Rather than spend repeatedly on traditional soaps, body wash or other body-cleansing agents, you could easily make your own body cleanser using ingredients you already have at home. Also, by making your own body cleanser, not only will you save money, but you’ll be able to avoid many of the additives in commercial products that can irritate skin.

Using apple cider vinegar instead of a commercial body wash is one way to restore the pH balance for healthy glowing skin. In fact, it was originally the Romans who used a variety of extracts from plants and vinegar for cleansing the body. Later on, during the 19th century, this recipe was fashioned into an au de toilette, used to refresh the body. Vinegar has the ability to act like an all-in-one toner for skin while stimulating the circulation of blood flow, especially in the tiny capillaries that nourish the subcutaneous levels of skin. Vinegar also has powerful antiseptic properties to thoroughly cleanse the skin and prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast that often plague skin and can manifest into infection. In addition, vinegar can discourage dissolve fatty deposits common with cellulite formations on the surface of the skin as well as reduce dry, flaky patches or skin that’s peeling.

The most effective way to use apple cider vinegar is to combine it with elderflower, rosemary or lavender, which have calming, soothing properties for the skin. You can use this combination as a deep facial cleanser, or as a body wash for the shower. You can also add it to running bath water. This combination can also be used to restore the pH balance for dry, itchy scalp as well

Glycerin is known to be gentle and moisturizing for the skin; this soap recipe is great for babies or the entire family. Glycerin can be purchased at a drugstore or a health food store. You’ll need a block of glycerin, a bushel of dried or fresh herbs, essential oil (lavender is very soothing) and a pan of cupcake molds. Grate the glycerin and melt in a double boiler for approximately one minute. Be careful not to stir the mixture, otherwise you will create bubbles, which causes the soap to break apart easily. While the glycerin is melting, add 3 to 5 drops of your favorite essential oil to a cookie sheet. This will be used to add fragrance to the soap. Then, pour the glycerin mixture onto the cookie sheet, making it about 1 inch thick. While it’s cooling, add fresh or dry herbs. Then, taking a cookie cutter mold or cupcake mold, cut into the glycerin, making the shape of the soap. Let soap harden.