Making handmade soap might seem difficult, but creating your own DIY soap at home is surprisingly easy. I’ve been making handmade soap for years because this is my number one passion, and my family loves it.
From my collection of soap recipes, I have chosen three that stand out for their simplicity and use of natural ingredients. These recipes are not only easy to follow but also perfect for beginners who want to start making their own soap at home.
These soap recipes are designed to be simple and straightforward, a great place for those who are new to soap making. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll find the process easier than you might have imagined.
Simple Soap Making Process
Just like a beginner baker who has many recipes to make a cake and learns through trial and error, soap makers have formulated various recipes to guide you through the process. By following these different methods, you can create high-quality soap at home and gain confidence in your soap-making skills.
You need to make it by yourself and try it with the three processes of making handmade soap detailed below. Beginners often aren’t aware of which oils to choose and what ratios to use, but this guide will help you get started easily.
Basic Olive Oil Soap
A beginner can definitely make Basic Olive Oil Soap (Castile soap). This recipe is ideal for those new to soap making because it involves simple ingredients and a straightforward process.
Its gentle and moisturizing properties make it suitable for delicate skin, such as that of babies, as it helps to hydrate without causing irritation.
Basic Olive Oil Soap
Equipment
- Digital Kitchen Scale
- Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Stick blender
- Soap mold
- digital Thermometer
- Containers to measure
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 500g or approximately 17.6 oz
- Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): 65g (approximately 2.3 oz)
- Water (Prefered Distilled Water): 170g (approximately 6 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the lye solution 1 hour before you plan to use it. Slowly add Sodium Hydroxide to water in a well-ventilated area.
- while stirring gently (never the other way around). This will generate heat and fumes.
- Allow the lye solution to cool in a sink of water.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently heat the olive oil to around 100-110°F.
- When both the lye solution and the olive oil are at similar temperatures (100-110°F), slowly pour the lye solution into the olive oil.
- Stir to mix gently at first, then use an immersion blender to mix the solution.
- Blend the mixture until it reaches “trace,” which is the point where the mixture thickens and holds a trail on the surface when drizzled.
- Pour the traced soap mixture into the prepared soap mold(s).
- Smooth the top with a spatula and cover the mold with a lid or plastic wrap. Allow the soap to sit in the mold for 24-48 hours to harden.
- Place the soap bars on a drying rack or a well-ventilated area to cure. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks. During this time, the soap will harden further, and any remaining lye will be neutralized, making the soap safe to use and has a shelf life generally ranging from 1 to 2 years.
Lavender and Oatmeal Soap
This soap is perfect for relaxing the mind and nourishing the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin. The blend of natural ingredients makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to incorporate a bit of luxury and self-care into their daily routine.
Lavender and Oatmeal Soap
Equipment
- Digital scale
- Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Stick blender
- Soap mold
- Thermometer
- Coffee grinder or blender (for grinding oatmeal)
Ingredients
Liquid oils
- Olive Oil: 300g (approximately 10.6 oz)
- Lavender Essential Oil: 30g (approximately 1 oz)
Solid Oils
- Shea Butter: 100g (approximately 3.5 oz)
- Coconut Oil: 200g (approximately 7 oz)
Lye Solution:
- Sodium hydroxide 85g (approximately 3 oz)
- 200g distilled water 7 oz
Ground Oatmeal:
- 50g (approximately 1.8 oz)
- 1-2 tbsp Dried Lavender Buds (optional):
Instructions
- Add the lye to the water (never the other way around) while stirring continuously until fully dissolved. Allow the solution to cool to your room temperature.
- Mix the olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter in a large mixing bowl. Give the heat the mixture until the solid oils are fully melted and reach around 100-110°F.
- Use a coffee grinder or blender to grind the oatmeal into a fine powder.
- When the oils and lye solution are within ten degrees of one another, it’s a great time to mix them.
- Pour the lye solution into the oils, Stir at first, then use a stick blender to mix the solution until it reaches “trace,”
- At trace, add the ground oatmeal and lavender essential oil to the soap mixture.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure it is well mixed and no streaks remain.
- Pour the soap mixture into your prepared soap mold.
- Place the soap bars on a drying rack or a well-ventilated area to cure. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks.
- During this time, the soap will harden further, and any remaining lye will be neutralized, making the soap safe to use.
Citrus Honey Soap
Most people ask me to share a good soap recipe that is natural, gentle on the skin, and imparts a natural brightness. The first and easiest beginner-friendly recipe that comes to mind is Citrus Honey Soap. This soap is not only simple to make but also brings the refreshing scent of citrus and the moisturizing benefits of honey.
Citrus Honey Soap
Equipment
- Digital Kitchen Scale
- Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Stick blender
- Soap mold
- digital Thermometer
- Containers to measure
Ingredients
Liquid Oils:
- 200 g Olive Oil
- 50 g Castor Oil
- 30 g Citrus Essential Oils (e.g., orange, lemon, grapefruit)
Solid Oils:
- 200 g Coconut Oil
- 200 g Palm Oil
Lye Solution:
- 95 g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
- 200 g Water
Additives
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1-2 tbsp Zest of one citrus fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Create the lye solution by slowly pouring water and sodium hydroxide. Stir the solution and set the lye solution aside to cool down in a shallow basin or sink of water.
- Mix the olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and castor oil in a bowl and heat the mixture until the oils are just melted.
- Pour the mixture of oil into a pan and stir well. Aim to reach a temperature of around 100°F (38°C).
- When both the lye solution and the oil mixture are at the desired temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils.
- Stir at first, then use a stick blender to mix the solution until it reaches “trace,”
- At trace, add the honey and citrus essential oils to the soap mixture. If using, also add the citrus zest. Stir well to incorporate evenly.
- Pour the soap mixture into your prepared soap mold.
- leave the soap to sit in the mold for 24-48 hours to harden. Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mold.
- Cutting into bars leave the soap bars on a drying rack or a well-ventilated area to cure. After 4-6 weeks the soap is ready to use.
