I can’t remember the last time I bought a bar of soap. Yep, I’ve been making my own body soap for a quite some time now. Soap is just one of those things that everyone needs, and since we use it on our bodies everyday, I like knowing exactly what’s in it. It’s so versatile too. If you like fresh herbs or dried flowers, use those. If you have a favorite essential oil, use that. Love peanut butter? You get the idea…Customize it to your needs.

For the basics you’ll need: Olive oil soap base, an empty milk carton (washed with warm water and soap), essential oils (I used lavender), a wooden popsicle stick (for stirring), and any extras you might want to put in your soap. I used a powdered french green clay which I love because it draws out impurities from the body. You’ll also need either a double boiler or if you don’t have one, just a glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water. 

You could choose to add rose water or a scrubbing agent like sea salt. Or you may want to add Shea butter or coconut oil for extra moisture. Whatever you choose, you’ll be proud to have made your very own bar of soap free of chemicals!

This soap needs to sit out on a counter for 24 hours to harden, but the actual “cooking” time is very fast. I got my soap base and french green clay from Majestic Mountain Sage

Homemade Soap:

2 cups cubed olive oil soap base

1 empty milk carton

15-20 drops essential oil

1 wooden popsicle stick

2 teaspoons french green clay

1. Set your pot of water over medium heat until it starts to simmer.

2. Place cubed soap base into a glass bowl and set over pot. Turn the heat down to maintain a simmer.

3. The soap should melt down in about 5-10 minutes. Try not to stir too often to prevent bubbles.

4. After soap is liquified, add the french green clay (if using). Turn off the heat. Allow the clay to absorb into the liquid, stir lightly to incorporate. There will be small  bubbles.

5. Take the glass bowl off the heat and add essential oils and any dried herbs or flowers. Stir to incorporate.

6. Pour the soap mixture into the milk carton and set in a dry area that won’t be disturbed. Let sit at room temperature for 24 hours, until hardened.

7. After soap has hardened, tear off the cardboard milk carton and set soap block on a cutting board and slice into desired soap bar thickness.

8. Rinse each bar of soap in a bowl of water to round the edges (optional).