How To Make Grapefruit Shower Gel
Creating a basic shower gel is a straightforward process that offers insight into the components present in everyday products often taken for granted. Recognizing that modern lifestyles impact the environment, our aim is to minimize this effect. Although most ingredients undergo some degree of processing, even in an organic context, we can make conscious choices. Many detergents used by large corporations are accessible to home crafters as well.
Shower gel primarily consists of detergents and water. Achieving organic certification is complex due to the nature of these components, but some companies incorporate organic floral waters or water infused with organic herbs. The detergent blend featured here is EcoCert-approved, suitable for shower gels, shampoos, and liquid handwashes. A noteworthy advantage is that this ingredient negates the need for heating in the process.
Considering the potential skin-drying effect of detergents, we incorporate a mixture of coco glucoside and glycerol oleate into our grapefruit shower gel. This not only counteracts dryness but also serves as a thickening agent for the shower gel. Importantly, this detergent blend automatically thickens at a pH of 5.5 or lower, thus the inclusion of lactic acid holds significance.
Given the high water content and herbal extracts, preserving the grapefruit shower gel is essential to prevent bacterial contamination, especially in warm and humid environments. The chosen preservative is effective only when the product's pH is 5.5 or below. Therefore, a few drops of lactic acid are added for pH adjustment. It's noted that the preservative used for creams and lotions is not effective in detergent bases, necessitating a different approach. If using an alternate preservative blend, consulting the supplier is advised to ensure compatibility with this recipe.
Ingredients For Grapefruit Shower Gel
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (40ml) natural surfactant blend, such as Plantapon
- 1⁄2 teaspoon (2.5ml) thickener/ moisture-restoring agent, such as Lamesoft
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) glycerin
- 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (50ml) orange flower water
- 20 drops bergamot essential oil
- 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 20 drops preservative
- 10-40 drops lactic acid
Equipment
- 2 small jugs or bowls
- metal spoon
- pH test strips
- 100ml airtight bottle
