DIY Horse Chestnut Shower Gel: My Simple, Ultra-Moisturizing Natural Recipe

Tired of commercial shower gels with artificial scents like bubblegum that dry out your skin and cost a fortune? I've ditched them for good. After years of experimenting with natural skincare, I developed this easy DIY recipe using horse chestnuts—packed with saponins for gentle cleansing and deep hydration.

With just a few inexpensive, natural ingredients you likely have at home, you can make a nourishing shower gel that leaves skin soft, not tight. Here's my trusted formula:

Ingredients (for 250ml)

• 5 horse chestnuts
• 300ml water
• 1 organic apple
• 1 heaping tablespoon psyllium
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Equipment:

• Sharp knife
• Strainer
• Pan
• Glass bottle
• Salad bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep time: 6 mins | Cook time: 10 mins

1. Slice the chestnuts and grind into a fine powder using a hammer or blender.
2. Add three tablespoons of chestnut powder to the pan.
3. Pour in the water.
4. Wash the apple under hot water.
5. Cut the apple into small pieces (or grate finely).
6. Add apple pieces and seeds to the pan.
7. Simmer gently, covered, for 10 minutes.
8. Strain the mixture through a colander or cloth into a bowl and let cool.
9. Return to the pan and stir in the olive oil.
10. Add psyllium and infuse for 5 minutes.
11. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer until it thickens to an egg white consistency.
12. Strain again to remove seeds.
13. Pour into a glass bottle.

The Results

Your fresh, apple-scented chestnut shower gel is ready! It's quick, natural, and budget-friendly—chestnuts are free from nature, and apples are garden-fresh staples.

While it doesn't foam like store-bought versions, the saponins in chestnuts cleanse gently without stripping moisture. Skin feels nourished, not tight—perfect even for hair washing.

Pro Tips from Experience

Customize with quince or pear for different scents; it lasts about 1 week. Olive oil deeply hydrates dry skin. No psyllium? Swap for flax seeds or agar-agar to thicken naturally.

Try It Yourself

Have you made natural shower gel with chestnuts? Share your results in the comments—I'd love to hear!