10+ Soap Making Recipes Cold Process: Easy and Fun Variations to Try at Home

Soap making is a fun and creative hobby that allows you to create beautiful and useful products right at home. Many people enjoy using the cold process method because it gives you control over the ingredients and final product.

If you want to learn how to make your own cold process soap, you’ll find a variety of recipes that can suit your preferences and skill level.

With a few basic ingredients and tools, you can make unique soaps that not only look great but are also gentle on the skin. Cold process soap making can be a rewarding experience, whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter. You can experiment with different scents, colors, and shapes to make each batch your own. Have fun exploring the world of soap making!

1) Olive Oil and Coconut Milk Soap

Making olive oil and coconut milk soap is a fun and rewarding process. This recipe results in a gentle soap that’s great for your skin. You’ll love how creamy and moisturizing it is.

To start, gather your ingredients. The combination of olive oil and coconut milk creates a nourishing bar that feels luxurious. This soap can be used daily without drying out your skin.

Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 20 oz. olive oil
• 12 oz. coconut milk
• 4.5 oz. lye
• 12 oz. distilled water

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your work area and wear gloves and goggles.
2. Measure the lye and water separately. Mix lye into water slowly until dissolved.
3. In another container, warm the olive oil.
4. Combine the lye mixture with the olive oil.
5. Add coconut milk and blend until trace forms.
6. Pour into molds and let it set for 24-48 hours.
7. Remove from molds and cure for four to six weeks.

2) Honey and Oatmeal Exfoliating Soap

Making honey and oatmeal exfoliating soap is a great way to nourish your skin. Honey helps to moisturize while oatmeal gently exfoliates. This soap can be soothing for all skin types, especially for those with irritation.

To start, you will mix natural ingredients. Use cold process methods to create a creamy bar. This technique allows the soap to retain the benefits of honey and oats effectively.

Ingredients:

• 20 oz olive oil
• 10 oz coconut oil
• 10 oz palm oil
• 4 oz beeswax
• 6 oz sodium hydroxide (lye)
• 12 oz distilled water
• 2 oz honey
• 2 oz finely ground oatmeal

Cooking Instructions:

1. Measure your oils and combine them in a pot.
2. Heat the oils to 120°F (49°C).
3. In a separate container, mix sodium hydroxide with water until dissolved, then cool to 100°F (38°C).
4. Slowly add the lye solution to the oils.
5. Stir until trace appears, then mix in honey and oatmeal.
6. Pour into molds and let set for 24 hours.
7. Cut and cure the soap for 4-6 weeks.

3) Shea Butter and Lavender Soap

Making shea butter and lavender soap is a fun and rewarding project. The combination soothes the skin and provides a lovely scent. This recipe uses the cold process method, which helps retain the natural benefits of the ingredients.

Start by gathering your supplies. You’ll need oils and lye. Measure everything carefully to ensure a good mix.

Warm your shea butter and oils in a pan until they melt. Allow them to cool to 100°F (38°C). Meanwhile, mix the lye with water and let it cool as well.

When both mixtures are at the right temperature, combine them. Stir until you reach a light trace, then add your lavender essential oil for fragrance. Pour the mixture into your mold and let it sit for 24-48 hours.

Once set, cut the soap into bars and cure them for about four weeks.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. shea butter
• 8 oz. olive oil
• 8 oz. coconut oil
• 4.5 oz. lye
• 9 oz. distilled water
• 1 oz. lavender essential oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Measure and prepare your ingredients.
2. Melt shea butter and oils in a pan.
3. Cool the oils to 100°F (38°C).
4. Mix lye with water and cool.
5. Combine oils and lye when at the right temperature.
6. Stir until light trace forms.
7. Add lavender oil and mix.
8. Pour into mold and let sit.
9. Cut the soap after 24-48 hours.
10. Cure the bars for four weeks.

4) Aloe Vera and Green Tea Soap

Aloe vera and green tea soap is refreshing and soothing for your skin. The natural ingredients provide moisture and skin benefits that you will love.

To make this soap, you can use fresh aloe vera gel. It helps hydrate your skin while adding a nice texture. The green tea adds antioxidant properties, making the soap even better for your skin.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a gentle, nourishing soap. Plus, the smell is light and pleasant!

Ingredients

• 1 lb soap base
• 1/4 cup fresh aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup brewed green tea (cooled)
• Optional: essential oils for fragrance

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the soap base into small cubes.
2. Heat the soap base in the microwave until melted, about 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the aloe vera gel and green tea.
4. Pour the mixture into soap molds.
5. Let it cool and harden completely before removing from molds.

5) Activated Charcoal Detox Soap

Activated charcoal soap is great for detoxifying your skin. It helps to draw out impurities and excess oil. This soap is perfect for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin.

To make this soap, you’ll need oils like coconut and olive. The activated charcoal gives it a unique look and adds benefits for your skin. You can also add essential oils for a lovely scent.

Ingredients

• 10 oz (283 g) coconut oil
• 10 oz (283 g) olive oil
• 6 oz (170 g) palm oil
• 4.3 oz (122 g) lye
• 10 oz (283 g) distilled water
• 1-2 tbsp activated charcoal powder
• Optional: essential oils

Cooking Instructions

1. Measure your oils and melt them in a pot until liquid.
2. In a separate container, mix lye with distilled water. Let it cool.
3. Combine the oils with the lye once both reach about 100°F (38°C).
4. Stir in activated charcoal and optional essential oils.
5. Pour into molds and let it set for 24-48 hours.

6) Calendula and Chamomile Soap

Calendula and chamomile soap is soothing and great for your skin. Both ingredients are well-known for their calming properties, making this soap perfect for sensitive skin.

To make this soap, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The bright colors of calendula petals and the sweet scent of chamomile flowers will make your soap inviting.

Ingredients

• 650g olive oil
• 150g sweet almond oil
• 100g coconut oil
• 50g castor oil
• 50g calendula oleolite
• Chamomile flowers

Cooking Instructions

1. Measure and blend your oils in a large bowl.
2. Heat the mixture to around 100°F (37°C).
3. Add the calendula oleolite and chamomile flowers.
4. Mix until combined, then pour into molds.
5. Let the soap sit for 24-48 hours to harden.
6. Cut into bars and allow to cure for 4-6 weeks.

7) Goat Milk and Honey Soap

Making goat milk and honey soap is a delightful project for beginners. Goat milk is known for its moisturizing properties, while honey adds natural sweetness and helps with preservation.

To get started, gather your ingredients. You will need goat milk, honey, lye (sodium hydroxide), and your choice of oils. These ingredients come together to create a creamy, rich bar of soap.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (227 g) goat milk
• 3 oz (85 g) honey
• 3 oz (85 g) lye
• 16 oz (454 g) olive oil
• 8 oz (227 g) coconut oil
• 8 oz (227 g) palm oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Measure the goat milk and freeze it into cubes.
2. In a well-ventilated area, mix lye with a bit of the frozen goat milk until dissolved.
3. Combine the remaining goat milk with the oils in a separate container.
4. Slowly pour the lye mixture into the oils, stirring gently.
5. Blend until you reach a medium trace.
6. Add honey and mix well.
7. Pour the mixture into a mold and let it sit for 24 hours.
8. Cut into bars and cure for 4-6 weeks.

8) Lemongrass and Poppy Seed Soap

Making lemongrass and poppy seed soap is a fun and fragrant project. This soap has a refreshing scent and a lovely texture from the poppy seeds.

You will start by gathering all your ingredients. Be prepared for a delightful sensory experience when you use lemongrass essential oil.

Ingredients

• 16 oz (454 g) Olive Oil
• 8 oz (227 g) Coconut Oil
• 8 oz (227 g) Palm Oil
• 4 oz (113 g) Lye
• 10 oz (284 g) Distilled Water
• 1 oz (28 g) Lemongrass Essential Oil
• 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Measure the lye and water separately. Slowly add lye to water until dissolved.
2. Heat the oils in a pot until melted.
3. When both mixtures cool to 100°F (38°C), combine them.
4. Blend until trace forms, then add lemongrass oil and poppy seeds.
5. Pour into molds and let sit for 24 hours before removing.

9) Coffee and Cocoa Soap

Making coffee and cocoa soap is a delightful project. This recipe combines the richness of cocoa with the aroma of coffee, creating a unique skin treat.

You start with basic oils. Coconut oil, cocoa butter, and olive oil are great for moisturizing your skin. This soap not only cleans but also nourishes.

The scrub from the coffee grounds adds gentle exfoliation. You’ll love how this soap makes your skin feel smooth.

Ingredients

• 306 grams Coconut Oil
• 90 grams Cocoa Butter
• 360 grams Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Cocoa Powder
• Whole coffee beans (for decoration)
• Optional: Benzoin essential oil for scent

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter together.
2. Once melted, add the olive oil.
3. Mix in the cocoa powder and essential oil, if using.
4. Slowly add lye mixed with water. Stir well.
5. Then, pour into molds and top with coffee beans.
6. Let it cure for 4-6 weeks before using.

10) Eucalyptus and Aloe Soap

Eucalyptus and aloe vera make a refreshing combo for soap. Eucalyptus brings a fresh scent, while aloe vera soothes skin. This recipe is perfect for a gentle cleanse.

To start, gather the ingredients needed. Measure them carefully for the best results.

The cold process method allows you to mix them without heat, keeping the natural properties intact.

Your soap will have a vibrant look with a smooth texture. It also offers moisturizing benefits. Make sure to let it cure for about four to six weeks to harden properly before use.

Ingredients

• 16 oz (454 g) coconut oil
• 16 oz (454 g) olive oil
• 16 oz (454 g) palm oil
• 6.4 oz (181 g) lye
• 16 oz (454 g) distilled water
• 1 oz (28 g) eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 oz (56 g) aloe vera gel

Cooking Instructions

1. In a well-ventilated area, measure and mix the lye with distilled water.
2. Allow the lye mixture to cool to 100°F (38°C).
3. Melt the oils and let them cool to 100°F (38°C).
4. Combine the lye and oils when both are at the right temperature.
5. Blend until trace, then add the eucalyptus oil and aloe vera.
6. Pour the mixture into molds.
7. Cover and let it sit for 24 hours.
8. Unmold and slice the soap.
9. Cure the soap for 4 to 6 weeks before use.