Rosemary Eucalyptus Soap

Simple to make, beautiful and lusciously scented by nature.

Soap making may seem like a daunting process but I’ve found it to be one of the most rewarding acts of self care and gifting there is. AND fair warning - if you’re new to soap making it can be a little addictive. To begin with, if you’re not familiar there are two ways to make soap: cold press and melt and pour. Cold press soap making involves many ingredients and can be challenging however using the melt and pour method is incredibly simple and perfect for beginners and kids. My own daughters love making soap, especially as they can add the scents that appeal to them that have not been selected by their mother! (Ruby likes a sweet smell, I prefer something a little more menthol like)

Anyway! As the name suggests it is only a matter of sourcing a soap block base, melting it and adding in whatever you desire. Also, using a melt and pour soap base allows you to easily add in the most incredible natural fragrances and botanicals. In this recipe I’ve used a melt and pour block, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils and embedded a simple single leaf to give added visual interest. But again and as mentioned above, melt and pour is literally a blank canvas that allows you to customize to your heart and senses delight. Read on for directions and a bit more information about this type of soap making.

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Skin Benefits of Hemp-Based Melt and Pour Soap

Let’s talk about the skincare benefits of hemp-based melt and pour soap - the soap base I used in this recipe. Hemp oil is renowned for its nourishing properties, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help moisturize and soothe the skin. It's a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin types. Moreover, hemp oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it a gentle option for those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Incorporating hemp-based melt and pour soap into your routine can leave your skin feeling hydrated, refreshed, and rejuvenated. I will add that the hemp base does not have a ‘smell’ to it other than soap like odor.

You should be aware when shopping for your melt and pour base that there are many other options available. There are non hemp based options and goat’s milk too. There are white opaque bases as well. If you would like a bright colorful soap then I would consider on the of the white opaque options but if you do like or are interested in embedding things like leaves as I have with the leaf or a toy for a child for example then go for a clear base. My ultimate point is that you have options if hemp doesn’t appeal to you. AS mentioned above - do not worry that a hemp base has a distinct aroma, it honestly just smells of soap.

Let’s get soap geeky The History of Soap Making:

I thought it would be fun to mention a little about the art of soap making because my mind wonders who or when the first person was like… hey - if you mix this with that and rub it on your body holy cow we don’t smell so bad! I just find the thought funny. I digress - The art of soap making dates back thousands of years, tracing its origins to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks. Early soap was crafted using a combination of animal fats and ashes. Quite different from today’s appraoch and even and supports my suspicions that the first soap maker was quite the original thinker.

Then carrying on throughout history, soap making evolved, with artisans experimenting with various ingredients and techniques to refine their craft. In the Middle Ages, soap making became an esteemed profession, with guilds established to regulate its production. Fast forward to the modern era, and we find ourselves embracing the tradition of soap making as a passionate hobby (I would count myself in that category) and form of self-expression and self-are. I would add that it makes a beautiful gift!

Crafting Melt and Pour Soap with Rosemary and Eucalyptus:

Now, let's dive into the creative process of crafting melt and pour soap infused with the invigorating scents of rosemary and eucalyptus. To begin, gather your ingredients: hemp-based melt and pour soap base, rosemary essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, and dried rosemary leaves for exfoliation (optional). Start by cutting the soap base into small cubes and melting them in a double boiler or microwave-safe container. Once melted, add a few drops of rosemary and eucalyptus essential oil, adjusting the scent to your preference. For an added touch, embed a single eucalyptus leaf . Pour the mixture into soap molds and allow it to cool and solidify. Once set, unmold your soaps and enjoy the invigorating aroma and skin-nourishing benefits of your handmade creations.

Types of Melt and Pour Soap Molds:

Oh my gosh this is the fun part! There are SO many unique soap molds out there now it ‘s hard to choose and you can quickly accumulate a diverse collection. I did, especially when I started out. BUT, and you an ignore me - I find I always come back to a simple rectangular bar. I like the solid feel of the rectangle and I love the volume and how it shows embedded objects so well. I also find that while the flower molds are lovely - if your soap is intended to be actually used then the shape quickly fades. If you’re gifting your soap however, non-traditional molds are indeed super fun to give away. Just be warned you will need to store all your molds - so go nuts but at least ship in one straight forward rectangular shaped mold.

Other Soap Recipe Ideas:

Here are a few of my other favorite melt and pour soap recipes

• charcoal powder and lavender essential oil

• dried chamomile petals and chamomile essential oil

• tea tree essential oil and dried rosemary leaves

• lemon and grapefruit essential oils and goat milk base

• black pepper essential oil, vetiver and charcoal

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OBSGUMU 3 Pack Silicone Soap Molds, 6 Cavities Flower Making Mold, Included Rectangle Shape Supplies, Perfect for Handmade Soaps, Homemade Chocolate

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Without further ado, here is the recipe:

soap, melt and pour soap, home made soap, eucalyptus soap

soap, self care

Yield: 3 Generous Bars

Author: Celeste Duffy

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Rosemary Eucalyptus Soap

Prep time: 2 HourCook time: 5 MinInactive time: 1 HourTotal time: 3 H & 5 M

This easy to make, melt and pour soap is visually stunning and smells beautiful.

Ingredients

• 1lb organic hemp oil melt and pour soap base.
• 1/2 tsp organic rosemary essential oil
• 1/2 tsp organic eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions

1. Prepare your soap mold and have it ready to fill.
2. Collect and prepare your eucalyptus leaf, ensure they are clean and dry
3. Cut your soap base into cubes
4. Place soap base cubes in a Pyrex measuring bowl
5. Place bowl in microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds
6. Stir the soap base cubes and continue heating in the microwave for 30 second intervals until the cubes have melted.
7. Once all cubes have completely melted add in your essential oils
8. Pour melted liquid soap base into the mold you have prepared half way
9. Place your leaf onto the top of the soap and press it under the surface of the soap so that it sits just under the top. Set the Pyrex bowl of remaining soap base of the side - NOTE: it too will cool and harden but you will remelt it later.
10. Allow this layer of soap and leaf to cool and firm up completely
11. After the leaf and half filled soap have completely firmed up - remelt the remaining soap base and pour a thin layer of it over the leaf. This layer should only be the depth of a thin magazine. DO NOT fill with more liquid soap as this will melt the leaf out of position and it will float to the top.
12. Let this new layer cool and harden
13. Once the previous layer has completely cooled and hardened, Reheat the remaining soap base and fill the soap mold to the top.
14. Allow to cool and harden completely
15. Remove from mold and wrap well in plastic wrap. Do not skip this step as melt and pour soaps attract moisture and it will bead on the surface.

Notes

Using 1lb of soap base will yield roughly 3 bars of soap but this will depend on the size of the mold you are using. You may have extra bits of soap base left over - simply save this for the next soap making project!

If your leaf floats to the top of the soap - gently push it back into position within the liquid soap. If your soap base is too hot and your layers have all melted then you may need to repeat this as the soap begins to cool and thicken several times until it stays. To avoid this you need to find the sweet spot where the liquid soap flows but isn't too hot to melt the lower layers.

Recommended Products

Rectangle Silicone Mold

Organic Hemp Oil Melt and Pour Soap Base

https://www.foxenbee.com/projects/rosemary-eucalyptus-soap/#unique-id

All rights reserved, Celeste Duffy

HOMEMADE MELT AND POUR SOAP RECIPE - conclusion

I hope you experiment with making your own melt and pour soap because taking time for self-care is truly essential. Crafting melt and pour soap offers a therapeutic escape, allowing you to nourish your skin and indulge your senses. By infusing your soap with the uplifting scents of rosemary and eucalyptus, along with the skin-loving properties of hemp-based soap base, you can elevate your bathing experience in such a personal and intentional way. Soap-making allows you to unleash your creativity, embrace tradition, and pamper yourself and others. If you too get hooked on it let me know!