Book Review – Soap Carving

If you’ve been dreaming of making your own soap but feel intimidated by lye and lab goggles—breathe easy. This melt and pour soap recipe is beginner-approved, mum-tested, and totally lye-free. It’s one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into natural skincare crafting without needing a chemistry degree (or a hazmat suit!).

This tutorial walks you through a gorgeous base soap recipe and shows you how to customise it with essential oils, dried herbs, skin-loving add-ins, and creative molds. Whether you’re making handmade gifts, stocking your own bathroom, or just craving a cozy afternoon project, this one is a winner.

Why Choose Melt and Pour Soap?

Melt and pour soap bases are pre-made, which means the saponification process (that whole lye-and-fat chemistry bit) has already been done for you. All you have to do is melt it down, add your goodies, and pour it into a mold. The result? A professional-looking, totally customizable bar of soap without the fuss.

Benefits of Using Melt and Pour:

• No lye handling 
• Ready in under 30 minutes 
• Great for kids, beginners, or busy mums 
• Takes beautifully to scents, colors, herbs, clays, and oils 

Basic Melt and Pour Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g melt and pour soap base (goat’s milk, shea butter, or clear glycerin) 
• 1 tbsp carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, or castor oil for added nourishment) 
• 10–20 drops essential oils (see scent ideas below) 
• 1–2 tsp dried botanicals (optional: rose petals, lavender buds, calendula) 
• Silicone mold of choice 
• Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol (to remove bubbles) 

Tools:

• Heat-safe jug or double boiler 
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon 
• Small spray bottle 
• Soap cutter or knife (if using a block base) 

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the Base
Chop your melt and pour soap into small cubes. This helps it melt evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Melt Gently
Place cubes in a microwave-safe jug or double boiler. Heat in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each until completely liquid. Avoid boiling.

Step 3: Customize Your Soap
Once melted, stir in your carrier oil, essential oils, and botanicals. Work quickly but gently—over-stirring creates bubbles.

Step 4: Pour Into Molds
Pour the liquid soap into your silicone molds. Spritz the tops with rubbing alcohol to pop bubbles and create a smooth finish.

Step 5: Let Set
Allow to cool and harden for at least 2 hours at room temperature (or pop in the fridge for a quicker set). Gently pop them out of the molds once solid.

Scent Blend Ideas for Essential Oil Soap

Add-In Options for Skin Nourishment

• Oats: Add 1 tsp of finely ground oats for gentle exfoliation and calming properties. 
• Pink Clay or Bentonite: Add ½ tsp for a skin-purifying twist. 
• Dried flowers: Sprinkle a few petals in the mold for a pretty finish. 
• Activated charcoal: For a detox bar—use sparingly (¼ tsp per 500g base). 

Storage Tips

Store your finished bars in a cool, dry place or wrap them in cling wrap to prevent sweating (glycerin bases tend to draw moisture from the air). Use within 3–6 months for best results.

FAQs – Melt and Pour Soap Troubleshooting

Why is my soap sweating?
That’s just glycerin doing its job—pulling moisture from the air. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a sealed container.

Can I use fresh fruit or juice?
Not recommended. Fresh ingredients can cause mold or spoilage. Stick to dried or powdered botanicals.

How do I color my soap naturally?
Try turmeric (yellow), spirulina (green), beetroot powder (pink), or cocoa powder (brown). Go light to avoid staining.

Once you try making melt and pour soap, there’s a good chance you’ll never go back to store-bought again. It’s fast, fun, and endlessly customizable. Best of all, you get to create something beautiful and useful with your own hands—whether it’s for self-care, gifting, or even starting a little soap side hustle.

So grab your jug, heat up that soap base, and let your creativity pour.

Want more melt and pour soap recipes? Try these:

• Herbal Tea Soap Bars 
• Exfoliating Coffee Scrub Soap 
• Calming Chamomile Honey Bars 
• Turmeric and Clay Complexion Soap