Roll up your sleeves and let’s make some soap
Soapmaking is a great hobby for all levels of experience. Its a skill that grows with you. It can be fairly simple and utilitarian or complex and artistic.
With the world becoming more commercialized, you might be surprised to learn how many of the products you buy contain ingredients that are potentially hazardous to the environment and your health. Using quality ingredients, you can make soap that is safe for you and your family and is great for the environment.
During hard times, soap is one of the most important resources to obtain. And unfortunately, soapmaking is largely a lost skill that most people once had. Not only will having soap keep your skin clean, but it’ll also keep your family healthy! We want to teach you how to do it in a safe and effective way!
New to making soap?
This article will give you a fantastic overview on the whole soapmaking process.
Whether you’re tired of chemicals in commercially-made soaps, looking to make natural soap as gifts (or as a side hustle), or simply looking to create something handmade and useful, soapmaking is a timeless skill you won’t regret learning.
Start here for soapmaking basics
Get caught up on the basics of homemade soap.
An Introduction To Melt and Pour Soapmaking Techniques
Are you new to soapmaking? Check out our intro to melt and pour soapmaking techniques such as swirling, layering, embedding, and stamping.
A Comparison: Hot Process Soap vs Cold Process
If you’re new to soapmaking, here’s an in-depth look at the ‘ins and outs’ of two made-from-scratch methods: hot process soap vs cold process.
17 Essential Soapmaking Hacks and Tips for Beginners
Here’s an essential list of 17 soapmaking hacks and tips to help you with your first few batches of homemade soap.
Soapmaking Supplies for Beginners: The Essential List
If you’re new to soap making and don’t know where to start, we’ve created an essential soap making supplies for beginners list. Check it out! swirling, layering, embedding, and stamping.
Let’s talk about lye (sodium hydroxide)
If you’re planning to make cold process or hot process soap, you’ll need to use lye. Lye can be dangerous if not properly handled. Here’s what you need to know.
Is Sodium Hydroxide Safe To Use in Soap and Cosmetics?
If NaOH (aka lye) is a caustic chemical, is sodium hydroxide safe to use in soap and cosmetics? Here’s a closer look at the role sodium hydroxide plays in soapmaking and cosmetics.
What’s the Difference Between Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide for Soapmaking?
Same, same, but different. If you’re looking to make your own soap, here’s the difference between sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.
Where To Buy Sodium Hydroxide for Soapmaking
Looking to make your own handmade soap from scratch? You’ll need some lye. Here’s where to buy sodium hydroxide for soapmaking.
How To Make Lye for Soap the Old-Fashioned Way
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make lye for soap the old-fashioned way with ashes, water, and a wooden barrel, we’ve got you covered. Check out our step-by-step guide.
The Shelf Life Of Sodium Hydroxide Pellets (AKA Lye)
If you have a batch of NaOH at home, you might be wondering about the shelf life of sodium hydroxide pellets. Here’s what you need to know about storing lye.
Soap recipes
Ready to dive in? Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started.
Basic Hot Process Soap Recipe (With Moisturizing Properties)
Here’s a basic hot process soap recipe with oodles of glycerin. Use your slow cooker to whip up a batch of this luxurious homemade soap.
DIY Kitchen Hand Soap Recipe: 3 Fresh Variations
Kitchen work can be hard on your hands. Here’s a moisturizing kitchen hand soap recipe you can customize three ways to make bar soap that cuts through grease and removes odors.
DIY Olive Oil Nabulsi Soap Recipe
Nabulsi soap is a natural olive oil-based soap from the West Banks. If you’re interested in making your own soap at home, we’ve got a Nabulsi soap recipe you’ll love.
How To Make Liquid Antibacterial Soap With Natural Ingredients
Looking for a natural, yet effective liquid soap? Gather a few basic supplies. Here’s an easy DIY recipe: how to make liquid antibacterial soap with natural ingredients.
Troubleshooting and other tips
Soapmaking is a learning process, and you may end up with a bad batch or two. Arm yourself with the tips and tricks for making a better batch of soap next time.
8 Causes of Orange Spots in Homemade Soap and What To Do About It
If you’re scratching your head wondering how those dreaded orange spots in homemade soap got there, read on for a few helpful tips.
What’s the Difference Between Gelled vs Ungelled Soap?
Here’s everything you need to know about gelled vs ungelled soap. We’ll go over how to force or prevent gel phase, and what to do about partial gelling.
How To Store Bar Soap Long Term: Homemade Soap Storage Tips
Learn how to store bar soap long term with our homemade soap storage tips. This post will teach you how cold process, hot process, and melt & pour soaps should be stored.
Ready to dig deeper?
Here is our full list of articles for the beginner soapmaker to seasoned pro.
The Best Natural Ingredients for Homemade Soap: Herbs, EOs + More
Want to add a special soap ingredient to your next natural soap recipe? Here’s our big list of natural ingredients for making homemade soap you gotta try!
Basic Soap Making Safety Precautions (Including Lye Safety)
Before you make soap (homemade cold or hot process), read up on basic soap making safety precautions. Learn more on lye safety and safety tips!
Natural Soap Preservatives: Why DIY Soap Bars Don’t Need Them
Store-bought cosmetics, lotions, and bath and body products have preservatives. Do you need natural soap preservatives for homemade soap?
Does Turmeric Soap Lighten Skin? The Answer May Surprise You
Does turmeric soap lighten skin, really? Let look at the benefits of using turmeric powder and tips on making a turmeric soap bar.
Titanium Dioxide in Soap: Tips on Getting a Whiter, Brighter Bar
Want to make your batch of homemade soap whiter or brighter? Try adding titanium dioxide in soap. We’ll go over whether this powder is safe, and how to use it.
When to Unmold Cold Process Soap and 7 Ways to Speed Up Unmolding Time
Knowing when to unmold cold process soap can be tricky. We’ve gathered a few tips and tricks plus ways to make your soap bars harder and easier to release.
What Is Triple Milled Soap and Is It Worth the Hype?
So, what is triple milled soap, exactly? We’ll explain how this bar’s milling process differs from regular commercial soap and handmade soap.
How To Make Melt and Pour Soap Lather More: 5 Troubleshooting Tips
Bubbles and lather play a big role in one’s soap experience . If you’re wondering how to make melt and pour soap lather more, here are 5 things to look for.
7 Aloe Vera Soap Benefits + Easy DIY Liquid Aloe Soap Recipe
Soothing, moisturizing, and healing, here are 7 top aloe vera soap benefits. Plus, we’ll show you how to make your own easy DIY liquid aloe soap.
10 Brilliant Benefits of Shea Butter in Soap
This exotic body butter is a popular ingredient in skin care. Rich, velvety, and moisturizing, there are plenty of benefits of shea butter in soap.
8 Benefits of Goat Milk Soap and 2 Disadvantages
Moisturizing and rejuvenating, there are plenty of benefits of goat milk soap. While it works for most skin types, it’s not for everyone.
11 Nourishing Glycerin Soap Benefits
Looking for a moisturizing cleanser for your skin? Glycerin, a natural humectant, draws moisture to skin. Check out a roundup of glycerin soap benefits.
Natural Antibacterial Soap: 13 Essential Oils With Cleansing Power
Forget the antibacterial soaps using harsh chemicals. Here’s how ingredients found in nature can create natural antibacterial soap.
Natural Soap for Acne: Mild Ingredients with Antibacterial Properties
Looking for a milder product to keep acne at bay? We’ll go over what you need to know about natural soap for acne and which ingredients are best.
Body Wash vs. Bar Soap: Here’s the Lowdown on Getting Clean
Trying to decide if liquid body wash or a soap bar is better? We’ll go over the pros and cons of body wash vs. bar soap to help you make an informed decision.
Activated Charcoal Soap Benefits — Does It Really Work?
Touted as a detoxifying skin care treatment, are there really any activated charcoal soap benefits? We’ll take a closer look at activated carbon and skin.
6 Skin Nourishing Coconut Oil Benefits in Soap
Is your skin in need of a pick-me-up? Lavish your skin with coconut oil benefits in soap, a vegan-friendly oil rich in vitamin E and antibacterial properties.
Lavender Soap Benefits: How To Get the Most Out of This Healing Herb
More than just a flower, lavender has many healing properties. Here are a few lavender soap benefits, how to use lavender EO, and how to make your own soap.
What Is Aleppo Soap: 7 Skin Nourishing Benefits
What is Aleppo soap? This olive and laurel oil based soap has plenty of skin-loving properties. Read more about its benefits and how to make your own!
16 Eco-Friendly Bath Bomb Packaging Ideas
Looking for inspiration on how to wrap your DIY bath bombs? Here’s a roundup of 16 eco-friendly bath bomb packaging ideas.
Palm Oil vs. Palm Shortening: No, These Are Not the Same Thing
While these two ingredients come from the same plant, they are different. Let’s take a look at palm oil vs. palm shortening for your DIY projects.
14 Creative Eco-Friendly Soap Packaging Ideas That Impress
Now that you’ve made your batch of homemade soap, what next? Here’s a roundup of 13 eco-friendly soap packaging ideas that fit every budget.
Does Vegetable Glycerin Go Bad? Here’s How To Extend Its Shelf Life
Does vegetable glycerin go bad? Yes, like most products, VG degrades with time. Here’s what you need to know about proper storage to extend shelf life.
Is Vegetable Glycerin the Same as Vegetable Oil? Common Uses + Benefits
Is vegetable glycerin the same as vegetable oil? While these two substances both derive from plants, they are not the same. Here are some key differences.
12 Best Fragrance Oils for Men: A Guide To Scents + Essential Oils
If you’re looking for inspiration on your next DIY batch of soap, shaving cream, or aftershave lotion, check out our list of the best fragrance oils for men!
Sandalwood Soap Benefits: Should You Use Sandalwood Essential Oil?
Sandalwood essential oil has many benefits. But sandalwood trees around the globe are vulnerable. Should you use it to get sandalwood soap benefits?
What Are Soap Noodles and What Can You Do With Them?
What are soap noodles? In mass soap production, soap noodles are the raw materials that form soap. If you want to make your own DIY shampoo bars, use surfactant noodles!
10 Best Soap Making Books: From Beginner to Advanced
If you’re looking to delve into the world of soap making, here are the 10 best soap making books to read, whether you’re a newbie, or seasoned pro.
Are There Any Real Breast Milk Soap Benefits? Here’s How To Make Your Own
We all know that mother’s milk is nourishing for baby. But are there any real breast milk soap benefits? Here’s what you need to know.
Does Castor Oil Expire? 6 Tips on How To Extend Shelf Life
If you found an old bottle of castor oil, you’re probably wondering, does castor oil expire? Yes, it does, but we’ll show you how to extend its shelf life.
How To Make Soap From Animal Fat + Properties of Different Fats
Learning how to make soap from animal fat isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Basic soap from scratch requires just lye, fat, and distilled water. Learn more!
What Is Whipped Soap and How To Make Your Own Decadent Skin Treat
If you’ve seen a mousse-like soap product, you’re probably wondering, what is whipped soap? It’s a multi-purpose body product good for hands, body, and more.
Real African Black Soap vs. Fake: How To Spot the Real Deal
‘Buyer beware’ applies when buying black soap. We’ll show you differences between real African black soap vs. fake knockoffs. Learn more.
Can You Use Bar Soap on Hair (Instead of Shampoo)?
If you’re looking for a multitasking cleanser, you may wonder, can you use bar soap on hair? That depends. We’ll look at differences between soap and shampoo.
7 Handmade Soap Facts (and 3 Myths Debunked)
If you’re interested in making or using natural handmade soap, here’s a list of facts you need to know. Plus, we’ll also debunk myths about homemade soap!
How To Make Organic Soap (Rather Than Natural Soap)
Learning how to make organic soap (rather than just natural soap) requires a closer look at the ingredients used. Let’s learn more about organic vs. natural.
Sugars and Sorbitol in Soap: How Sweet It Is
If you want to boost lather and moisturizing properties in soap, add a bit of sugar or sorbitol in DIY soap. Learn a few tricks about using sugars in soap!
Best Clays for Soap Making: Remove Impurities + Rejuvenate Skin
Here’s a roundup of the best clays for soap making + the skin types they work with. If you’re looking to deep-clean your skin, add a bit of clay to your soap!
Citric Acid in Soap Making: The Key To Banishing Soap Scum
If you have hard water, using citric acid in soap making can help banish soap scum and extend the shelf life of soap. Learn all about using this handy acid!
6 Benefits of Palm Oil in Soap (And Why Some People Refuse To Use It)
There are many benefits of palm oil in soap. It adds hardness and stable, creamy lather. But, the use of this oil is controversial. Find out why.
10 Ways To Make Soap Last Longer + Dry Out a Mushy Soap Bar
If your soap bar is melting away, there are easy ways to fix this. Here’s a roundup of tips to make soap last longer, plus an easy hack to dry out mushy soap.
A Guide on Stearic Acid in Soap + 15 Oils With High Stearic Content
If you’re tired of soft bars of homemade soap, check out our guide on using stearic acid in soap. Plus we’ve rounded up a list of oils with high stearic acid.
Lauric Acid in Soap: Add Cleaning Power + Lather With This Fatty Acid
Looking to lend hardness, cleansing properties, and fluffy lather to homemade soap? Here’s what you need to know about lauric acid in soap.
Sodium Lactate and Lactic Acid in Soap: Reap the Benefits in DIY Soap
Lactic acid in soap helps to rejuvenate skin, while sodium lactate helps to harden up soap bars. Learn how to use both in homemade soap!
3 Easy Cold Process Soap Recipes Without Coconut Oil
Whether you have a coconut oil allergy, or just don’t like it, we have 3 easy cold process soap recipes without coconut oil. Let’s make soap!
Basic Cold Process Soap Recipe With Just Two Oils
This basic cold process soap recipe uses just two oils: coconut and olive oil. This recipe is great for beginners or anyone looking for a nourishing soap bar.
What’s the pH of Hand Soap + 5 Ways To Test Your Homemade Soap
The pH of hand soap varies depending on the type of soap (homemade vs. commercially produced). Learn more about how pH affects your skin.
How To Use Lard for Soap Making: Back To Basics
Using lard for soap making is a great way to reduce waste and make a bar of soap with mild moisturizing qualities. Learn more.
Cinnamon in Soap: A Warm and Aromatic Addition
Ground or as an essential oil, cinnamon in soap makes for a lovely and fragrant addition to your next batch of homemade soap. Read up on how to use it.
Room Temperature Soap Making (AKA the Heat Transfer Method)
Add room temperature soap making to your soaping methods. Also called the heat transfer method, use the heat of the lye mixture to melt hard oils. Learn more.
Best Stick Blender for Soap Making: 9 Features To Look For
Having a stick blender for soap making allows you to bring your soap batter to trace in a matter of minutes rather than hours. Here’s what to look for.
Natural Lye for Soap Making: How Is Lye Made + Is It Bad for You?
Here’s what you need to know about making and using natural lye for soap making, and why using soaps made with sodium hydroxide lye is safe.
The Best Coconut Oil for Soap Making: Here’s What You Need To Know
Are you on the hunt for the best coconut oil for soap making? Here’s what to look for in coconut oil, plus key differences between different types.
Safflower Oil Soap Recipe: A Delight for Skin and Hair
The safflower plant has many skin and hair nourishing properties. Here’s how to use it, plus an easy homemade safflower oil soap recipe you can make at home.
Adding Vitamin E in Soap Making: Does It Actually Do Anything?
While vitamin E has nourishing properties for your skin, does using vitamin E in soap making actually work? Here’s what you need to know.
Stock up on Bulk Oils for Soap Making at These Places
If you’re planning on making large batches of soap, check out our compilation of tips and places to score affordable bulk oils for soap making.
Soybean Oil for Soap Making: Affordable and Easy To Find
Looking for a budget-friendly vegetable oil for making homemade soap? Here’s how to use soybean oil for soap making.
A Roundup of the Best Cheap Oils for Soap Making
Making handmade soap that have to be expensive. We’ve rounded up the best cheap oils for soap making that will still make great soap on a budget!
Neem Oil in Soapmaking: A Soothing Moisturizer for Dry Skin
If you’re looking for a moisturizing oil to add to your batch of soap, consider using neem oil in soapmaking. Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, learn more about it here!
Best Hard Oils for Soap Making (Plus Brittle Oils Too!)
Are you looking to make a harder bar of soap? Check out the best hard oils for soap making along with a few brittle oils too (plus learn about their properties).
How To Find the Best Scale for Soap Making
A reliable digital scale is an essential tool for making homemade soap. Here’s how to find the best scale for soap making for your needs.
A Handy Guide on Using Vegetable Oil for Soap Making
When making a batch of homemade soap, it’s important to choose the right vegetable oil for soap making. Here’s what you need to know.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Thermometer for Soap Making
What’s the best thermometer for soap making? We’ll go over the pros and cons of digital infrared thermometers and candy thermometers.
Can You Use Roebic Lye for Soap Making?
If you’re new to soap making, you might ask, can you use Roebic lye for soap making? Lye for soap making needs to be 100 percent sodium hydroxide. Read more.
How To Use Juniper Berries in Soap Making + Why You Should
Looking for a botanical to add to your homemade soap? Here’s how to use juniper berries in soap making plus juniper berries benefits for skin.
How To Make Soap From Soapwort Plant and 6 Easy Ways To Use It
If you’re looking for a natural way to make soap (without lye), the soapwort plant is just what you need. We’ll show you how to make soap from soapwort plant!
How to Cut a Bar of Soap Without It Crumbling
Learn how to cut a bar of soap without it crumbling, what causes homemade soap to crumble and more!
Soda Ash on Soap: How to Prevent and Remove It
If you’re wondering what that white film is on your homemade soap, it’s probably soda ash. Soda ash on soap is annoying, but preventable and treatable.
How To Store Bar Soap Long Term: Homemade Soap Storage Tips
Learn how to store bar soap long term with our homemade soap storage tips. This post will teach you how cold process, hot process, and melt & pour soaps should be stored.
How To Make and Use Lye Water Tea for Herbal Soapmaking
Learning how to make and use lye water tea is just one more method to add to your soapmaking toolkit if you want to add a touch of natural botanicals to homemade soap.
DIY Kitchen Hand Soap Recipe: 3 Fresh Variations
Kitchen work can be hard on your hands. Here’s a moisturizing kitchen hand soap recipe you can customize three ways to make bar soap that cuts through grease and removes odors.
Basic Hot Process Soap Recipe (With Moisturizing Properties)
Here’s a basic hot process soap recipe with oodles of glycerin. Use your slow cooker to whip up a batch of this luxurious homemade soap.
The Role of Iodine in Soap Making (Iodine Value and INS)
Do the terms Iodine Value and INS mean nothing to you? We’ll break down the role of iodine in soap and explain how you can use this to craft a better bar of soap.
8 Causes of Orange Spots in Homemade Soap and What To Do About It
If you’re scratching your head wondering how those dreaded orange spots in homemade soap got there, read on for a few helpful tips.
What’s the Difference Between Gelled vs Ungelled Soap?
Here’s everything you need to know about gelled vs ungelled soap. We’ll go over how to force or prevent gel phase, and what to do about partial gelling.
A Comparison: Hot Process Soap vs Cold Process
If you’re new to soapmaking, here’s an in-depth look at the ‘ins and outs’ of two made-from-scratch methods: hot process soap vs cold process.
A Timeless Guide To Soapmaking for Beginners
New to soapmaking? Here’s a comprehensive guide to soapmaking to help you get started making your very own handmade soap.
17 Essential Soap Making Hacks and Tips for Beginners
New to the world of handmade soap? Here’s an essential list of 17 soap making hacks and tips to help you with your first few batches of homemade soap.
DIY Olive Oil Nabulsi Soap Recipe
Nabulsi soap is a natural olive oil based soap from the West Banks. If you’re interested in making your own soap at home, we’ve got a Nabulsi soap recipe you’ll love.
An Introduction To Melt and Pour Soap Making Techniques
Are you new to soap making? Check out our intro to melt and pour soap making techniques such as swirling, layering, embedding, and stamping.
Soap Making Supplies for Beginners: The Essential List
If you’re new to soap making and don’t know where to start, we’ve created an essential soap making supplies for beginners list. Check it out!
Easy DIY: How To Make Paper Soap 2 Ways
A genius travel hack! Here’s an easy DIY. Learn how to make paper soap two different ways. These travel-friendly soap sheets are water-soluble.
3 Easy Ways of Infusing Oils for Soap Making
Oil infusions are great for adding a little something extra to your homemade soaps. Here are 3 easy ways of infusing oils for soap making.
How To Make Vegan Soap: A Guide To Plant-Based Oils
When you’re learning how to make vegan soap, selecting the right types of plant-based oils is key to making a great bar of soap. Learn more plus a roundup of vegan soap recipes.
How To Make Lye for Soap the Old-Fashioned Way
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make lye for soap the old-fashioned way with ashes, water, and a wooden barrel, we’ve got you covered. Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where To Buy Sodium Hydroxide for Soapmaking
Looking to make your own handmade soap from scratch? You’ll need some lye. Here’s where to buy sodium hydroxide for soapmaking.
Is Sodium Hydroxide Safe To Use in Soap and Cosmetics?
If NaOH (aka lye) is a caustic chemical, is sodium hydroxide safe to use in soap and cosmetics? Here’s a closer look at the role sodium hydroxide plays in soapmaking and cosmetics.
How To Make Liquid Antibacterial Soap With Natural Ingredients
Looking for a natural, yet effective liquid soap? Gather a few basic supplies. Here’s an easy DIY recipe: how to make liquid antibacterial soap with natural ingredients.
Is Homemade Soap Better For Your Skin?
Whether you decide to buy or make your own homemade soap, the question remains, is homemade soap better for your skin? Here’s a look at homemade vs. manufactured soap.
What’s the Difference Between Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide for Soapmaking?
If you’re looking to make your own homeamde soap, here’s the difference between sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. You can’t substitute one for the other!
The Shelf Life Of Sodium Hydroxide Pellets (AKA Lye)
If you have a batch of NaOH at home, you might be wondering about the shelf life of sodium hydroxide pellets. Here’s what you need to know about storing lye.