I have tried soooo many recipes for a nice, sudsy hand wash.  The problem is that while all of them worked well, they were all too watery or were too difficult to get in a good consistency.  I tried one with coconut oil and it was ok in the summer, but when it started cooling off, it was a thick mess.  I’m  all for simple, gals. (head nod here…)  I found the key to transform my favorite (yet watery) hand soap recipe into the luxurious, rich, creamy one I had been looking for.  Enter xanthan gum (or guar gum if you have that on hand.)  I can’t wait to wash my hands again!!  I love how it lathers and washes clean, yet leaves my hands feeling smooth & not greasy and also doesn’t have that “squeaky” clean feeling.  My hands are left feeling clean, yet moisturized. I also love how quickly it comes together and there is no heating involved. Now for the recipe!

6 oz. castile soap (see my recipe)
2 Tbsp. almond oil (or other carrier oil)
1 tsp. (leveled) xanthan gum
10 drops essential oils (I love a mixture of pink grapefruit, peppermint, and tea tree oil)

First, mix the carrier oil and the xanthan gum.  This is important because xanthan gum (and guar gum) don’t play well with water.  They do like playing with oil though, so mix them together first 🙂  After you have a smooth consistency, add the castile soap and essential oil.  Stir the mixture until it gels, then add to your favorite pump dispenser!