I have always wanted to learn soap-making but have been intimidated by the recipes and working with lye. This year I tried an even more basic soap-making process with Melt & Pour soap base. I completed two batches using this easy method. It was an excellent start and required only a short list of supplies.
I ordered the Honey Melt & Pour Soap Base, a silicone soap mold, and a mixing cup with a pour spout. I already had essential oil, inexpensive mixing spoons, a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, a cutting board and a knife. The only other thing needed is a heat source. Most people use their microwaves for this process and some use a double boiler pan on the stove.
The shortened version of melt & pour soap-making is:
- purchase a melt & pour soap base
- cut that base into small chunks and melt in the microwave using very short bursts of time
- once melted, add in a very small amount of essential oil
- stir very gently (in order to avoid making bubbles)
- pour into a soap mold
- spritz the top of the soaps with alcohol (this removes the bubbles and is not a required step)
- allow soaps to dry before removing from the molds
The Melt & Pour soap bases come in a variety of ingredients. I chose the honey base first. And so far it has been my favorite. I have since used a Shea Melt & Pour base.
I used this silicone soap bar mold and I like it a lot. It came in a pack of 3.
With the silicone soap mold, the bars popped out easily (pushing them from the back side) once they dried. Also, with 3 molds, I didn't feel pressured to make then pour the exact amounts needed for the mold. I just poured bars of soap until my mixture ran out. I made small batches so that was only about 6 bars of soap.
Using Melt & Pour soap base is a great way to get over your fear of beginning soap-making. After I made 2 batches of soap using this process, I did move on to making a batch of soap using lye.
Soap making with lye can be done using either a hot process or a cold process. I used the cold process as it seemed the next natural step after using melt & pour. Someday I'll advance to the hot process of soap-making using lye.
In addition to using Melt & Pour as a beginning step in learning soap-making as a hobby, I highly recommend this as an activity to do with the children. Note: the melted soap base is very hot so children should be fully supervised and assisted. But like cooking and baking, making soap would be a great quality time activity with the kids.
I do not feel qualified to instruct you in making Melt & Pour soap. There are many video tutorials if you search using the terms "melt and pour". I do highly recommend the honey base I've shown and the silicone molds I purchased. The initial cost for these items is not too high. And when finished, you'll have your own soap to use.
With a little creativity, you can personalize your soaps. I used my favorite spiced orange essential oil in one batch. In another batch, I added some pulverized tea leaves and aloe vera from my plant. That batch ended up as an ugly bar of soap in appearance but I LOVE what it does for my skin. Melt & Pour is limited in that you cannot add large amounts of additional ingredients or you will change the ratio that is what makes it soap. However, just a few drops of essential oils goes a very long way.
If you have been wanting to try soap-making, but haven't yet, consider giving Melt & Pour a try.
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| My first batch of soap: Honey Melt & Pour base. |
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Enjoyed your review, Dawn Rae. I've always admired people who can make their own soaps and never realized it was something anyone could learn. Love those cute shapes people make with special soap molds.
ReplyDeleteTimely review for me Dawn Rae, it's been something I've thought of doing for a while now and just never made it to the top of my list of things to do. Now I think I will have to move that up a notch or two. Thanks for showing me how easy it could be.
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting! I've never tried to make my own soap, although I had a friend years ago that made some. She added dried flowers on the top (somehow, don't ask me how) that looked really pretty. I'm sure they added nothing to the actual use of the soap though. You do make it sound simple and I would hesitate to play with lye too. Clearly, I am very spoiled to store bought soap :)
ReplyDeleteWhile I would be hesitant to expose myself to lye, if the honey melt and pour soap base is made from gentle yet effective natural ingredients, I would definitely be interested in trying to make my own soap bars. I’m going to take a closer look at what’s in this honey soap base. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just got a closer look at the ingredients in the base, and they look good to me! I may have to give this a shot! :)
DeleteThis is great! I've always wanted to try soap making - thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI've often thought about making soap but I never gave it a try. Every time we go into small specialty store where they sell homemade soap I always say I'd like to try that. Thanks for the tips!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I've never even thought of soap making! What a wonderful thing to tackle. This could also make a terrific gift for the avid DIYer. Honestly know a few people who might enjoy this. Thanks for the review and heads-up.
ReplyDelete