10 Best Homemade Soap Recipes

top diy soap recipes

If you're ready to make your own soap, you've got to try these awesome recipes! Start with Vegan and No Palm Soap for a gentle cleanse, or go for Coffee Scrub Soap to wake up your skin with some exfoliation. If you love floral scents, the Floral Soap Recipe packs in delightful aromas! Craving something zesty? Citrus Burst Soap will brighten your day. You can also investigate Simple Herbal Soap for a herbal twist or relaxing Lavender Soap to chill out. Each recipe is fun and easy, so get your ingredients! Curious about the rest? There's even more ahead!

Main Points

  • Explore various soap recipes, including vegan, herbal, floral, and exfoliating options for diverse preferences and skin types.
  • Utilize natural ingredients like essential oils and botanicals for added benefits and personalized scents in your homemade soaps.
  • Ensure proper safety precautions when handling lye, including wearing protective gear and working in well-ventilated areas.
  • Allow sufficient curing time of 4 to 6 weeks for most soap recipes to ensure quality and safety before use.
  • Experiment with different oils and additives to customize texture, scent, and appearance for unique soap creations.

Vegan and No Palm Soap

cruelty free eco friendly cleansing

Creating your own vegan and no palm soap at home is a rewarding and fulfilling process. By using this recipe, you can produce a creamy, hard bar of soap that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin. The absence of palm oil makes it an ethical choice that supports sustainable practices, and the carefully chosen ingredients guarantee that your soap isn't only effective but also visually appealing.

This formulation is designed for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it accessible for both novice and experienced soap makers. With the right blend of oils, you can achieve a luxurious texture that feels great on the skin. The following recipe yields a 2-pound batch, perfect for personal use or small gift-giving.

Ingredients:

  • 1.12 pounds (56%) Olive Oil
  • 0.52 pounds (26%) Coconut Oil
  • 0.22 pounds (11%) Shea Butter
  • 0.14 pounds (7%) Castor Oil
  • Lye (sodium hydroxide) – calculated based on the total oils
  • Distilled water – calculated based on the lye

To make the soap, begin by carefully measuring out your oils and butters, then melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a heat-safe container. Once fully melted, combine the olive oil and castor oil, stirring gently.

In a separate container, measure out the lye and distilled water, making sure to follow safety precautions by wearing gloves and goggles. Slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around) and stir until dissolved. Allow both the lye solution and oils to cool to around 100-110°F.

Once at the right temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils, blending with an immersion blender until you reach a light trace. Pour the mixture into a mold and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours until solid, then cut into bars and cure for 4 to 6 weeks.

Extra Tips:

When making soap, always prioritize safety by wearing protective gear, as lye can be caustic. Make certain that all your equipment is clean and dry before starting, as any water can affect the saponification process.

Additionally, experiment with essential oils or natural colorants to customize your soap and make it uniquely yours. Keep notes on your process to refine your technique and adjust future batches. Happy soap making!

Vegan With Palm Soap

plant based soap alternative

Vegan With Palm Soap

Creating your own vegan soap at home is a rewarding and sustainable choice, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize the scent and texture to suit your preferences. This Vegan With Palm Soap recipe is perfect for beginners, combining a blend of nourishing oils that work harmoniously to produce a high-quality soap. The inclusion of palm oil contributes to the soap's hardness and durability, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to create long-lasting bars.

In this recipe, you'll find a balanced mix of olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil, which not only improves the lather but also guarantees your soap is moisturizing and suitable for various skin types. With a manageable batch size of about 2 pounds, you can easily produce enough soap to keep for yourself or gift to friends and family. Just remember to allow sufficient curing time to achieve the best results.

Ingredients:

  • 35% Olive oil (approximately 0.7 pounds)
  • 35% Palm oil (approximately 0.7 pounds)
  • 20% Coconut oil (approximately 0.4 pounds)
  • 10% Castor oil (approximately 0.2 pounds)
  • Lye (sodium hydroxide) according to the specific saponification values for the oils
  • Distilled water (for lye solution)

Instructions:

Begin by carefully measuring your oils and lye, following safety protocols when handling lye. In a heat-safe container, melt the palm, coconut, and olive oils together until fully combined.

In a separate container, mix the lye with distilled water, stirring until dissolved, and let it cool. Once both mixtures are at a similar temperature (around 100-110°F), slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while blending with an immersion blender until you reach a light trace.

Pour the soap mixture into a mold, cover, and allow it to sit for 24-48 hours until it hardens. Afterward, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars. Place the bars on a rack and allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks before use.

Extra Tips:

When making soap, it's essential to wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, as lye can be caustic. Always measure your ingredients precisely and use a soap calculator to verify the correct lye amount for your specific oils.

Feel free to experiment with adding essential oils for fragrance or natural colorants for visual appeal, but make sure they're compatible with soap making. Ultimately, patience is key; allowing the soap to cure properly will improve its quality and guarantee a pleasant experience when used.

Simple Herbal Soap

natural handmade soap recipe

Making your own herbal soap at home is a rewarding and creative process that allows you to customize scents and ingredients to suit your preferences. This simple herbal soap recipe is infused with fresh peppermint, providing a revitalizing aroma and a beautiful speckled appearance. The combination of olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil creates a gentle and nourishing soap suitable for all skin types, making it an excellent choice for personal use or as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Before you begin, it's imperative to prepare your fresh peppermint infusion. Start by steeping fresh peppermint leaves in hot water for several hours, allowing the beneficial properties and fragrance of the herbs to infuse into the water. Once your infusion is ready, you can proceed with the soap-making process, confirming that all materials are measured and prepared at approximately 100°F (38°C) for maximum results.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz olive oil
  • 8 oz coconut oil
  • 4 oz castor oil
  • 8 oz fresh peppermint infusion
  • 1 oz essential oil of rosemary
  • 1 oz essential oil of peppermint
  • 0.5 oz essential oil of lavender
  • Lye (sodium hydroxide) as per the specific lye calculator for accurate measurement

Instructions:

In a well-ventilated area, begin by carefully measuring the lye and fresh peppermint infusion separately.

Slowly add the lye to the infusion while stirring continuously until fully dissolved, taking care to avoid any splashes.

In a separate pot, combine the olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil, heating gently until they're fully melted and combined.

Once both mixtures cool to approximately 100°F (38°C), slowly add the lye mixture into the oils, blending with an immersion blender until a light trace forms.

At this point, add the essential oils, mixing thoroughly before pouring the soap batter into molds.

Allow the soap to sit undisturbed for 24 hours before unmolding, and then let it cure for 4-6 weeks before use.

Extra Tips:

When making herbal soap, always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and goggles, as lye can be caustic.

It's also beneficial to use a lye calculator to verify the correct lye-to-oil ratio for saponification.

Experimenting with different herbal infusions or essential oil blends can also add unique characteristics to your soap, so don't hesitate to get creative.

Floral Soap Recipe

homemade floral soap recipe

Creating your own floral soap at home can be a rewarding and sensory experience. The delightful scent of lavender or chamomile, combined with the nourishing properties of natural oils, makes floral soap not just a treat for the senses, but also beneficial for your skin. This recipe will guide you through the process of crafting a beautiful, fragrant bar of floral soap that you can use yourself or gift to friends and family.

When making floral soap, it's important to handle lye with care, as it can be caustic. Make certain you wear gloves and protective eyewear while preparing the lye solution. Once the lye is mixed with water and cooled, you'll combine it with your choice of oils. The addition of dried flower petals not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also adds a natural touch. Customizing your soap with colorants can further raise its visual charm, making it a stunning addition to your bath routine.

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz olive oil
  • 16 oz coconut oil
  • 4.5 oz lye
  • 12 oz distilled water
  • 1 oz lavender essential oil (or other floral essential oils)
  • Dried flower petals (such as lavender or chamomile)
  • Optional colorants

Instructions:

Start by carefully measuring out the lye and distilled water separately. Slowly add the lye to the water, stirring gently until dissolved, and allow it to cool.

In a separate container, melt the olive and coconut oils together until fully liquid. Once both the lye solution and oils are at a similar temperature (between 100-110°F), slowly combine them while stirring continuously until you reach a light trace.

At this point, add the essential oils, dried flower petals, and any colorants you desire. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then pour the mixture into soap molds. Allow the soap to set for 24-48 hours before unmolding, and then cure the bars for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place.

Extra Tips:

When making floral soap, make certain that all equipment is properly sanitized to avoid contamination.

Using a stick blender can help achieve the desired trace more quickly, but be careful not to overmix. If you're adding colorants, start with a small amount and adjust to achieve your preferred shade. Keep in mind that the colors may change slightly during curing.

Coffee Scrub Soap

exfoliating coffee soap bar

Coffee Scrub Soap

Creating your own coffee scrub soap at home is an invigorating and rewarding project. Not only will you harness the natural exfoliating properties of coffee grounds, but you'll also fill your bathroom with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

This soap is particularly beneficial for those looking to add a revitalizing start to their morning routine, as the scent can awaken the senses and prepare you for the day ahead. Plus, with the added moisturizing ingredients, you'll find your skin feeling smooth and hydrated after each use.

Whether you choose the cold process method for a more traditional approach or the melt-and-pour method for a quicker solution, making coffee scrub soap is accessible to all skill levels. By incorporating nourishing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil, you can customize your soap to suit your skin's needs.

Additionally, the caffeine content in coffee may help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite, making this soap not just a treat for your skin but also a boost for your confidence.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of coffee grounds (used or fresh)
  • 1 pound of melt-and-pour soap base or ingredients for cold process soap
  • 1/4 cup of shea butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
  • Soap colorants (optional)

Instructions:

To make your coffee scrub soap, start by melting the soap base in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until it's completely liquefied.

If you're using the cold process method, prepare your lye solution and oils according to proper safety guidelines before mixing. Once melted, remove the soap base from heat and stir in the shea butter or coconut oil until fully incorporated.

Next, add the coffee grounds and any essential oils or colorants you wish to include, mixing until evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into soap molds and let it cool completely until solidified, usually about 1-2 hours.

Once hardened, carefully remove the soap from the molds and store it in a cool, dry place.

Extra Tips:

When making coffee scrub soap, be mindful of the size of your coffee grounds, as larger pieces can be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

If you're using fresh coffee grounds, consider drying them out first to prevent any moisture issues in your soap. Additionally, experiment with different essential oils to find a fragrance that complements the coffee scent.

Store your finished soap in a well-ventilated area to maintain its freshness, and remember to label your creations if you make multiple batches to avoid any mix-ups!

Goat Milk and Honey Soap

natural goat milk soap

Making your own Goat Milk and Honey Soap at home is a rewarding project that not only results in a luxurious product but also allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. This soap is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, thanks to the moisturizing properties of goat milk and the soothing nature of honey.

Using a melt-and-pour base simplifies the process, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced soap makers alike. Incorporating natural colorants and essential oils can uplift your soap-making experience, providing both visual appeal and delightful fragrances. For instance, lavender essential oil can offer calming properties, while chamomile can add a gentle, floral scent.

By making your own soap, you have complete control over the ingredients, guaranteeing that your final product is free from harsh chemicals and packed with nourishing elements.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound goat milk melt-and-pour soap base
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon natural colorant (optional)
  • 10-15 drops essential oil (lavender or chamomile recommended)
  • Soap molds
  • Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
  • Stirring utensil

To make the Goat Milk and Honey Soap, begin by cutting the goat milk soap base into small cubes and placing them in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. If using a microwave, heat the soap base in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until completely melted and smooth.

Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the raw honey, natural colorant, and essential oil of your choice. Mix thoroughly to confirm all ingredients are well combined, then carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds. Allow the soap to cool and harden for several hours or until completely set before removing from the molds.

Extra Tips: When adding essential oils or colorants, start with small amounts and gradually increase to achieve your desired scent or hue, as these can be potent.

To improve the lather of your soap, consider adding a small amount of coconut oil to the mixture. Additionally, make sure that your workspace and tools are clean to prevent contamination, and store the finished soap in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.

Simple 3-Oil Soap

three oil soap recipe

Making your own soap at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, especially when using the Simple 3-Oil Soap recipe. This gentle soap is perfect for all skin types, including the delicate skin of babies. The combination of coconut oil, sustainable palm oil, and olive oil not only creates a luxurious lather but also provides essential moisture, making this soap an excellent choice for everyday use.

With just a few ingredients and a bit of care, you can produce a high-quality soap that's both practical and economical. Before you start, it's important to gather all your materials and set up a safe workspace. Soap making can involve lye, which requires careful handling. Always wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, to guarantee your safety.

Once you have everything ready, you'll be able to create your own bar of soap that hardens beautifully over a curing period of 4-6 weeks, in the end yielding a product that can last for up to two years.

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz coconut oil
  • 16 oz sustainable palm oil
  • 16 oz olive oil
  • 6.3 oz lye (sodium hydroxide)
  • 16 oz distilled water

To make the Simple 3-Oil Soap, start by measuring your oils and lye carefully. Heat the coconut oil and palm oil in a pot until they reach approximately 100°F (38°C), then add the olive oil.

In a separate container, slowly mix the lye into the distilled water, making sure to do this in a well-ventilated area. Allow the lye solution to cool to the same temperature as your oils. Once both mixtures are at the right temperature, pour the lye solution into the oils and blend with an immersion blender until you achieve a light trace.

Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it sit for 24-48 hours before unmolding. Allow the soap to cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks before using.

As you begin your soap-making journey, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Always measure your ingredients accurately for the best results, and consider using a lye calculator to confirm the correct ratios.

Additionally, experiment with essential oils or natural colorants to personalize your soap, but be cautious as some additives may affect the lather or curing time. Finally, be patient during the curing process; this step is vital for developing a hard and long-lasting bar of soap.

Enjoy your homemade creation!

Exfoliating Oatmeal Soap

gentle scrub oatmeal cleanser

Making your own exfoliating oatmeal soap at home can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create a product tailored to your skin's needs. This soap is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin, as the oatmeal not only acts as a gentle exfoliant but also soothes and moisturizes, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Whether you choose the cold process method or the melt-and-pour technique, this recipe will guide you through creating nourishing and fragrant soap bars that can be enjoyed for months.

To begin, gather your ingredients and tools. If you're using the cold process method, you'll need to handle lye with care, ensuring you wear appropriate safety gear. This soap can be customized with your favorite essential oils, enhancing the experience while providing additional skin benefits.

Once you've gathered everything you need, you'll be ready to create a lovely batch of exfoliating oatmeal soap that you can use or gift to friends and family.

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz olive oil
  • 8 oz coconut oil
  • 8 oz palm oil
  • 4.5 oz lye
  • 12 oz distilled water
  • 2 cups ground oats
  • 1 oz essential oil (e.g., lavender or chamomile)

Instructions:

In a well-ventilated area, prepare your lye solution by carefully mixing the lye into the distilled water and allowing it to cool.

Meanwhile, melt the coconut oil and mix it with the olive and palm oils in a separate pot. Once both the lye solution and oils reach around 100°F, combine them and blend until trace is achieved.

Stir in the ground oats and essential oil, mixing thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a soap mold, smoothing the top, and let it sit for 24-48 hours until solid.

Once hardened, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars. Allow the soap to cure for 4-6 weeks before using.

Extra Tips:

When making exfoliating oatmeal soap, it's important to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

If you're new to working with lye, consider watching tutorial videos or reading additional resources to familiarize yourself with safety practices.

You can experiment with different types of oats (like rolled or quick oats) and essential oils to create a unique scent and texture.

Citrus Burst Soap

refreshing citrus scented cleanser

Citrus Burst Soap Recipe

Creating your own Citrus Burst Soap at home is a delightful project that not only fills your space with uplifting scents but also allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your skin's needs. This revitalizing soap incorporates the invigorating aromas of essential oils such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit, offering a burst of citrusy freshness with each wash.

Whether you choose to use the melt-and-pour method for simplicity or the cold process for a more hands-on experience, you'll find that making your own soap can be both fun and rewarding.

To begin, gather your ingredients and supplies. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your flair with dried citrus slices or natural colorants to boost the visual appeal. The creamy base of shea butter or coconut oil not only provides moisturization but also creates a rich, luxurious lather that feels fantastic on the skin.

With natural antibacterial properties from the citrus essential oils, this soap is perfect for everyday cleansing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb melt-and-pour soap base (shea butter or coconut oil)
  • 20-30 drops of citrus essential oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
  • Dried citrus slices (optional)
  • Natural colorants (optional)
  • Soap mold
  • Mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe container or double boiler

Instructions:

Begin by cutting the melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes and placing them in a microwave-safe container or double boiler.

Gently heat the soap base, stirring occasionally, until it's completely melted. Once melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding the citrus essential oils, guaranteeing an even distribution of fragrance.

If desired, mix in any natural colorants for added vibrancy. Pour the mixture into your soap mold, carefully placing dried citrus slices on top if using.

Allow the soap to sit until it hardens completely, which may take a few hours. Once set, pop the soap from the mold and enjoy your homemade Citrus Burst Soap!

Extra Tips:

When making Citrus Burst Soap, consider experimenting with different essential oil combinations to create your unique scent profile.

Additionally, if you choose to use the cold process method, be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles, as the lye involved can be caustic. Always follow proper safety precautions and allow ample cure time for your soap to guarantee it's safe for use.

Store your finished soap in a cool, dry place and enjoy its revitalizing qualities for weeks to come!

Relaxing Lavender Soap

soothing lavender scented soap

Relaxing Lavender Soap Recipe

Creating your own soap at home can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when it comes to a soothing blend like Relaxing Lavender Soap. This recipe combines the moisturizing properties of olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, resulting in a creamy lather that's gentle on the skin.

The addition of lavender essential oil not only infuses the soap with a calming fragrance but also offers therapeutic benefits, making your bathing ritual a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

To improve both the appearance and texture of your soap, consider adding dried lavender buds. These little flowers not only contribute a touch of elegance but also provide gentle exfoliation, guaranteeing your skin feels refreshed and rejuvenated.

With a curing time of 4-6 weeks, this soap will be ready to use, allowing you to indulge in its relaxing properties whenever you desire.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. olive oil
  • 12 oz. coconut oil
  • 12 oz. shea butter
  • 4.5 oz. lye
  • 12 oz. distilled water
  • 1 oz. lavender essential oil
  • 2 oz. dried lavender buds (optional)

Instructions:

Begin by carefully measuring the lye and distilled water separately. In a well-ventilated area, slowly add the lye to the distilled water while stirring until it dissolves completely.

Allow the lye solution to cool to around 100°F (38°C). Meanwhile, melt the olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter together in a separate container.

Once both mixtures are at the desired temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils, stirring continuously until you reach "trace," where the mixture thickens and leaves a trail on the surface.

At this point, add the lavender essential oil and dried lavender buds, mixing thoroughly before pouring the soap into molds. Cover the molds with a towel and let them sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours.

After this time, remove the soap from the molds and let it cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks.

Extra Tips:

When working with lye, always wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, to guarantee safety.

It's also important to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. If you're new to soap-making, consider reading up on the saponification process and the properties of different oils to customize your soap to your liking.

Feel free to experiment with the amount of lavender essential oil and dried buds to find your perfect balance of fragrance and exfoliation.

Remember to keep your finished soap stored in a cool, dry area to maintain its quality and longevity.


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