Learn how to make castile soap with this easy and fun tutorial. These lovely bars are infused with lavender flowers and essential oils.
Castile soap is a natural and gentle soap made from olive oil and other plant-based oils. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used for various purposes, such as washing your hands, face, and body. I was afraid of making bar soap for far too long! When I stumbled upon melt and pour soap bases, I decided it was finally time to try my hand at it. There was no need to stress myself about getting the ingredient ratios perfect or handling lye. It is a simple process that only requires a few ingredients and supplies. I love that I can curate the soap with my favorite add-ins, scents, and shapes! I promise you this is the easiest castile bar soap you can make: all the guesswork and decision-making for add-ins and scents has been done for you! It’s perfect for beginners or someone who wants the fun of soap making, but without the stress. Keep reading for a tutorial on how to make your own lovely soap bars*.
*If you would like to learn why I chose these ingredients, you can read all about it at the end of the post after the recipe.
Ingredients and Supplies Needed:
- Silicone Soap Molds
- Double Broiler
- Stainless Steel Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- 2 pounds of Melt and Pour Castile Soap Base
- 4 tablespoons of Organic Beeswax Pellets
- 1 tablespoon of Raw Honey
- Dry Lavender Flowers
- 60-80 drops of *genuine essential oil
- Small fingertip spray bottle of 91% Isopropyl Acohol
Favorite Essential Oil Combinations for Soap:
- Bergmot and Lavender essential oils
- Lemon, Lime, Orange, and Grapegruit essential oils
- Lemon and Eucalyptus essential oils
- Palmarosa, Lavender and Rosemary essential oils
- Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oils
- Lavender and Orange essential oils
- Rosemary and Lemon essential oils
*I only buy essential oils from Young Living, because they are genuine and pure. If you use my referral link, you may use my discount code for extra savings on your first order: SHAREYL
How to Make Castile Soap Bars:
1: Gather all necessary supplies.
Use the check list above to help you gather everything you need. Links are included, just in case you aren’t sure where to find things. Once you have all your supplies, and have set aside a little time, you are ready to begin the soap-making process.
2: Set up your double broiler.
Get your double broiler all set up by filling the bottom portion with water and setting the top pot over it. Bring it to a boil, and then lower your heat down to a simmer. (See next step while waiting for the water to boil.)
3: Prepare the ingredients.
While waiting for your water to boil: cut the soap base into small cubes, so they will melt more efficiently. Measure out the beeswax. Soon as the double broiler is hot, add in soap base cubes and beeswax.
4: Whisk and melt.
Allow the soap cubes and beeswax to melt completely. Periodically, whisk to help it melt and incorporate together. Once completely melted add in the honey and remove from heat.
5: Prepare soap molds.
Set out the soap molds. If you desire, you may sprinkle a little dry flowers into the bottom for some extra aesthetics. Lavender is my favorite for this – it keeps its shape and color best. Calendula or chamomile are also nice. Rose petals tend to brown.
6: Add the essential oils.
To your melted soap, add 60-80 drops of geniune essential oils of choice. Whisk it around to completely incorporate.
7: Pour soap into molds.
Carefully fill your molds with the melted soap. Go slowly, it is hot! Once filled, do not disturb the molds until set. (Tip: I like to set my molds on a large cutting board, so I can easily move it after a couple of hours without disturbing the molds.)
8: Remove air bubbles.
Removing the air bubbles is a simple way to make your soaps look more professional. It is so easy! Simply add a little isopropyl alcohol to a tiny spray bottle and spritz it over the bubbles until they all pop. (I use 91%)
9: Allow soap to set.
You will want to allow your soap to fully set before attempting to remove them from the molds. Set them aside in cool dry place if possible. Definitely keep away from heat sources. I recommend leaving them in the molds for at least 12 hours.
10: Allow to harden.
If desired, you can allow your soap to harden even more. This will extend their lifespan by allowing more moisture to evaporate before using them. 1-3 weeks is a good time frame for this, and I highly recommend this last step.
11: Enjoy your soap.
Now it is time to enjoy your new soap! You can package them up and give them as gifts, or keep them for your own home. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and enjoyable!
Happy soap making!!
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Benefits of Castile Soap Bar Ingredients:
Dry Lavender Flowers are soothing to the skin, and the scent encourages relaxation of the mind and body.
Bergamot Essential Oil is cleansing and soothing to the skin, and adds an uplifting citrus scent.
Lavender Essential Oil is calming and soothing to the skin, and the scent is relaxing for the body and mind. (To learn more about the benefits of this essential oil, visit my post.)
Castile Soap is a mild and gentle soap base suitable for all skin types. It’s wonderful for cleansing the body and face.
Beeswax makes bar soap harder and last longer, as well as enhancing lather stability. It moisturizes and soothes the skin.
Honey fights bacteria and fungi. It’s nourishing, soothing, and hydrating to the skin.
