Since around 2200 B.C., people throughout the world have been making soap with simple recipes. The first known recipe consisted of water, oil and alkali.
Even earlier, the Sumerians mixed water and ashes for cleaning, according to “The History of Soap Making.”
Artisans making soap today use a combination of oils, scents and natural cleansers. Whether you want to make artisan soap or simply save money, you’ll find the following 14 easy homemade soap recipes produce great results.
Easy Glycerin Soap Base Recipes
Rosemary Lavender Bars
The heavenly scents of rosemary and lavender reduce stress, according to the National Institutes for Health. The leaves impart natural exfoliating power. This easy recipe from Mother Earth News is a great introduction to soap making.
3 cups glycerin soap base
1 teaspoon rosemary essential oil
2 teaspoons lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried lavender buds, finely chopped
Melt the soap base in a microwave on low power. Combine all the ingredients. Pour the liquid soap into a soap mold. After it solidifies, slice the soap into bars.
Oatmeal and Honey Exfoliating Soap
Oatmeal exfoliates, moisturizes and soothes your skin naturally, according to “Oatmeal Beauty Benefits.” It is easy and inexpensive. In fact, you probably already have some on hand, so let’s make some soap. Recipe is from FreePeople.
1 pound glycerin soap base
½ cup coarsely-processed rolled oats
1 tablespoon almond oil
1 tablespoon clover honey
Melt the soap base in the microwave at low power, checking it frequently to prevent scorching. Stir in the oats, almond oil and honey. Pour into small soap molds.
Freshly Squeezed Citrus Soap
Citrus has astringent properties that make your skin tingle. It contains antioxidants that prevent premature aging, according to Organic Facts. The citrus zest adds exfoliating power, too.
1 pound glycerin soap base
2 teaspoons grapefruit essential oil
2 teaspoons fresh grapefruit or lime zest
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
½ teaspoon olive oil
Melt the soap base in the microwave. Add the remaining ingredients, and pour the mixture into soap molds. Remove it when hardened.
Soothing Dry Skin Soap
Soothing oils revive your dry skin. Chamomile and lavender enhance relaxation. This great combination comes in one easy recipe from the Soap Queen.
1 ½ pounds glycerin soap base
5 ounces Shea butter
5 ounces jojoba or sweet almond oil
1 teaspoon lavender essential oil
2 teaspoons chamomile essential oil
Melt the soap base in the microwave. Melt the Shea butter separately. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to blend them. Pour the liquid soap into a mold to harden.
Ginseng Green Tea Soap
Green tea helps protect your skin from sun damage. It helps prevent signs of aging, too, according to Smart Skin Care. Ginseng moisturizes your skin.
1 pound glycerin soap base
¼ cup strongly steeped green tea
2 teaspoons ginseng essential oil
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons green tealeaves, pulverized
Melt the soap base in the microwave. Blend in warm tea, ginseng oil, olive oil and tealeaves. Pour the liquid soap into a mold to harden.
Pretty in Pink Salt Crystals Soap
A sumptuous salt rub soap bar enhances your glowing skin. Shea butter adds moisturizing benefits. You’ll love the refreshing zing this soap provides.
1 pound Shea butter soap base
½ pound pink Himalayan salt
½ ounce essential oil of choice
Cut the soap base into cubes, and melt it in the microwave. Blend in the salt and essential oil. Pour into soap molds to harden.
Healing Herbal Soap
Make your kitchen garden last longer with this versatile recipe. Incorporate some dried flower petals, too. The heat of your bath brings out the soothing herbal scents.
1 pound glycerin soap base
1 tablespoon dried lemon balm, rosemary, or chamomile
2 teaspoons mint essential oil
Melt the soap base in a microwave. Stir in the dried herbs and oil. Pour the liquid into molds.
Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Start Using Natural Makeup Today
Great Goat’s Milk Beauty Bar
Goat’s milk soap couldn’t be easier with a pre-made soap base. It gives your skin the nourishment it craves. The sea salt helps exfoliate.
2 cups goat’s milk soap base
3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
Coarse sea salt
2 teaspoons orange essential oil
Melt the soap base in a microwave. Stir in the almond and essential oils. Pour a layer of sea salt into the mold before adding the liquid soap. Cool and cut.
Soothing Scratch Soap Recipes
These homemade soap recipes call for lye.. Watch “How to Make Soap at Home” to learn the basic method. Be sure to follow the safety recommendations when handling lye.
Healing Avocado Beauty Soap
Rich in fatty acids, the avocado heals naturally. The puree adds a silky texture that feels totally wonderful. This recipe is from Lovin Soap.
6 ounces avocado oil
12 ounces olive oil
12 ounces coconut oil
2 ounces Shea butter
2 ounces sweet almond oil
Dash of rosemary oleoresin extract – a natural preservative
4.9 ounces lye
7.8 ounces distilled water
2-3 ounces avocado puree
2 ounces lemongrass essential oil
Follow tutorial instructions.
Beachside Coconut Oil Soap
This soap transports you to more temperate climes. This recipe was made by Mommypotamus.
16 ounces coconut oil with 76-degree melting point
2.5 ounces granular lye
6.25 ounces water
.5 ounces essential lime oil
Follow tutorial instructions. The soap lasts a year when stored in a cool, dry cupboard.
Nourishing Beeswax Beauty Bar
Soap with nourishing beeswax delivers the ultimate spa experience. You will love the sweet scent, too.
7 ounces olive oil
4 ounces sweet almond oil
6 ounces soy oil
6 ounces canola oil
8 ounces coconut oil
1 ounce beeswax
4.3 ounces lye
12 ounces water
2-3 tablespoons raw honey
Mix, cool and cure according to tutorial directions.
Nutrient-rich Yogurt Chamomile Soap
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps heal troubled skin, according to Natural Beauty Tips. It also soothes sunburn and fights acne. It leaves your skin smooth and moist.
1.8 ounces each: Shea butter, cocoa butter, canola oil, argan oil
7.2 ounces coconut oil with 76-degree melting point
11 ounces palm oil
10 ounces olive oil
4.9 ounces lye crystals
10 ounces water
3 ounces plain yogurt
2 teaspoons chamomile essential oil
Dried chamomile leaves
Follow the tutorial directions, adding yogurt and essential oil to a slightly cooled mixture. Pour into soap molds, and sprinkle with chamomile leaves. Cool and cure as directed. Recipe was made from Soap Deli News
Fresh Garden Scrub
If you like to go out and get dirty, you’ll love this gardener’s soap. The corn meal adds scrubbing power. It smells fabulous, too. Recipe is made from Soap Making Essentials.
8 ounces coconut oil
11.5 ounces olive oil
9.5 ounces palm oil
3 ounces sweet almond oil
4.5 ounces granular lye
11.45 ounces water
3 teaspoons orange or lavender essential oil
2 tablespoons cornmeal
Follow tutorial directions, adding essential oil and cornmeal just before pouring. Cure the soap as directed.
Time to Start Making Your Own Homemade Soap
Get started making your own naturally healing soaps, and you will never want to stop. With pre-made soap bases, it is easy and instantly rewarding. Many of the add-ins are items you already have on hand, such as herbs, oatmeal and yogurt, so you can experiment without spending a lot.
As you become more skilled, consider adding colors to your creations. Your skin will benefit, and so will your friends and family at gift time.
Click here to get Nerdy Farm Wife’s natural soap making guide!