Unlock the Art of Soapmaking: Simple and Effective Basic Homemade Soap Recipes

I have not purchased store-bought soap in a very long time. With my homemade soap recipes, you can unlock the art of soapmaking and cleanliness in a natural way. Brandishing the power of nature, these simple and effective recipes will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Crafted with love and care, my homemade soaps are created using ingredients you can trust. I embrace the power of natural oils like soothing shea butter, invigorating olive oil, and nourishing coconut oil, ensuring that your skin receives the pampering it deserves.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned soap maker, the recipes I share are straightforward to follow. Customizable to suit your individual preferences, my homemade soaps allow you to take control of what goes onto your skin, making it perfect for everyone in the family. Say goodbye to store-bought soaps and hello to the wonders of homemade soap making. Dive into our collection of simple and effective recipes and unlock the art of natural skincare today!

Homemade soap making methods

Before diving into specific recipes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic soap making methods. These methods form the foundation of homemade soap making and will help you understand the process better.

1. Cold Process: The cold process method is one of the most common methods used in soap making. It involves mixing oils and lye to create a chemical reaction called saponification. The mixture is then poured into molds and left to cure for four to eight weeks. This method allows for more creativity and customization, as you can add colorants, fragrances, and additives to the soap.
2. Hot Process: The hot process method involves heating the oils and lye mixture to accelerate the saponification process. This method typically requires cooking the soap mixture in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Similar to the cold process method, this method requires cure time to evaporate the water.
3. Melt and Pour: The melt and pour method is the easiest and quickest way to make homemade soap. It involves melting a pre-made soap base and adding your chosen ingredients, such as colorants and fragrances. The melted soap is then poured into molds and left to harden. This method is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a simpler approach to soap making.

Now that you are familiar with the basic soap making methods, you can choose the one that suits your preferences and skill level. Each method has its own advantages and produces high-quality homemade soap. In this blog, I share DIY for all three methods. I hope you find some ideas to try.

Basic Homemade Soap Recipes for Beginners

If you’re new to soap making, starting with simple recipes is a great way to get acquainted with the process. Here are a few beginner-friendly soap recipes that require a minimal number of ingredients.

Recipe #1: With Avocado Oil

• 2.1 ounces Avocado Oil (10%)
• 2.1 ounces Shea Butter (10%)
• 9.45 ounces Olive Oil (45%)
• 6.3 ounces Coconut Oil (30%)
• 1.05 ounces Castor Oil (5%)
• 2.93 ounces of Sodium Hydroxide (lye)
• 6 ounces Distilled Water – or 6 ounces of strong brewed coffee

Recipe #2: 3 Ingredients Very Basic

For this homemade soap recipe I recommend you enter it in your favorite lye calculator and use a high superfat of 8 to 10% because of the high amount of coconut oil.

• 65% Olive Oil
• 30% Coconut Oil
• 5% Castor Oil

Watch the video to see how to make cold process soap

Ready to start making your own cold process soaps? Then this eBook with 25 different cold process soap formulations is the perfect resource. With so many formulations, you will have lots of inspiration to experiment and find the perfect one.

This eBook also includes best practices to modify the formulations to your liking.

I want the 25 recipes!

I have shared several cold process soap making DIYs and basic homemade soap recipes in this blog, check out the list of cold process soaps.

Also, take a look at all the melt and pour soap ideas I’ve shared in this blog’s Melt and Pour soaps category.

Benefits of Using Homemade Soap

When it comes to cleanliness, using homemade soap offers several benefits over store-bought alternatives. One of the main advantages is the ability to control the ingredients used in the soap. Commercial soaps often contain harsh chemicals and other ingredients that can irritate the skin. With homemade soap, you have the freedom to choose natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing for your skin.

Another benefit of homemade soap is the customization options it provides. You can tailor the soap to suit your specific skin type and preferences. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, you can create a soap recipe that addresses your unique needs. Additionally, you can experiment with different scents and additives to create a personalized soap that leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

In addition to being better for your skin, homemade soap is also better for the environment. Many store-bought soaps come packaged in single-use plastic containers that contribute to pollution and waste. By making your own soap, you can opt for eco-friendly packaging or even package-free options, reducing your carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.

Safety Precautions When Making Homemade Soap

While making homemade soap can be a fun and rewarding experience, it’s important to prioritize safety to avoid any accidents or mishaps. Here are some essential safety precautions to keep in mind when making soap at home:

1. Protective Gear: Always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, long sleeve shirt, long pants, and shoes that cover your toes when handling caustic ingredients like lye. These substances can cause burns or irritation if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.
2. Well-Ventilated Area: When mixing the lye with the water in soap making, this process can release fumes. It’s crucial to work in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper airflow and minimize the inhalation of potentially harmful vapors.
3. Accurate Measurements: Follow soap recipes carefully and measure ingredients accurately. Using the wrong proportions or skipping steps can lead to soap that is ineffective or potentially harmful to the skin. I always recommend running all your homemade soap recipes through a lye calculator and making sure you measure appropriately.
4. Temperature Control: Pay close attention to the temperature when working with lye. It’s important to mix the lye solution in a well-ventilated area and allow it to cool before adding it to the oils. Extreme temperatures can cause the mixture to become volatile and dangerous.
5. Patience: Soap making requires patience, especially during the curing process. Allow your soap to cure for four to six weeks to ensure it is safe and effective to use. Rushing the process can result in a soap that is too soft or caustic.

By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy the art of soap making without compromising your well-being. Always prioritize safety and take the necessary steps to protect yourself during the soap making process.

Have fun and enjoy the process!

Ready to start making your own cold process soaps? Then this eBook with 25 different cold process soap formulations is the perfect resource. With so many formulations, you will have lots of inspiration to experiment and find the perfect one.

This eBook also includes best practices to modify the formulations to your liking.

I want the 25 recipes!