Most of us love using bar soaps for various reasons: they cleanse and exfoliate the skin, and they often come in wonderful scents and colors. Soap is a staple in our daily skincare routine—and the fact that you’re here suggests you’re interested in creating your own unique soaps.
Soap-making is a truly special hobby; while it’s easy enough to buy a bar of soap at the store, there is something uniquely rewarding about creating something entirely your own—whether you choose to keep it, give it away, or share it with others.
In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making glycerin soap—the simplest method, and an ideal starting point for beginners and those new to the world of soap-making.
Glycerin has the ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin, giving it a hydrating effect; it is an especially well-suited ingredient for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Glycerin soaps also have a long shelf life—more than 2 years!
Furthermore, making glycerin soaps requires no curing time, unlike soaps made via cold-process or hot-process methods, which do require extra time and specialized knowledge.
Necessary equipment
To make glycerin soaps, you use a pre-made soap base, which is melted and mixed with essential oils, colorants, exfoliating ingredients, and even decorative elements.
Add the following to your list:
- Glycerin soap base
- Essential oils of your choice
- Soap colorants
- Herbs, dried flowers, glitter, or other additives
- Soap molds (a small container of the appropriate height can also work)
- Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle (to remove air bubbles; optional)
To melt the glycerin soap base, you will also need:
- A small saucepan
- A mixing spoon
It is worth noting that the equipment mentioned above should ideally be used exclusively for soap-making and never for food preparation.
It’s time to start creating!
Once you have gathered all your ingredients and have a clean, tidy workspace, cut the soap base into small pieces so that it melts more easily and quickly.
Next, place the glycerin pieces in a saucepan and melt them over low heat (be careful not to overheat them).
Once the base has melted and no solid pieces of glycerin remain, it is time to add the essential oil of your choice (10–20 drops are sufficient for 500 g of soap base, depending on the desired intensity), as well as the color you prefer. Then, add any other materials you have chosen—such as glitter or dried botanicals—to the mixture.
Stir the mixture well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Your soap is ready! All that remains is to pour it into molds. If you do not have a mold, you can use a small baking tray of the appropriate depth, then cut the soap into rectangular bars (the classic shape for a bar of soap).
Ensure the soap rests on a flat surface in a cool, dry place; avoid leaving it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
Stabilization and storage
After 2–3 hours, your soap will be fully stabilized! Ideally, store it in airtight containers to protect it from ambient humidity, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in a cool, dry place.
As you have seen, making your own glycerin soaps is a fun hobby that will certainly spark your creativity. Starting with the basics, you have endless possibilities for creating unique soaps for yourself and your loved ones.
Here are a few tips that you will surely find useful:
- Make sure that the glycerin base you use is of good quality and suitable for cosmetic use. When purchasing it, choose shops that specialize in this field. The same applies to the pigments you select.
- To scent your soaps, choose essential oils and avoid the body perfumes you use daily. The alcohol they contain may not react well with the soap-making process, the heat, and the glycerin.
- If you use dried plants, ensure they are completely free of moisture, as any dampness could lead to mold.
- There are thousands of fantastic soap molds on the market, perfect for any project. Explore what’s available—you’re sure to find some you’ll love!
- Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, as the heating of glycerin, especially when combined with essential oils, can cause discomfort.
- If you notice bubbles forming on your soap, spray it with a special alcohol-based mixture that you can find in specialty stores.
- As with any cosmetic product, it is always advisable to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any irritation.
If you enjoy the idea of DIY projects—creating something from scratch with your own hands—you have likely found a place worth exploring. From crafts and construction projects to workshops and creative classes, at HobbyDetective you can discover activities that will help you learn new techniques and create your own unique items.
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Look for an introductory session at workshops or cultural centers in your municipality. Compare the technique being taught, the materials included, the group size, and whether you will be able to finish the piece during the class. To practice at home, start with a small project and buy only the materials you need; check the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as the proper ventilation and protective measures required for each product.
Original article: 2024-08-09. Edition adapted for Spain: 27 October 2026. Read the Greek original. Original author: Eleni Agiou.
