Use a shower gel with a loofah or mesh shower scrubber to rev up your morning shower or to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. Although stores offer a variety of commercial shower gels, you can save money by mixing one up in your kitchen. Better yet, the gel can be tailored to your particular preferences, and you can make sure you use only healthy, skin-friendly ingredients.

Place 1 cup castile soap or baby shampoo in a mixing bowl.

Add 1/2 cup rosewater or orange blossom water and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and stir it in slowly. Rosewater and orange blossom water are gentle on the skin and will add a subtle fragrance.

Add 30 drops of the essential oils of your choice. For example, use 15 drops of geranium or ylang ylang essential oil and 15 drops lavender essential oil for dry skin. Add 15 drops chamomile oil and 15 drops lavender essential oil for sensitive skin. For oily skin, use 15 drops citrus or rosemary essential oil and 15 drops peppermint essential oil. Stir gently to incorporate the oils into the shampoo mixture.

Pour the shower gel into a clean shampoo bottle or any plastic bottle.