- Start by cutting melt-and-pour glycerin into 1 inch squares with a sharp knife. You will need to cut three squares of glycerin for each bar of soap that you want to make. If the soap base does not have pressed lines on the surface, use a ruler to measure 1 inch on each side, then mark your squares before cutting.
- Place the cut glycerin into a glass pan and place it over a stove top (as an alternative you can use a microwave, see the video at the bottom of this page). Turn the heat on medium-low and stir constantly with a wooden or plastic utensil until the glycerin has melted completely. This will take several minutes, be patient. Get ready to quickly move to the next step as soon as the soap is melted, since it will harden quickly.
- Turn off the heat, but leave the pan on the burner. Quickly add 2 to 3 drops of soap or candle color per bar of soap and stir to combine. Adjust until you get the color you desire. Mix colors, if you like, such as red and blue to get purple.
- You can add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil additive of your choice per bar of soap you're making. Lavender is a good choice for normal to dry skin, tea tree or peppermint for oily or acne-prone skin. See soap additives below for more ideas.
- Stir to combine all the oils, and add 1/2 tsp. dried herbs of choice per bar of soap. Dried herbs are an optional additive and can be left out if you desire. Herbs can lend additional healing properties to the soap and a little extra scrubbing action. Stir slowly but thoroughly to combine herbs.
- Carefully pour the soap mixture into molds if desired. Allow the soap to harden for 3-4 hours or until firm. To remove from mold, place mold (with soap in it) in freezer for 20 minutes. When the mold returns to room air, it will expand as it warms and the soap will drop out. For really hard to remove soap, run warm water over the back of the mold. Store your soaps in a cool, dry place if possible. See below for more info on molds.
Soap Molds
Molding your handmade soaps is a nice added personal touch. This will enhance the beauty of your home made soaps. Below are sample pictures of some soap molds that you could use. Soap molds are available to be purchased on the internet or at your local stores that sell soap making products.
Soap Additives
Soap makers commonly include additives to enhance their soaps. You can use different herbs and scents to improve the quality of your products. Be creative and have fun making your home made soaps. Below is a list of some common additives you can try:
Tea Tree essential oil is considered to be a universal oil because of its popularity due to its renowned antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties as well as its ability to stimulate the immune system. Tea Tree essential oil helps to control skin infections and irritations including acne, cold sores, athlete’s foot, insect bites and minor scrapes and cuts. This essential oil has a strong, fresh, medicine smell. It is nonetheless stimulating and promotes a healthy mindset. Smells a bit like eucalyptus leaf.
Vanilla essential oil is amongst the most popular of all scents of all time. It is a very comforting scent that often reminds us of homey feelings, maybe of baked goods or ice cream or even childhood. It is bound to bring a smile to your face. Vanilla also has great properties as it is an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, febrifuge (fights fever) and a sedative as it lowers blood pressure and has a slightly tranquilizing effect on the brain. It is also an anti-depressant and an aphrodisiac and its aroma is believed to help with dispelling anger, anxiety and restlessness.
Shea Butter has been used in various parts of Africa for its ability to heal and moisturize skin. It is used as a cuticle softener and skin softener and is used in hair conditioners, creams, lotions, soaps, balms, salves and cleansers. Shea Butter is able to be absorbed quickly into the skin and is excellent for dry skin, stretch marks, cracked heels, peeling (due to sunburn) and evening skin tone. It has been proven clinically to prevent not only stretch marks but to have anti aging properties and is able to promote the healing of burns while minimizing any scarring. Shea Butter can also protect against inflammations.
Lavender, chamomile, ginger and thyme can also be used.