These Homemade Soap Recipes Are SO Fun & Easy

Nov 6, 2020 | DIY, Gift Ideas, Lifestyle

While soap you find at the store is usually affordable, the fancy-schmancy stuff can be pricey with a capital P. That’s why we love homemade soap so much! Making your own soap is a project and a SUPER cute gift idea. Plus, if you master the art of soapmaking, you could even start your own side-hustle; we’re talking Dolla, Dolla bills, y'all!

woman holding a bar of homemade soap, from Fun Cheap or Free

Do you ever see a really cool idea on Pinterest, pin it will all the best intentions, and then never getting around to doing it? Phew! Glad we’re not the only ones! Making soap was one of those things we always thought looked great in theory but just sounded a little too complicated.

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Well, freebs, today’s the day we conquer homemade soap together! Whether you’re a soap-making pro or a total novice, let’s do this. We’ve rounded up some of the best homemade soap recipes for every level of expertise.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE SOAP

woman making soap in molds, from Fun Cheap or Free

There are tons of different ways to make soap — some more complicated than others. In general, soap production requires an acid and a base. When they join forces, the magic happens! No matter which route you go, you’ll also want to have some soap molds on hand.

Our favorite soap-making method is to pour and melt because it’s just as easy as it sounds. The wait time is minimal, and so is the prep. And, well, we’re a little impatient, so that works for us! Here are three other ways to make soap:

  • Cold Process – Expert soapmakers tend to prefer this method, as it entails starting completely from scratch. It takes longer than pour and melt, but it’s perfect for science or craft lovers, because you have total control over all the ingredients, and the possibilities are pretty much endless! FYI, you do need lye for cold process soaps.
  • Hot Process – Meet Cold Process soaps’ cousin! These methods are almost identical, but you need a heat source if you choose this technique. The other major benefit? No long waits! The soap is ready much sooner. 
  • Milling – This method is lesser known, and it’s really just about combining other forms of soap making to come up with unique creations. You might shred up some of your other homemade soaps to create something entirely different. 

You never know when this soap trivia might come in handy, so you’re welcome! Now, let’s get our hands dirty (err..clean?) and start making some soap, freebs. We’ve got tons of tutorials for you to try!

7 HOMEMADE SOAP RECIPES FOR BEGINNERS

brown and white swirled soap, from Fun Cheap or Free

If you’re new to soap making, don’t worry! We searched the web for some of the easiest recipes for beginners, and here are seven of our favorites:

  • Apple Tart Soap – Ya know what’s great about this recipe from CraftBits.com (besides the lovely scent)? It’s EASY!  Melt, pour, and enjoy. 
  • Coffee & Cream Soap – Here’s another melt and pour candle we love. Bonus– no lye! This recipe from Soap Recipes 101 is perfect for beginners and smells ah-mazing.
  • Lavender & Rosemary Soap – Is there anything more calming than the scent of lavender? Draw a bath and enjoy this super easy melt and pour soap from Growing Up Abel. 
  • Lemon Green Tea Soap – How zen is this?! Not only does it smell yummy, but green tea is so good for your skin. Winning combo here from Beauty Crafter!
  • Organic Peppercorn Massage Soap – When you hear the word organic you might think “oooh that’s fancy.” Don’t worry, guys. This one from Soap Deli Needs is easy, too! 
  • Oatmeal Soap – Oatmeal is fabulous if you have sensitive skin, and this recipe from All Free Crafts is SO simple: Dove + oatmeal = whole new soap.
  • Turmeric Soap – We love the gorgeous golden hue of this super easy soap recipe from Soap Queen.

We know you’re gonna love making these soaps just as much as you’ll enjoy using them! Feeling confident in your soap making abilities, now? If you’re looking for a challenge, or want to learn how to make a SUPER impressive gift, keep on reading. We’ve got some crazy cool homemade soap recipes coming your way. 

ADVANCED RECIPES FOR SOAP-MAKING PROS

homemade soap wrapped in twine, from Fun Cheap or Free

If you’re ready to put your skills to the test, we think you’ll love one of these soap recipes! Don’t be scared. The end-result will be totally worth the effort. These six soaps are sure to wow:

  • Lollipop Soap – Yes, it’s soap on a lollipop stick.We’re obsessed with this recipe from Craft Bits. How fun would these be for party favors?! 
  • Chocolate Soap – Chocolate just makes everything better, right? Some of these chocolate soaps are even vegan. Shoutout to Facts About Chocolate for blessing us all with these recipes!
  • Shaving Cream Soap – Here’s one for the hubs, courtesy of Ponte Vedra Naturals. You’ll love the way this one lathers, and may want to steal some for yourself. 
  • Avocado Oil Soap – Avocado is incredible for all types of skin, and you can make this your own with the essential oils of your choice. Soap Making Essentials has all the instructions. 
  • Winter Spice Pine Soap – This recipe from Grow Forrage Cook Ferment is giving us ALL. The. Feels. Smells just like Christmas!
  • Shea Mango Conditioning Soap  – Ponte Vedra Naturals has another soap recipe we think you’ll love. This one will leave your skin feeling extra silky and smooth! 

No time to make one of these soaps? No worries! We’re about to share our favorite homemade soap recipe, and it takes just a few minutes to put together!

OUR FAVORITE HOMEMADE SOAP RECIPE

We think you’ll love any of the recipes we’ve shared, but this one is a fan fave around here. The best part? It literally takes 10 minutes. Ready to whip up some milk and honey soap? 

EASY HOMEMADE SOAP

This milk and honey soap is the perfect gift! It’s so simple to make and is incredible for your skin.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time11 hours 5 minutes

Equipment

  • 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup
  • Silicone Mold
  • Kitchen Knife

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Raw Honey
  • 2 pounds Goat Milk Soap Base
  • Soap Coloring Optional

Instructions

  • Slice your goat’s milk soap base into half-inch cubes.
  • Place the cubes in a microwave-safe glass dish, and melt in 20-30 second increments, stirring well in between. Continue to microwave until your soap is completely melted.
  • Stir in the honey. Add a few drops of coloring if you'd like.
  • Pour the melted mixture into your mold, and leave it to cool for about an hour.
  • As the soap cools, it should harden. Once it’s completely cooled and hardened, remove from the mold and store or enjoy!

When you’ve finished making your soap, wrap it in plastic or store in a plastic bag in a cool, dry, place. Most melt and pour soap will last up to two years when stored properly, so you can make extra for holiday gifting!

AWESOME INGREDIENTS TO ADD TO YOUR SOAP

homemade bars of soap with milk and honey, from Fun Cheap or Free

One of the things that’s so much fun about making your own soap? You can experiment and be a little creative. There are TONS of ingredients that you can add to homemade soap. Here are a few to try:

  • Activated Charcoal – Looking to detox? Want to make some spooky soap for Halloween party favors? Toss in some activated charcoal
  • Citrus Rinds – Rinds take the scent up a notch, but they also act as exfoliants. 
  • Coffee Grounds – Speaking of scents and exfoliants, try adding some coffee to your soap. 
  • Essential Oils – Take your pick! If the essential oil is safe for your skin, it’s safe in your soap. 
  • Himalayan Salt- Adding some Himalayan salt to your soaps will help them harden, but it will also help soothe achy muscles. 
  • Matcha Powder – It’s not just for lattes! Take advantage of the anti-aging and antioxidant properties in matcha powder
  • Rose Petals – Toss in a few rose petals to elevate the appearance of your homemade soap.
  • Shredded Coconut – Add an extra dose of moisture to your soap with some coconut! 
  • Vitamin E Oil – Vitamin E is ultra-moisturizing and great for skin and hair. 

Now go to town! Mix and match these ingredients with the recipes we shared here and see what you can come up with. 

One last thing! We have to know — which one of these soaps will you try first? Drop us a comment below!

Image with text that reads "14 easy homemade soap recipes" from Fun Cheap or Free

Looking for more DIY fun and inspiration?

  • Stay cozy with these DIY hand warmers. They make great gifts! 
  • Your kids will love this Kool-Aid playdough, but we bet you will, too. It’s fun for the whole fam! 
  • Stop buying expensive bread from the bakery and learn how to make your own! This easy homemade bread is ready in 15-minutes. 

Now, go have some good, clean fun!

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