Glycerin & Herb Soap Using Herbs From Your Garden – Great Mothers Day Idea

Thanks to Stephanie Blogger @ Henry Happened I am sharing a great ( and easy ) soap tutorial using the herbs growing in your garden. Great gift idea for kids to give to there mothers this upcoming Mothers Day. I know myself I personally love getting things my boys make me over store bought gifts.

YOU WILL NEED

Glycerin soap (sold at craft stores)
Assorted herbs & citrus – Stephanie used basil, mint, rosemary, orange and lemon
Food processor
Glass bowl or measuring cup
Plastic spoon or scraper
Soaps molds – any plastic or cardboard container will do
Cooking spray

PROCEDURE

1. Melt Soap

Put the soap blocks in glass bowl & melt in the microwave for 30 second intervals until melted. Stir every so often to break up big chunks.

2. Prepare Additives
While melting, puree the herbs and squeeze out excess water in a paper towel. For citrus, zest the peel. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of additives for each cup.
FYI – Orange + basil = an unattractive muddy green brown color. I like the combination of Lemon & Rosemary , Lemon & Mint or just plain Orange Zest by itself.

3. Get Mould Containers Ready
You can buy cute moulds at the craft store, but any plastic container will work, even your Ziploc containers. Though you might want to use something you can just pitch in the recycle bin when finished rather than trying to clean. Use old milk cartons or even yogurt cups. Spray with cooking spray and wipe out excess.

4. Add Purees
Once glycerin is melted, let it stand & cool for a few minutes. Before it sets too much, add the additives. Keep stirring to ensure they don’t all float to the bottom. When you have the color you want (more time stirring = darker color) pour into container.

5. Setting The Mould
Let the soap sit on the counter for about an hour to completely set. Then put in the freezer for another hour or so. Then it should pop right out. Slice with knife, give to someone you love and use within 3 months.

6. Gift wrap

You can use napkins/cloth & ribbons for some easy gift wrapping

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been caught out without sunscreen—and paid the price with lobster-red shoulders, itchy rashes, or skin so tender you could cry brushing against cotton sheets. Been there, done that (more than once if I’m honest). Whether it’s summer sunburn, winter windburn, or a splash from a hot pan, our skin sometimes needs a little extra TLC—and that’s where this DIY Burn Relief Soap comes in.

This homemade soap bar is designed to calm, hydrate, and gently cleanse burned or irritated skin. Made with a melt-and-pour soap base, soothing aloe vera, and essential oils like lavender and chamomile, it’s gentle enough for daily use—even for kids or those with sensitive skin.

Think of it as first-aid meets spa day in a soap bar.

Why This Soap Works for Burn Relief

Each ingredient in this recipe has a soothing purpose—no fillers, no synthetics, just skin-loving goodness:

Aloe Vera Gel
Famous for its burn-healing powers, aloe is cooling, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory. It speeds up healing and eases discomfort on contact.
Chamomile-Infused Oil
Chamomile contains bisabolol and apigenin—natural compounds known to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and support skin regeneration.
Lavender Essential Oil
Not just for relaxation, lavender is also antimicrobial and helps soothe painful skin. It may even reduce scarring over time.
Goat’s Milk or Aloe Melt and Pour Base
A gentle, nourishing base loaded with vitamins, perfect for dry or damaged skin. The creamy lather won’t strip away your natural oils.
Tea Tree Oil (Optional)
A drop or two adds antibacterial support, especially if your burn is the result of heat rash or has broken the skin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb goat’s milk or aloe vera melt-and-pour soap base
2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or colorants)
1 tablespoon chamomile-infused oil
(You can DIY this by steeping dried chamomile flowers in sweet almond or olive oil for 1–2 weeks)
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional)
Silicone soap mold
Rubbing alcohol (for surface bubbles, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Soap Base

Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes for even melting. Use a double boiler or microwave in short 20–30 second bursts, stirring often until smooth.

2. Add Aloe Vera and Oils

Remove from heat and stir in the aloe vera gel and chamomile-infused oil. Mix gently until fully combined.

3. Add Essential Oils

Once the soap cools slightly but is still pourable, add the lavender (and optional tea tree) essential oil. Avoid adding them while the soap is too hot, or they’ll evaporate.

4. Pour Into Molds

Carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds. Spritz the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.

5. Let It Set

Allow the soaps to cool and harden completely—usually 3–4 hours at room temp, or pop into the fridge to speed things up.

6. Unmold and Store

Once firm, gently pop out your bars. Store in an airtight container or wrap in wax paper to keep them fresh and prevent “soap sweating.”

How to Use Your Burn Relief Soap

Use in the shower or bath after sun exposure or any time your skin feels tight, hot, or inflamed.
Gently lather with lukewarm water—avoid hot water, which can aggravate burns.
Pat skin dry with a soft towel and follow with a natural after-sun lotion or body oil for extra moisture.

Make It Your Own – Variations & Tips

Add Oatmeal: For extra calming, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground oats (colloidal oatmeal works best).
Extra Cooling: Add 2–3 drops of peppermint essential oil for a gentle cooling tingle—great for sunburn.
Herbal Layer: Place dried calendula or chamomile petals in the bottom of your mold before pouring the soap for a botanical, handmade look.
Mini Soaps: Pour into mini silicone molds to make burn relief travel soaps for beach bags, camping kits, or gifts.

Safety Notes

This soap is ideal for minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritation.
Don’t use on open blisters or severe burns—in that case, stick to medical treatment.
Always do a patch test if you’re using a new essential oil or ingredient, especially for kids or sensitive skin.

Perfect For…

After-sun showers
Camping and travel first aid kits
Gift baskets for gardeners, surfers, or outdoor lovers
Care packages for new mums or anyone with sensitive skin
Self-care stash for menopause-related heat sensitivity

Making your own burn relief soap is such a simple but powerful way to care for your skin naturally—and it feels especially good knowing there are no sneaky synthetic additives or harsh ingredients lurking in your bar. Just healing herbs, soothing oils, and a whole lot of love.

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