First published September 2022, updated August 2026.
Liquid shampoo that is 100% free from palm oil is incredibly difficult to find, so we thought we would try our hand at making it ourselves! Find our recipe for how to make natural shampoo at home below.
Please take a moment to read our stance on palm oil here >
This homemade shampoo recipe uses cleansing castile soap, a beneficial combination of herbs and essential oils, and nourishing coconut oil.
The mixture is bound together with 100% palm oil free glycerine. It will leave your hair feeling clean, clarified, and your head cool (from the peppermint).
How to make natural shampoo at home
This DIY natural shampoo combines a herbal infusion with liquid castile soap, coconut oil, castor oil, palm oil free glycerine and essential oils.
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiled water (after the infusion you should be left with about 3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup dried herbs of choice (here we used rosemary, green tea and lavender for dark hair)
- 1 cup palm oil free liquid castile soap - this forms the cleansing base of the shampoo. Biome's liquid castile soap is made from olive oil and is free from synthetic fragrance, additives and preservatives.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon palm oil free glycerine
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 15 drops rosemary essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
Tip: For light hair, try infusing the herbs chamomile and calendula, and use grapefruit and lemon essential oils.
Method
This recipe makes enough to fill approximately a 440ml glass jar.
- Put your dried herbs into a large glass jar. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over your dried herbs. Push the herbs down and stir occasionally. Let them infuse for 1 hour. Using a fine sieve, garni or nut milk bag, strain 3 times to ensure all the herbal residue is removed. If you're using the above herbs, your liquid should be a dark green colour.
- In another glass mason jar add the coconut oil, castor oil and palm oil free glycerine, and top with your strained warm infused water. The warm water will melt the coconut oil, helping the ingredients to blend.
- Add the liquid castile soap and essential oils, and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into your chosen glass soap dispenser or shampoo bottle.
How to use your homemade shampoo
Shake well before each use. Pour a little into your hand as you would normally, and lather in. Gently massage into the scalp for a minute or two. Rinse and repeat if desired.
To condition, rinse with an unrefined apple cider vinegar or why not try our DIY herbal conditioning hair spritz.
Storage note: This is a water-based DIY recipe without a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative, so make small batches, keep refrigerated in a clean container and use within 2 months.
Where can I buy the ingredients to make natural shampoo?
Looking to simplify, reduce waste and know exactly what you are putting on your skin and hair? At Biome you'll find many of the beautiful raw ingredients you need to make your own natural skin care, hair care and cleaning products.
Shop the ingredients & tools
The palm oil free cleansing base for this homemade shampoo recipe. |
One of the nourishing plant oils used in the recipe. |
Choose peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender or your own blend. |
A reusable 500ml glass dispenser for storing your homemade shampoo. |
Make your own natural hair care
Explore Biome's ingredients for DIY beauty and hair care, including pure plant oils, essential oils, castile soap and reusable containers.
Prefer a ready-made natural, palm oil free shampoo?
If making your own shampoo isn't for you, you don't have to compromise. Biome has a wide range of ready-made natural shampoos and shampoo bars, including our own Australian made, palm oil free shampoo bars.
Shop natural, palm oil free shampoo
Prefer to skip the mixing? Explore Biome's natural shampoo collection, with liquid and solid options for different hair types and scalp needs.
You'll find Biome's own palm oil free shampoo bars alongside other carefully selected natural shampoo bars, including options for oily hair, dry or itchy scalps, sensitive scalps and curly hair.
Frequently asked questions about homemade natural shampoo
How long does homemade shampoo last?
Because this recipe contains water and does not contain a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative, make it in small batches and keep it refrigerated in a clean container. Discard it if you notice any change in smell, colour or texture.
Does homemade shampoo need to be refrigerated?
We recommend refrigerating this homemade shampoo because it contains a herbal water infusion and no broad-spectrum preservative. Keep the container clean and tightly closed between uses.
Why use castile soap in homemade shampoo?
Castile soap provides the cleansing base for this recipe. We use palm oil free liquid castile soap so the finished shampoo stays true to the original aim of making a palm oil free liquid shampoo.
Do I need conditioner after using homemade shampoo?
You can follow with a conditioner if your hair needs it. We suggest rinsing with unrefined apple cider vinegar or using our DIY herbal conditioning hair spritz.
Caution
As with all our DIY recipes, you can experiment to suit your preferences. Many factors can change the end result, including temperature, humidity and ingredient quality.
Before using any raw DIY ingredient for the first time, please research that ingredient's potential benefits as well as safety precautions and possible side effects. Check with your medical professional if you have any concerns.
Please exercise caution when using essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids, so use in moderation and follow the usage and safety directions for each oil. Pure essential oils should not be used directly on the skin or ingested. Patch test your finished product before wider use.
Related reads
DIY Herbal Conditioning Hair Spritz
How To Use A Natural Shampoo Bar Properly
Best Shampoo Bars For Different Hair Types
