This DIY swim spray is a simple, skin-loving remedy for post-pool care to help your hair and skin avoid the effects of chlorine.

After a fun day at the pool, your skin might be feeling dry, tight, or irritated, which is due to the chlorine from the pool.

This DIY swim spray is a gentle, natural way to neutralize chlorine and soothe your skin after swimming. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s perfect to keep in your swim bag all summer long.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the key ingredient here. It naturally neutralizes chlorine, while aloe vera helps calm and hydrate your skin.

My kids love our pool here and we are out there as often as possible. But, I hate how my hair and skin feel after all that chlorine, so I researched to find out what natural ways I could avoid it this year. Turns out vitamin c can help with that!

So I whipped up a batch of this, and it really works! We used it right away and enjoyed our natural skin without the dryness from chlorine.

Use this DIY swim spray recipe to neutralize the chlorine all summer long!

Why Make Your Own Chlorine-Neutralizing Spray?

This homemade swim spray is:

Gentle and non-toxic
Safe for kids and adults
Soothing and hydrating
Customizable to your preferences and needs
SO easy to make!

If you spend time in chlorinated pools, this is a must-have for your natural skincare routine.

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DIY Swim Spray Recipe

Here is my super simple homemade swim spray recipe. It makes about 8 ounces.

Ingredients

1 tsp ascorbic acid (vitamin C powder)
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 cup distilled water
24 drops essential oil (optional – use skin-safe oils like lavender or chamomile, 0.5% dilution)
60 drops Geogard ECT (preservative – optional, but extends shelf life)
pH strips for testing

Directions

In a glass bowl, add the ascorbic acid to the distilled water. Stir until it’s fully dissolved.

In a separate dish, mix your essential oil (if using) into the aloe vera gel.

Stir the aloe vera mixture into the vitamin C water blend.

Add Geogard ECT if you’re using a preservative.

Test the pH using pH strips. It should be between 4.0-4.5. If it’s too low, add a pinch of baking soda, stir, and retest.

Pour the finished blend into a clean spray bottle. Store in the fridge or in a cool, dark place.

Long view of spray bottle of DIY swim spray

How to Use

Spray directly onto your skin after swimming in a chlorinated pool. Let it sit for a minute or two before patting dry or applying lotion.

Notes + Shelf Life

Essential oils are optional and should be used with caution on young children.
With a preservative, your spray should last a few months if stored properly. Without a preservative, it will last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Discard if it smells off or separates.
Make it with calendula tea for an added skin benefit!

Want more herbal recipes just for summer? Get my Herbal Summer First Aid Kit!

DIY Swim Spray

Materials

1 tsp ascorbic acid (vitamin C powder)
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 cup distilled water
24 drops essential oil (optional - use skin-safe oils like lavender or chamomile, 0.5% dilution)
60 drops Geogard ECT (preservative - optional, but extends shelf life)
pH strips for testing

Instructions

In a glass bowl, add the ascorbic acid to the distilled water. Stir until it’s fully dissolved.
In a separate dish, mix your essential oil (if using) into the aloe vera gel.
Stir the aloe vera mixture into the vitamin C water blend.
Add Geogard ECT if you're using a preservative.
Test the pH using pH strips. It should be between 4.0-4.5. If it’s too low, add a pinch of baking soda, stir, and retest.
Pour the finished blend into a clean spray bottle. Store in the fridge or in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Spray directly onto your skin after swimming in a chlorinated pool. Let it sit for a minute or two before patting dry or applying lotion.
Essential oils are optional and should be used with caution on young children.
With a preservative, your spray should last a few months if stored properly. Without a preservative, it will last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Discard if it smells off or separates.
Make it with calendula tea for an added skin benefit!

Final Thoughts

This natural swim spray is a small, easy switch that can make a big difference for your skin this summer.

Gentle enough for little ones and nourishing for dry skin, it’s a lovely example of how we can use plant wisdom and natural ingredients to support our everyday lives.