Turmeric and Honey Cold Process Soap Made with Aloe Vera

Today’s cold process soap was a request from one of my nieces. This Turmeric and Honey Cold Process Soap has a lovely yet faint cashmere aroma. I decided to replace all the water in the formulation with aloe vera, using aloe vera from my garden. I grow so much of it at home, and it makes for really great soaps with lots of lather. I added a very small amount of scent to this soap at my niece’s request. This cold process soap is fairly straightforward to make and perfect for beginners and experienced soap makers alike.

For this Turmeric and Honey cold process soap DIY, I am using aloe vera that I have at home. I love using it in the soaps because it adds to the lather, and it has great benefits for the skin. While it can take a few extra minutes mixing the lye to avoid burning the aloe vera, it is absolutely worth it. For this soap, I had the aloe vera frozen and slowly added the lye and mixed well. This is the fastest way I found to do this step. In the past, I had placed the aloe vera in a bath of ice and water, but it took a bit longer to mix. I just wanted to be careful and not burn the lovely aloe vera as I added the lye.

I usually try to match the scent with some themed colors, but the turmeric will be a natural way to color the soap in a lovely rust orange, neutral color.

Benefits of Turmeric and Honey in Cold Process Soap

Turmeric and honey bring both performance and skin-loving benefits to cold process soap. Turmeric is valued for its natural antioxidant and soothing properties, making it appealing for skin that feels dull or stressed, while also lending a warm, earthy tone to the bars. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain moisture, contributing to a more conditioning feel on the skin. It also boosts lather, creating richer, creamier bubbles, and supports a smoother overall bar when used in proper amounts.

Benefits of using natural aloe vera in cold process soaps

Using natural aloe vera in place of water for the lye solution elevates cold process soap by adding botanical skin benefits right at the foundation of the formula. Aloe vera is known for its calming and hydrating qualities, making it especially attractive for sensitive or dry-feeling skin. In soap, it can enhance the slip and silkiness of the lather while supporting a gentler cleanse. Aloe also reinforces the “plant-based” appeal of a bar, adding value for customers who prioritize natural, skin-focused ingredients.

My favorite cold process soap additives

Two of my favorite cold process soap making additives are kaolin clay and colloidal oatmeal. I add them to almost all of my soaps because of the fantastic properties they add to the soaps.

Kaolin clay

Kaolin clay is a very gentle clay used in many cosmetics and face masks. It is not only gentle on the skin, but it is also great for anchoring the scents in the soaps. I also think it gives a great slip to the soaps that make the soap super luxurious.

Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is also used in several skin care products and is considered a skin protectant. It helps retain moisture on the skin. It is very soothing and is usually recommended for people with dry skin. You can skip it, but I like it in my soaps because of its excellent skin properties.

Another additive that I tend to add to the soaps is tussah silk. I love how it makes the soap so much smoother and with a lovely silky glide.

How to make Turmeric and Honey cold process soap with Aloe Vera

Additional equipment needed for cold process soap making at home

• Mixing pitchers
• Immersion blender
• Silicone spatulas
• Funnel pitchers
• Infrared thermometer
• Digital scale

Recipes and techniques for making cold process soap at home

Check out the posts linked below for several free cold process soap recipes and techniques. I hope you find one that is perfect for you.

Hanger Swirl Almond Marzipan Cold Process Soap DIY

Clamshell Technique Cold Process Soap DIY

Handmade Cold Process Soap Making

All Natural Aloe Vera Cold Process Soap

In this Kiss Pour and Handmade Mold DIY I not only give you a recipe and another fun technique to use, but I also share how to make a mold using a cardboard milk box.

Summer Vibes Double In the Pot Swirl Cold Process Soap DIY

Coconut Milk & Coconut Water Cold Process Soap

Mahogany & Amber Cold Process Soap

Hibiscus Guava Fresca Cold Process Soap Layers – Tiger Stripe Technique

Step-by-Step Turmeric and Honey and Aloe Vera Cold Process Soap DIY

You can use the formulation above for each or simply double the formulation.

1. Weigh out the butters and coconut oil and melt them in the microwave
2. Add the liquid oils to the melted butters
3. Weigh out the aloe vera in a separate container – if using the recipe above, replace all the water with aloe vera
4. Weigh out the sodium hydroxide (lye) needed for the soap in a separate container
5. Sprinkle the sodium hydroxide (lye) into the aloe vera slowly and mix well, then allow to cool to 85-90 degrees F
6. While the lye and aloe vera solution is cooling, make the turmeric and honey paste:
   • In a small cup, mix 1 Tbsp of turmeric with 1 Tbsp of honey and 1 Tbsp of distilled water
7. Add the lye and aloe vera solution to the melted oils and butters and mix for a few seconds
8. Add the Turmeric and Honey mix and fragrance oil (if using) to the soap batter
9. Mix using the immersion blender for only a few seconds until you achieve a light trace
10. Pour the soap batter into the soap mold
11. Allow the soap to go through the saponification process for at least 24 hours
12. Cut the soap and allow it to cure for four to six weeks

I hope you enjoy making this Turmeric and Honey and aloe vera cold process soap.

You can learn more about cold process soap making in Cold process soap making most common questions answered in one place. This post summarizes all the questions I get about cold process soap making.

Cold process soap DIYs and Design Ideas:

Lavender EO Cold Process Soap

Mardi Gras Inspired Cold Process Soap

Saffron and Oud Hanger Swirl Cold Process Soap DIY

Cashmere Fig Cold Process soap with In The Pot Swirl

Marbled Technique Cold Process Soap DIY

All Natural Facial Cold Process Soap with Activated Charcoal and Rose Clay

How to make soap dough embeds for cold process soap

Refreshing Avobath Perfect for Spring and Summer Cold Process Soap DIY