How I Started Making Handmade Bar Soap (And How You Can Too!)

There’s something so soothing about handmade soap — the scent, the colors, the textures. During the COVID pandemic in 2020, I found myself craving a creative project that was equal parts practical and fun, and that’s when I fell down the melt-and-pour rabbit hole.

As a licensed esthetician and wellness lover, I’ve always loved knowing exactly what’s going on my skin — and melt-and-pour soap lets you totally customize everything. Whether you're into lavender swirls, creamy goat’s milk bars, or energizing citrus blends, this method makes it all feel approachable — even if you’re a total beginner.

Since then, I’ve started exploring cold process soapmaking, which is a bit more advanced (and so rewarding!). But melt and pour was the perfect place to start — and it’s still one of my favorite methods when I want to whip up something beautiful and simple.

So today, I’m walking you through how I got started and how you can make your first batch of melt and pour soap, too. Trust me, once you start, it’s hard to stop. (I have a whole supply closet at home filled with ingredients)

🐝 Why Melt and Pour?

It’s the easiest way to start making your own bar soap without lye or complex chemical reactions. You use a pre-made soap base, melt it down, add your ingredients, pour it into molds, and voilà — handmade soap magic!

What You’ll Need to Get Started:

Here’s your beginner-friendly shopping list:

• Melt and Pour Soap Base (goat milk, shea butter, glycerin, or aloe are all great options)

• Microwave-safe measuring cup or a double boiler

• Silicone soap molds (I love these bee ones! You can purchase several different designs)

• Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, lemon — your choice!)

• Optional:

  • Natural colorants (like pink clay or turmeric)

  • Soap-safe mica powders for a little shimmer

  • Soap fragrance oils

  • Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle (to pop bubbles)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your First Melt and Pour Soap Bars

1. Cut your soap base into small cubes for easy melting.

2. Melt it down using a microwave or double boiler — go slow and stir frequently!

3. Add your extras. Once melted, stir in essential oils, colorants, or fragrance.

4. Pour into molds. Carefully pour your mix into silicone molds.

5. Spritz with alcohol. This helps eliminate any bubbles on top.

6. Let it sit. Allow your soaps to harden at room temperature (or speed it up in the fridge).

7. Pop out and admire. Gently remove from the mold and enjoy your handmade bars! Make sure you give them plenty of time to set before removing from the mold. I typically wait overnight.

My Favorite Beginner Combos:

• Calm & Cozy: Goat milk base + lavender EO

• Detox Dream: Charcoal base + tea tree EO + peppermint

• Citrus Morning: Shea butter base + orange & grapefruit EO

Ready to Try It?

In upcoming posts, I’ll share my favorite recipes and some cute packaging ideas for gifting or selling your bars. And when you’re ready to graduate to cold process soap (think creamy lathers and scratch-made magic), I’ve got a future post for that too!

I hope this inspires you to get started! :)

🌼 Affiliate Note:
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products I personally use, love, or recommend to clients in my spa studio. Your support helps keep Bee Well Living going — thank you! 💛