Soap Making 101

Hello my creative geniuses!

I recently discovered the art of soap making, which is addictive, and fun in itself. If you want to make relatively inexpensive gifts for the holidays, special occasions, or just for enjoyment, I would highly recommend this project.

There are different ways to make handmade soaps. You can start completely from scratch by using lye (caustic), or by using a melt & pour soap base. I am not one to use lye, so I chose the latter: a pre-made soap base. This article will give you the basics for using melt & pour soap bases, but for those of you that want to start 100% from scratch with lye (kudos to you!), I've included a link to another website:

Free Beginner's Guide To Soap Making: Cold Process

Making Soap: Melt & Pour (Easy, Quick and Fun!)

What you need to buy:

1. Soap Base 

• There are several kinds ranging from goats milk, to shea butter, glycerin, avocado cucumber, oatmeal, and many more. Craft stores like Michael's and A.C. Moore sell soap bases in 2lb containers. You can also buy them online through Amazon, or other companies such as Bramble Berry . 

     2.  Soap molds or a soap loaf mold

• Just like the soap bases, there are many molds of all different shapes and sizes (I find that buying them online will give you the largest selection, and better prices). 
• Soap loaf molds are essentially long rectangles that allow you to make larger quantities compared to standard soap molds (you may only receive 4 molds in a pack compared to a loaf mold where you can make at least 10 bars at a time).
• If you do buy a loaf mold, you will need a soap cutter. 
• You can also buy these at local craft stores and online. 

     3. Fragrance Oils/Essential Oils/Extracts

• These are your "smelly goods" that give your soap a wonderful aroma. 
• There are many varieties and types depending on what kind of soap you want to make.
• Fragrance oils are more synthetic compounds that aren't as "natural" as oils, although there are some pure ingredients in fragrance oils.
• Essential oils are popular in terms of creating a more "natural product." People prefer these oils because they contain essence from a plant's roots, leaves, etc. 
• Extracts typically contain alcohol which can dry out the skin. I personally have used extracts in my soaps without a problem, but I've heard mixed reviews on their use. 

      4. Miscellaneous Additives

• Soap colorants, coffee grounds, chocolate, oats, cinnamon, apricot seeds, rose petals, lavender petals,etc

How to do it:

1. Cut up the soap base into blocks (this will make it easier to melt) and prepare all additives, oils, and extracts (Examples: chop up all oats, grind coffee beans, measure out the amount of oil you want to use, etc).

2. Spray your molds lightly with non stick cooking spray (this is not required, but it does make it easier to remove your soap after hardening). 

3. Microwave the soap base for about 15 seconds, then stir. Keep microwaving in 15 second intervals and mixing after each time until the base is completely melted. 

4. Now this is where it gets tricky: you must immediately mix in your oils, extracts, and additives while stirring the base and then promptly pour your soap mixture into a mold. These soap bases harden VERY quickly so it's important to have all your ingredients prepared beforehand. 

5. Once your molds are filled, place them in a cool, dry place for about 40 minutes. Ideally, the soap should sit overnight to completely settle, but if you're in a rush, 40 minutes will do the trick. (Hint: I like placing soaps to dry in my garage. The air is cool, especially during the winter). 

6. Gently remove your beautiful creations from their molds and package them up for all to enjoy. 

So now that you've learned the basics of soap making, you can check the "Soap Making 101" page for homemade recipes. Feel free to make suggestions, share experiences, and ideas below in the comments section. Thank you! :)