Project

Lavender Soap

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.

Photography: Gabriela Herman

Source: Martha Stewart Living, July/August 2014

Introduction

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.

For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of Soap-Making Tutorials and Projects.

materials

2 pounds goat's milk soap base

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)

steps

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 2 minutes. Then sprinkle with another thin layer of salt and let sit 5 minutes. Repeat, adding 1/2-inch layers, until you reach top of 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.