If you are interested in crafting your own soap, but a little nervous about the process involved in making it from scratch, melt + pour soap could be the perfect craft for you! You literally melt down the soap base, add whatever scents, botanicals and/or spices you want, pour the mixture into a mold + let it harden. In about an hour, you’ll have fresh bars of soap. Simple, huh?
To get your started on your melt + pour adventures, I am sharing with you one of my favorite recipes: Lavender + Oatmeal Bar Soap.
Featuring lavender + vanilla essential oils and flakes of oatmeal, this soap smells + feels wonderful on the skin. Here’s how you make it:
- 1/2 lb. natural melt + pour soap base
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
- 2 tablespoons oatmeal
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops vanilla essential oil or vanilla extract
- Soap mold – can be bought or you can use muffin tins or small paper cups
- Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol
- Sprinkle a small amount of the lavender + oatmeal into the bottom of each soap mold. These will end up on the top of the soap when finished.
- Cut the soap base into small cubes + place it into a microwave-safe bowl or a small pan for melting.
- This can be done in the microwave or on a stove top.
- To melt in the microwave, heat at 30-second intervals until soap is melted. Allow the melted soap to cool a little as heat can cause the essential oils to burn off.
- Add the essential oils to the soap. You can add as little or as much as you like. Start with about 10 drops of each, stir, and then smell.
- Spray the bottom of the mold with rubbing alcohol. This will help to remove any air bubbles that could become trapped.
- Add the remaining lavender + oatmeal to the bowl and mix well.
- Gently pour the soap mixture into your molds.
- Spray the top of the soap with the alcohol + allow to harden for 1 hour.
- Gently remove from mold + store in airtight container until you’re ready to use.
Use this recipe as a guide for trying out other types of bar soap scents + ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Dried Lemon Peel + Rosemary
- Peppermint + Orange Peel
- Coffee + Coconut Extract
- Lemongrass + Lime Peel
Not interested in making your own soap? No problem! We have you covered with our collection of cold process natural bar soaps + shampoo bar.
Leave a note in the comments telling us what you thought of this recipe + if you ventured out to make any other scent combinations.
xo, Michelle