Easy Honey Lavender Shea Butter Melt and Pour Soap

Easy Honey Lavender Shea Butter Melt and Pour Soap

This recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at soap making without the hassle of lye and measuring oils. It uses a pre-made melt and pour soap base, making the process quick and easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 g) melt and pour soap base (white or clear)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) raw honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) shea butter
• 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
• Dried lavender buds (optional, for decoration)
• Silicone soap mold

Instructions:

1. Prepare your workspace: Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling the soap base and essential oils. Cover your work surface with newspaper or parchment paper.
2. Cut the soap base: Cut the melt and pour soap base into small cubes using a sharp knife. This will help it melt faster.
3. Melt the soap base: Place the soap base cubes in a heat-resistant glass bowl. Melt the soap base in short bursts (15-20 seconds) in the microwave, stirring in between each burst, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the soap, as it can scorch.
4. Add honey and shea butter: Once the soap base is melted, remove it from the heat. Stir in the honey and shea butter until fully incorporated.
5. Add essential oil: Allow the soap mixture to cool slightly (around 120°F or 49°C) before adding the lavender essential oil. This will prevent the essential oil from burning off. Stir well to combine.
6. Prepare the mold: If using, sprinkle a small amount of dried lavender buds into the bottom of each soap mold cavity.
7. Pour the soap: Carefully pour the soap mixture into the prepared mold cavities. Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
8. Let the soap cool: Allow the soap to cool completely in the mold for at least 24 hours.
9. Unmold and cure: Once the soap is set, carefully remove it from the mold. Place the soap bars on a curing rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a cool, dry place for 2-4 weeks to allow them to harden completely.

Tips:

• You can find melt and pour soap base at most craft stores.
• Choose a soap mold that you like, such as a bar mold, cavity mold, or even a cookie cutter mold for fun shapes.
• Be sure to use pure, raw honey for this recipe.
• You can adjust the amount of lavender essential oil depending on your desired scent strength. Start with 10 drops and add more to taste, but be careful not to exceed the recommended usage rate for your specific essential oil.
• For added visual appeal, you can top the soap with dried lavender buds or other botanicals before pouring.
• This recipe makes approximately 3-4 bars of soap, depending on the size of your mold.

Safety:

• Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling lye or working with hot soap.
• Essential oils can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Avoid contact with your eyes and do not ingest essential oils.
• If you have any concerns about using essential oils, consult with a qualified aromatherapist.

This recipe is a great introduction to soap making and allows you to create beautiful and fragrant soap bars with a touch of luxury. Enjoy using your homemade honey lavender shea butter soap!