter
½ cup liquid castile soap
3 tbsp sweet almond oil
Optional: a few drops of lavender or vanilla essential oil
How to Make:
Melt shea butter gently.
Stir in almond oil and essential oils if using.
Mix in castile soap until smooth.
Pour into a bottle and shake before use.
Why it works: Shea butter and almond oil nourish, repair, and make skin feel like velvet. FYI, this one’s my go-to after winter skiing trips—trust me, your legs will thank you.
7. Coffee & Coconut Oil Invigorating Body Wash
Okay, hear me out—coffee isn’t just for your morning caffeine fix. It stimulates circulation, gently exfoliates, and smells amazing. Plus, coconut oil keeps it moisturizing so you don’t end up like a sandpaper zombie.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp freshly ground coffee
½ cup liquid castile soap
2 tbsp coconut oil
Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon for a spicy twist
How to Make:
Mix coffee and coconut oil.
Stir in castile soap.
Add cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.
Pour into a bottle and shake before use.
Why it works: Coffee gently sloughs off dead skin, coconut oil hydrates, and cinnamon… well, it makes you smell like a delicious latte.
Pro tip: Use this on your legs or arms, not your face, unless you like the idea of exfoliating your nose pores with a latte.
Quick Tips for DIY Body Wash Success
Before you rush off to mix your DIY elixirs, here are a few friendly reminders:
Store properly: Most DIY washes last 1–2 weeks in the fridge. No fridge? Make smaller batches.
Shake before use: Natural ingredients separate, so give your bottle a little love before each shower.
Test first: Always patch-test new ingredients to avoid surprises. Trust me, your skin will forgive you if you’re careful.
Less is more: Over-oiling can make your shower slippery… not cute.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: 7 amazing DIY body washes for dry skin that actually work. From soothing oatmeal to indulgent avocado, each recipe brings something unique to the shower table. Honestly, making your own body wash isn’t just about saving money—it’s about taking control of what touches your skin and having a little fun in the process.
Remember, dry skin deserves love, not harsh chemicals. Try a recipe or two, see what your skin loves, and don’t be afraid to mix it up. And hey, if someone asks why your skin suddenly looks like it belongs in a skincare ad, just wink and say it’s your secret DIY magic.
