How to make homemade body soap: complete and detailed guide

Nowadays, many people are looking for natural alternatives to take care of their skin and avoid the use of so many chemicals present in commercial products. One of the most common questions is how to make homemade body soap, an option that is not only healthier, but also more economical and ecological.

In this article, we'll teach you step-by-step how to make homemade body soap, exploring the different types of soaps you can create, the ingredients you need, and some traditional and modern techniques to make your own soap recipes. Read on to discover how to create your own homemade soaps with simple, natural ingredients!

Types of homemade soaps

There are different types of soaps that you can make at home. Although the most common are bar soap and the liquid soapBoth have different applications and benefits depending on how you use them. For example, you could make a bar of soap specially formulated for the body or another for the face with gentler and more moisturizing ingredients.

Depending on the ingredients used, you could also make soaps with exfoliating, moisturizing or antioxidant properties. The important thing is to make sure you use quality, natural ingredients.

Bar soap

Bar soap is perhaps the most common of all. It has the advantage that it can last a long time if you store it well. This type of soap is usually made through a saponification process, which uses fats and an alkaline agent.

• Benefits of bar soap: It lasts a long time, is easy to store and its properties can be customized with natural ingredients such as essential oils.

Liquid soap

Homemade liquid soap is a practical alternative for bathing or washing delicate clothes. It spreads easily, making it an economical product that lasts a long time.

Using natural ingredients ensures that you are not exposing your skin to harmful chemicals that could cause irritation. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin or who prefer organic products.

In addition, you can customize the scent and properties of the liquid soap by adding essential oils or nutrients specific to your skin type.

How to make homemade body soap step by step

Below is a basic recipe for homemade bar soap that you can customize to your liking by adding different scents or additional ingredients. For this recipe, we will use natural oils and some ingredients that are easy to find in any supermarket.

Necessary materials:

• 1 liter of tap water
• 25 grams of caustic soda (you can get it in pharmacies)
• 125 ml of almond or olive oil for a soft aroma
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• Protection gloves

Process:

1. Always wear gloves and use safety equipment, as caustic soda is corrosive.
2. Pour the water into a container and slowly add the caustic soda. Do not close the container. Stir gently until the mixture is completely dissolved.
3. Let the mixture sit and begin to cool down (it will warm up as it mixes with the water). Be very careful with this step.
4. When the mixture has cooled, add the oil and salt. Stir well until completely combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a mold and let it sit for 15 days, stirring daily.
6. After 15 days, your soap will be ready to use. You can add aromatic essences or dried herbs at this point if you wish.

This soap does not produce foam due to the lack of industrial chemicals, but that does not affect its cleaning power. It is perfect for those who prefer natural and environmentally friendly products.

How to make homemade body soap with leftover soap

If you have small remnants of soap at home, don't throw them away. You can use them to make new bars of soap in a very simple process. You'll only need a few additional ingredients to give new life to old soap:

Necessary materials

• 1 liter of distilled water
• Solid soap residue (in shavings)
• Pure glycerin (available in drugstores and herbalists)
• Dry or liquid fragrances, if the soaps have a neutral scent

Process:

1. Place the soap residue in a pot with distilled water and heat over medium heat until the residue is completely dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and add pure glycerin. Stir until fully incorporated.
3. If you wish, you can add dried flowers or aromatic essences.
4. Pour the mixture into soap molds and let cool.
5. Once cooled, remove from the mold and you will have your new homemade soap ready to use.

Making homemade soap with lemon

Lemon soap is ideal for those looking for a deep cleanse and a fresh citrus scent. Plus, lemon has natural antibacterial properties, making it perfect for fighting bacteria on the skin.

Necessary materials

• 2 liters of tap water
• solid soap residue
• 2 tablespoons of almond oil for hydration
• 1 tablespoon pure glycerin
• Lemon extract and essence

Process:

1. In a pot, heat 1 liter of water and add the soap residue until it dissolves completely.
2. Remove from heat and add pure glycerin, stirring until well mixed.
3. Add the extract and lemon essence, and mix well.
4. Pour in the other liter of water little by little and continue stirring.
5. If you use this soap for laundry, omit the almond oil. If you use it for body, add the almond oil for extra hydration.

This soap is ideal for people with oily skin or for those looking for a refreshing and antibacterial soap for the body and hands.

More ideas and tips for making homemade soap

In addition to the recipes mentioned above, there are several ways to personalize your homemade soaps. Here are some creative ideas to make your soaps unique:

• Use creative molds: You can use silicone molds to create soaps in various shapes such as hearts, stars or flowers.
• Custom scents: Add natural essential oils such as lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus for a pleasant aroma.
• Natural scrubs: Add ingredients like oatmeal, poppy seeds, coffee grounds, or sea salt to gently exfoliate your skin.

I hope this guide has inspired you to begin your adventure in homemade soap making. Not only is it a relaxing and creative activity, but it also allows you to have control over the products you use on your skin and take care of the environment. What are you waiting for to start making your own homemade soap?