DIY Shower & Bath Jellies (LUSH Inspired)

I've got a DIY perfect for back to school and in fact, it is a tradition that I do. But let me back up a bit--after seeing this at LUSH a few years ago, I knew, in typical Elle Sees fashion, that I could make these myself. And after some trial and error, I've got a few variations.

Check out LUSH DIY Sea Salt Shaving Scrub here.

Shower jellies are simply solidified versions of shower gel. You can rub them on your body, pinch off a piece and use in a loofah, sponge, or cloth. You can use them in a bath or shower. You can use them as hand soap and they lather well. If you use gel shampoo instead you can wash your hair with them.

Back to the story--when the 5 year old started pre-k at 3, she was very nervous. To ease her nerves, I gave her a mini-spa day, complete with the jellies (I used them in her mani-pedi and gave her some to keep for baths). She loved it so much, that it's become a tradition we do--we just had our third one!



Shower Jellies Method 1:

• 1c boiling water
• Agar Powder (follow directions on container)
• 1/2c clear body wash
• soap colorant or food coloring
• spoon, fork, pot holders, microwave, fridge
• container(s) to serve as mold for jellies
• optional: body-safe essential oils if your body wash isn't scented

Shower Jellies Method 2:

• Same as above but leave out the colorant and use a body wash that has color.  
• You can use 1 packet of gelatin as a substitute for Agar Agar, but not that LUSH is cruelty-free and gelatin is not. I know not all countries can access agar easily, which is why I included the substitute.

To Do:

• Add gelatin powder and body wash to 1c of boiling water. Add as much colorant as desired if your body wash isn't tinted. 
• Mix well and pour into container of choice. I've used plastic cups, to closer resemble the Lush version, molds of different shapes, bowls, and ice trays, as pictured.
• Allow to cool and form into jellies completely. This may take a few hours. Remove from mold and use or store in a cool, dry place. Do not store them in the shower. They'll melt.

FYI:

• These are not edible, so if you're making them for kids, make sure they are old enough to be aware of this.
• Do not use regular Jello as it has sugar and no one wants to be sticky.
• While I have had zero issues with dish soap over the dozens upon dozens of times I have made this, (I am aware it is harsher on skin that body wash), use at your own risk. Stick to the body wash.
• Agar Powder (I use this a lot in my petri dishes I use for testing beauty products) is a great vegetarian/cruelty-free alternative. You might have to play around with adding more agar and follow the directions on the packet. Some require salt.
• These jellies will melt if left in hot areas, so I store mine in the fridge. If I'm in making these in a very hot climate, I'll add 2 packets of gelatin just in case.
• I also freeze them for an extra cool treat.
• Currently LUSH has a version that has sparkles--look for mica online to add.

FYI:

• I like using the ice trays (I picked some up at Goodwill that I use for crafting) to keep the shower jellies smaller. 
• Just wanted to note that both methods turn out well, but the colored body wash is never as vibrant as the bottle and doesn't photograph as well.
• I have tried creamy body washes and shampoos but the gel ones turned out much better. I've also tried adding exfoliants but it is not recommended.

Want more Shower Jellies Ideas? 

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Would you try these shower & bath jellies?
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Extra Elle:

• I shared a sneak peek of these on Snapchat--I'm ellesees on there if you'd like to follow.
• Yesterday was jury duty for me, coincidentally the 95th anniversary of the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote!
• More LUSH-inspired products? Check out my DIY LUSH RECIPES!