DIY Calendula Shower Gel for Kids – Easy, Gentle & Fun

Last summer, my niece Lily had super itchy skin—eczema, the doctor called it. She couldn’t even enjoy her bubble baths anymore because they made her skin worse. We tried many store-bought products that said “gentle” or “for kids,” but none of them helped.

Then we found calendula—a bright yellow flower people have used for years to calm the skin. We made a simple shower gel at home, and guess what? Lily’s skin stopped itching. Today, I’ll show you how you can make it too!

What Is Calendula and Why It’s Awesome for Kids

The calendula blossom resembles a miniature sun. Did you know? A recent study found that almost 70% of kids’ shower gels from stores have stuff that can hurt sensitive skin—like fake scents and strong soap. Calendula helps stop redness, keeps skin soft, and doesn’t need any of that junk.

One mom I know, Sarah, made this shower gel for her twins who had bumpy skin on their arms. In just a few weeks, their skin felt smooth again!

Mistakes to Avoid (So You Don’t Learn the Hard Way)

Here are 7 common mistakes I made—so you don’t have to!

Buying Flowers from the Grocery Store
- Those might have chemicals or sprays.
- Use organic calendula petals—from a trusted herbal shop.
Skipping the Patch Test
- Start by testing a little dot on your child’s wrist.
- Start by testing a little dot on your child’s wrist.
Too Many Essential Oils
- Lavender sounds safe, but for little kids, it can still cause irritation.
- Skip oils for kids under 6. Calendula smells sweet enough!
Choosing the Wrong Soap Base
- Certain soaps can cause skin dryness and are harsh.
- Use unscented Castile soap. It’s safe and soft.
Not Adding a Preservative
- Water-based things can grow mold.
- Use a natural preservative like Leucidal Liquid. It’s gentle and plant-based!
Storing in the Shower
- Warm water + steam = bacteria.
- Use a pump bottle and store extra gel in the fridge.
Not Asking the Kids!
- I once made a minty batch. My nephew said, “It’s spicy!
- Let your child help pick a scent (if they want one at all!).

Time to Mix It Up!

Try making your own batch this weekend. It’s a fun project, your kids can help, and their skin will thank you.

How to Make Your Own Calendula Shower Gel

Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup organic calendula petals (fresh or dried)
1 cup distilled water
¼ cup unscented Castile soap
One teaspoon of vegetable glycerin (keeps skin supple)
5 drops Leucidal Liquid (natural preservative)
1 tbsp (optional) goat milk powder (great for dry skin!)
Cheesecloth + clean pump bottle (preferably amber glass)

Step-by-Step: Let’s Make It!

Make a Calendula Tea
- Heat the water until it boils, then simmer the petals for 20 minutes.
- Strain it using a cheesecloth and keep the golden water.
Mix Everything Together
- Take ½ cup of your calendula tea and mix it with the Castile soap and glycerin.
- Stir slowly—too fast makes too many bubbles!
Add the Preservative
- Add Leucidal Liquid and stir gently.
Bottle It Up!
- Pour your gel into a clean pump bottle.
- Label it with the date. Store extra in the fridge.

Pro Tip: If your child has very dry or itchy skin, adding oat milk powder can be super soothing!

Conclusion

This calendula shower gel isn’t magic—it’s just simple and safe. And the best part? You are well aware of your child’s skin condition.

Will your first try be perfect? Maybe not. Mine wasn’t! But when Lily gave me a big hug and said, “Auntie, it doesn’t itch anymore!”—I knew it was worth it.

FAQs

1. Is this okay for babies under 1 year old?

Always ask your pediatrician first. Usually, natural stuff is better for babies 6 months and older.

2. Will it foam like store-bought gel?

A little! Castile soap makes soft bubbles that are fun but not too much.

3. What if my kid is allergic?

Always do a patch test behind their ear. Wait 24 hours and check for redness or itching.