Valentine's Day Soap

This Valentine's Day Soap recipe creates DIY melt and pour soap that smells like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ganache. I mean, what could be better than homemade soap that smells like chocolate and strawberries? This easy to make DIY soap not only makes a great treat for yourself, but it also makes a great gift.

How to Make DIY Valentine's Day Soap

I have to forewarn you. Once you start making your own soap, you might discover you can become easily addicted. There are so many different scents as well as molds! Then once you start looking at the mica powders and all of the different combinations that you can create, you'll see how and why, there is such a following when it comes to soapmaking.

And the great thing, well at least for me, is that this is a new hobby that is creating something my family will use. We do and will use the soaps. None of this will be wasted. So, for me, it's a definite win-win.

Expert Tips, Ingredient List and Suggestions for Project Success

• Goat's milk melt and pour soap base - this is for the vanilla and strawberry soaps
• Cocoa butter melt and pour soap base - I used this for the chocolate soaps
• Vanilla essential oil
• Strawberry fragrance oil
• Chocolate ganache fragrance oil
• Mica powder - make sure this is cosmetic grade
• Rubbing alcohol - must be 90% proof

Supplies Needed for Melt and Pour Soap Making

Remember, since you are using melt and pour you do not need to use lye. That's one of the reasons that I like to use melt and pour. It's safer. I may eventually move into making soap with lye, however, for now, it's melt and pour for me.

But, before you get started, I must caution you. Melt and pour sets up quickly so when you are ready to start making your soap, make sure that you won't be distracted. I will normally do mine when nobody is at home or at night after everyone has went to bed. That way I'm not bothered (you know without the "Hey where is this" or the "Mom can I have a snack"), and the soap can set it the molds overnight and completely set up.

• an old cutting board - if you have been wanting to replace yours and get a new one now is the time.
• a knife - I have a one that I have made just for cutting soap now.
• small glass bowls - you will use these for your fragrance oils and/or mica powders. You won't want to use these again for food just use old ones.
• craft sticks - if you don't already have some, pick up a box and keep them on hand. You will go through several in each batch of soap.
• kitchen scale - this is one of the best investments ever.
• dropper - you will use this to measure out your fragrance oil. Make sure it's not plastic.
• measuring spoons - again, set some aside that you won't mind not using again for the mica and the rubbing alcohol. If anything, pick some up at the dollar store. Preferably stainless steel and not plastic.
• large measuring bowl/cup - this is what you will put in the cut-up blocks of soap in. Do not plan on using this again for food.
• mini spray bottles - you will use these when spritzing the soap after pouring the soap into the molds if there are any bubbles.
• Mica powder - remember not all mica powder is created the same.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

Do NOT use Styrofoam cups to measure out your fragrance oil. I did this once. It literally ate through the cup. Learn from my mistake. Don't do it.

If you are sensitive to fragrance oils, run the vent over your microwave. They really aren't that strong when you are using them though. Refer to the fragrance calculator link I mention below though so you don't use too much.

Feel free to use latex gloves.

Remember anything you use for soap; you will not use for food again.

What Can you NOT Put in Soap?

While it seems, you should be able to put anything into your soap, in reality, you can't. There are some things that cannot be put into DIY soaps.

• Fresh plants, fruit, or vegetables - dried is fine. Fresh no because they will rot.
• Food coloring - this isn't approved for your skin let alone your bathtubs.
• Extracts - this is for food not for your skin. Remember your skin is a living organ.

Why Did my Soap Turn Yellow?

This could be due to rancid oil or due to your soap not being stored properly. More than likely, it's because your essential oil was expired. Normally when you buy this from a store, they will tell you how long it will be good for. It will expire.

Why Did my Soap Bubble?

This is very common. All you need to do is spritz the soap with rubbing alcohol as soon as your pour it and the bubbles should disappear right away.

Another reason is because you were too rough with the soap mixture when you were stirring it. You have to stir it gently.

How Do you Prevent Homemade Soap from Melting

First of all, store it in an airtight container in a dry environment. Since your soap will normally be stored in the bathroom, keep it dry. What I have found works is wrapping each bar in plastic wrap, then putting it into an airtight container.

How Long Does Homemade Soap Last?

It will depend on how much you use it. Normally a regular sized bar will last two of us 2 to 3 weeks of using it every day in the shower.

Can I Use Mica Powder on my Skin?

Yes, but ONLY IF IT IS COSMETIC GRADE. Let me repeat that. ONLY IF IT IS COSMETIC GRADE. You must do your due diligence with this. Don't just click on the first ad you see. You have to make sure it says that's approved for use on your skin. Not all of them are.

Mica creates a very pretty shimmery finish and can safely be used on skin. However, you must make sure you are buying the right ones. Make sure to check out the article I linked to on Vogue that discusses this further.

How to Pick a Fragrance Oil

Here again, don't just pick the first thing you see. Remember, this is stuff you are putting on your skin. This isn't going into your diffuser or a candle warmer. One of the companies I have started buying my fragrance oils from is Bramble Berry for my soaps. I have been impressed with the two oils I have bought for this soap recipe. They also have a lot of resources on their page as well. Such as a fragrance calculator. This my friends, is a must! You can way over fragrance your soap if you aren't careful. I have done this recently. Your kitchen doesn't smell so good.

Step by Step Directions:

Step 1: Set all of your supplies out. Once you start with this process you won't have time to run around trying to find them.

Step 2: Weigh out your soap.
Step 3: Cut up your soap into cubes.

Step 4: Melt the soap in the microwave.

Step 5: Add in the fragrance oil and the mica powder.

Step 6: Pour into molds.

Step 7: Let the soap set.

Step 8: Enjoy

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