DIY Projects & Crafts Bath Bombs and Soaps Homemade Soap How to Make Soothing Lavender Soap Bars Enjoy a relaxing herbal scent with these bars easily made from goat's milk and essential oil. A layered sprinkling of pink Himalayan salt helps to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 11, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Lavender is an ingredient with myriad therapeutic benefits: it's known to relieve stress and insomnia, as well as soothe the skin. This soap-making project uses an easy melt-and-pour technique, calling for three all-natural ingredients: goat's milk, lavender essential oil, and pink Himalayan salt—all of which combine to help you (or the lucky gift recipient) luxuriate at home. What You'll Need Materials 2 pounds goat's milk soap base (Our Earth's Secrets Store) Lavender essential oil (Vitruvi Lavender Essential Oil) Bench scraper Pink Himalayan salt Heatproof glass measuring cup Silicone (or silicone-lined) loaf mold Cutting board Kraft paper and twine (optional) Instructions Cut soap base into chunks and place in a large heatproof glass measuring cup. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds; stir. Repeat until smooth throughout. Mix in about 30 drops essential oil. Sprinkle salt in bottom of mold. Pour in about 1/2 inch melted soap and let sit two minutes. Then sprinkle with another thin layer of salt and let sit five minutes. Repeat, adding 1/2-inch layers, until you reach the top of the mold, then sprinkle another thin layer of salt on top. (For a slightly thicker layer, spritz with water and then sprinkle on more salt.) Let set several hours. Gently peel away sides of mold to release block of soap onto a cutting board. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut soap into 1-inch-thick bars (if needed, heat blade over a burner to facilitate cutting). Optional: If gift-giving, wrap bars in kraft paper and tie with twine.