Making soap is no joke. There are so many online resources to aid in the soap making process and books to read that give so many tips and tricks for the process. But one thing is for sure is it takes time and practice and many fails to get a rhythm down with how to make soap from scratch. So we all must start somewhere. The safest and easiest way to start building confidence with soap making is starting with and pour method. This is one of the easiest methods for soap making, as it requires no lye and is great for beginners.
Truth about Soap Making
Before you continue, just a brief disclosure that soap making does require a chemical reaction known as saponification (what makes the soap suds). In order to make soap, soap, you need a chemical called “lye” to do so. Lye can be in the form of sodium hydroxide (bar soap) or potassium hydroxide (liquid soap). But because this is a melt-and-pour soap base, that means there is no longer any lye in the base, that chemical reaction was done for you. It is a base for you to be creative and add the scents, herbs, colors, and/or milks of your choosing without having to deal with the chemical reaction.
Materials Needed
- Melt and pour soap base (such as glycerin, shea/cocoa/mango butter, or goat milk base)
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Soap mold (silicone or plastic)
- Stirring stick (such as a wooden or plastic spoon)
- Essential oils or fragrance oils (optional)
- Colorants (optional)
- Add-ins like dried flowers, herbs, or exfoliants (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle (to reduce bubbles/optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Clean your area and gather all your ingredients and tools.
Place the soap mold on a flat surface, ready for pouring.
TIP : If you are going to place the soap in the fridge for faster cooling/hardening, and the mold you have is flimsy, place the mold on a plate or pan that will fit in the fridge so when you move the mold to the fridge, you don’t spill any of the soap that is still liquid. (Learned this the hard way đ)
2. Cut the Soap Base
Cut your soap base into small, uniform cubes. This will help it melt more evenly and faster.
3. Melt the Soap Base
Microwave Method: Place the soap base cubes in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup that is large enough to fit it all and heat for 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
Double Boiler Method: Place the soap cubes in a heat-resistant bowl, then put it over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted. This method prevents the soap from burning from being directly melted on the stove which can ruin the soap base from having the soapy texture.
4. Add Color and Scent (Optional)
Add a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil to the melted soap of your desired amount and stir well.
Add soap-safe colorants if desired, stirring until fully incorporated.
Tip: This is the creative part. If you wish to make a design or use several colors, see “Crafting Custom Bar Soap Designs: A Guide to Color and Mold Techniques”.
5. Add Extra Ingredients (Optional)
Add any dried herbs, flowers, exfoliants (like oatmeal, honey, poppy seeds), or other desired add-ins. Stir well, but not too much that its starting to harden and cool.
6. Pour into Molds
Pour the melted soap mixture into the soap molds, filling each cavity. Be careful as the soap will be hot.
7. Spray with Alcohol
Lightly spritz the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol to eliminate any surface bubbles. You don’t have to do this step but it does aid the soap to harden in a more solid form of a soap bar.
8. Let It Cool and Harden
Allow the soap to cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place it in the refrigerator for faster cooling. (see step 1 for how to place in fridge for flimsy molds)
9. Remove from Molds
Once the soap is completely solid, gently press it out of the molds.
10. Store or Use
Wrap the finished soaps in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container if not using them immediately. This will prevent them from sweating or absorbing moisture from the air that will cause the soap to lose its potency in the scents such as essential oils added and will prevent soap from discoloring.
Thatâs it! You now have custom-made soap, ready for personal use or gifting. Enjoy your soap that can be used to wash hands or body. It can be used for cleaning, however this specific soap isn’t a hard detergent cleaner or sanitizing soap that is designated for cleaning dirty surfaces other than the body. See “How to make homemade cleaning supplies” if you are looking to make your own soap designated for that purpose.
