Easy Homemade Shower Jelly Recipe -DIY Lush Inspired
This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site. For more information, please read the Disclosure Policy
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Love Homemade DIY beauty ideas? You can make your own Easy Homemade Shower Jelly Recipe. Not only are they fun to make, but it a rewarding. Get a SPA experience at home! Perfect gift for moms, teachers, and more.
Easy Homemade Shower Jelly Recipe
It is almost impossible to walk by your favorite cosmetic or bath & body store and not be drawn into purchasing Shower Jelly.
They are pretty in color, smell wonderful, and you can almost imagine yourself having a mini spa day at home. I just can’t see myself paying expensive prices when I can make it at home for very little. I came up with this Easy Homemade Shower Jelly Recipe. These soap jellies are super simple to make and such a fun little treat for the shower.
Turning your shower into an at-home day spa experience. You can make your own Shower Jelly for super cheap. If you have ever visited a Lush store, they sell a small version of these for $10 or a larger version for $20. Did your mouth just drop? Exactly!
You can make them in a matter of a few minutes and for a fraction of the cost. Keep in mind that these also make a great homemade gift idea. You can just use any shower gel, body wash, or shampoo. I do prefer to use better-quality shower gel. It makes a difference with the scent.
Find More Homemade Beauty Recipes From Inspiring Savings
Easy Homemade Shower Jelly Ingredients:
- ½ cup body wash
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- Soap colorant (optional)
- Silicone molds of your choice
- Small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol
The Benefits of Homemade Shower Jelly
Not only are they fun to play with, but they are made with gelatin. Gelatin is a known protein made from cooked collagen. Collagen is fantastic for skin and nails.
Watch How to Make Your Homemade Shower Jelly
Before making your own, you can watch this video below and see how easy it is to make. Then grab the directions below. I also have included a printable version (scroll down).
Are you new to shower jelly? In short, shower jelly is just a gelatinous form of shower gel. At room temperature, it falls somewhere between liquid shower gel and a bar of soap in terms of consistency—like Jell-O (it is made with gelatin).
You can use it as is. I like to smash it into my loofah. It makes showering more fun. You can also place it in the refrigerator for a bit to get it cold. It will make showering a whole unique experience or you can freeze it if you prefer a more bar-soapy feel. However, if you choose to use your Easy Shower Jelly; I am sure you are going to love them.
How to Make Your Shower Jellies:
Combine the boiling water and the gelatin in a bowl with a whisk until there are no lumps. Add in your favorite body wash, and mix gently so as not to create a lot of bubbles. If your body wash isn’t dyed, you may add some soap colorant for color. I used a red body wash, and it turned out this pretty pink.
Pour your mixture into molds.
I suggest a smaller silicone mold as I used, or you can use something you have on hand, like an ice cube tray or even a small cup. Think of the jelly as fitting in the palm of your hand. Whichever mold you choose, make sure you fill the liquid to the top of the mold and place it in the fridge for 6+ hours. I left mine in overnight and set it up well.
After you are done with your pour, you will notice air bubbles, and HEY! That is okay. You can either leave them as is or spray the surface of the mixture with a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol will eliminate the bubbles and leave you with a smoother finished product. For me, I like not having air bubbles.
Once firm, remove your molds from the fridge. Then gently pull the silicone mold away from each shower cube. Keep your jellies in a cool, dry place, and avoid direct sunlight. I just keep mine in the fridge until I need them, but I’ve also stored them under the bathroom sink, or in a dark cabinet before, without any issues.
Just make sure they are not touching either other or they will stick. Now you are ready to take one of your shower jellies into the shower with you and soap up as usual. The jelly will lather up nicely, leaving your skin clean, soft, and hydrated. Enjoy!
Just a few side notes.
- This batch filled up two silicone mini molds for me. Make sure to rinse the dishes and utensils you used quickly, so the gelatin doesn’t set up. They can be hard to clean if they’re left alone to dry on the counter!
- If bubbles are formed at the top of the mixture as you pour it into your mold, they will stay with your jellies after they have set. Spray with alcohol, as noted above.
- Chilling your jelly in the fridge or freezer before taking it into the shower makes for a uniquely refreshing experience!
- If using them as a gift, you can add in a few sprinkles of glitter to make the jellies stand out. You will need to use glitter that is safe for bath products, not the standard craft store glitter. You can find this type of glitter, here.
How to Store Your DIY Shower Jellies
Keep your jellies in a cool, dry place, and avoid direct sunlight. I just keep mine in the fridge until I need them, but I’ve also stored them under the bathroom sink, or in a dark cabinet before, without any issues. The best is using a cold shower jelly in the shower during the summer. It is so refreshing.
Homemade Shower Jelly Recipe
Homemade Shower Jelly Recipe
Shower jellies are the best smelling body washes you'll ever use! They are fun and easy to make.
Materials
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup body wash
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- Soap colorant (optional)
Tools
- Silicone molds of your choice
Instructions
- Combine the boiling water and the gelatin in a bowl with a whisk, until there are no lumps.
- Add the body wash, and mix gently so as not to create a lot of bubbles.
- If your body wash isn’t dyed, you may add some soap colorant for color. This step is optional.
- Pour your mixture into molds.
- Fill the molds to the top, and place in the fridge for 6 or more hours or until set.
Notes
Gelatin can be found in the baking section at the grocery store. Lush uses vegetarian products that are organic. If you prefer to use a vegetarian product instead, Agar powder is a great substitute
Other Fun Homemade Craft Ideas
All Natural Facial Scrub (Simple & Inexpensive)
Adorable Floral Dreamcatcher Craft
Heartwarming DIY Mother’s Day Card – Sloth Wreath
Making this Shower Jellies craft project at home is not only fun, but can save you money. No need to go out and purchase a Craft kit when you can gather your supplies from home and make it yourself.
What is the shelf time for those? Can I add a preservative for them to last longer?
Hi Joanna, Once this mixture is made, due to containing gelatin and lack of preservatives, it will need to be refrigerated in between uses. Cooked gelatin will give away to bacteria growth if left at room temperature. Because we are not eating this, but using it as a shower jelly. It can be stored in the fridge for up to one month.
I am trying this for gifts this year!! How should these be stored?
Hi Coco, My daughter and I have used mason jars for storage. We found that they work well. So glad you are trying these out.
I tried this same flower mold and a different heart mold. What is the trick to get them to release from the mold? I had maybe two good ones that came out perfectly. Want to make these for a bridal shower next month.
I am so sorry to hear that you are having problems with it. If the texture is not right you are correct they will not pop out easily. You may on your next batch add in more gelatin. We may have a difference of simply altitude. I would also allow them to sit long before popping out. I do hope this helps. and Congratulations to the bride 🙂
This looks very interesting. I have to try this.