Making Glycerin Soap

Glycerin basics

Glycerin (also spelled glycerine) is a colorless compound known for its moisturizing properties. It dissolves in water and is a good solvent. It absorbs water from the air, which makes it great for your skin (either because it absorbs water out of the air or because of some other chemical property we don’t know about).

In traditional soap making, fat and lye are combined and glycerin is a byproduct of that process (because there is glycerin in animal fat). Some commercial soap makers take the glycerin out of the soap and use it instead in lotion or other bath products that they can sell for a higher price than soap.

People who make soap at home in the old-fashioned way keep the glycerin in their soap, which is one reason it’s great to make soap at home. But you can also buy glycerin at a craft store, soap and candle supply company or from various sources on the Internet to make pure glycerin soap. Check out Soap Crafters for clear and opaque glycerin in blocks large and small.

Glycerin soap making instructions

Glycerin soap is known as melt and pour soap making because that’s basically all there is to it. You melt the soap, stir in some additions, and pour it into a mold.

For professional-looking soap, prepare your mold by spraying it with rubbing alcohol before pouring your melted soap into the mold. Buy a cheap spray bottle or a spray attachment that will fit on your bottle of alcohol.

The basic things you will need to make glycerin soap are a microwave-safe container with a pour spout (or a pan for the stove top if your glycerin isn’t microwave safe or you’re making large quantities), glycerin, fragrance, colorant, molds, rubbing alcohol and something to stir with.

A word about color and fragrance: use products that are made for use on the body or that are especially for use with soap making. Some people use food coloring in their soaps, which is fine if you use only a small amount (large quantities can stain skin and clothing). You can find soap-friendly dyes and fragrance oils at craft shops or on the Internet. Essential oils can also be used in soaps, but they are usually less powerful than commercially made fragrance oils.

Gather your materials, prepare your molds and melt the glycerin, using the microwave or a double boiler. If using the microwave, heat for one minute covered with plastic wrap so the water won’t escape and stir. Not everything will be melted until you stir it well. If using a double boiler, put water in the bottom and glycerin in the top. Cover, and put on medium heat, stirring occasionally until all is melted. Time will vary depending on the melt point of the glycerin you have (it’s usually somewhere between 150 and 170 degrees).

Uncover and remove from heat. Add small amounts of fragrance and color, if desired. These products are often very strong and you can go from a nice smelling soap to something overpowering very quickly. Stir well and pour into prepared molds.

Again you can spray the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol to eliminate bubbles. Set the molds somewhere they won’t be disturbed for a few hours, and allow to harden. The soap is ready to use as soon as it is solid. If you have trouble unmolding the soap, put the molds in the freezer for up to half an hour.

Glycerin soap combinations

Here are some ideas for colors and fragrances you can combine to make great glycerin soap:

These are just a few ideas. Of course you can combine any scent with any color for an interesting surprise, like a pink pear or a purple mango. Combine colors and fragrances that you like, and have fun!

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