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Pretty Herb + Spice Glycerin Soaps

Source of Recipe

From "Hello Glow" by Stephanie Gerber


Recipe Introduction

"If you've ever wanted to try making your own soap, take heart - it's easier than you could have imagined! Plus, melt-and-pour soaps allow for tons of customization. Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices for a truly personalized creation. These colorful soaps make lovely gifts for birthdays and holidays."

List of Ingredients

◦  ½ cup dried flowers, herbs, or spices of your choosing
◦  1 pound solid, clear glycerin soap base
◦  2 complementary fragrance oils


Recipe

Select your dried flowers, herbs, and spices - I used rosemary, eucalyptus, hibiscus, juniper berries, rose petals, and citrus peels, but anything goes with these sweet soaps. (Be aware, however, that some might change color - hibiscus turned blue, for instance. Hey, it's all an experiment!) Cut the botanicals into smaller pieces with a knife, if desired, and select the prettiest specimens. Set them aside.

Cut the glycerin soap into 1-inch squares and put them in a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Pour 2 inches of water into a small saucepan, place the measuring cup inside, and warm over medium-low heat. (Or heat it up in short bursts at 50-percent power in the microwave.) Remove the measuring cup from the heat when the soap is soft. Stir to incorporate any soap fragments and break up any chunks.

Let the soap cool slightly and then add your fragrances with a pipette. I suggest 5 drops per ounce of soap used. Stir together slowly to prevent bubbles from forming. Gently tap the measuring cup on the countertop to release any larger trapped air bubbles.

Time to select and prep your molds. This process gets messy, so you might want to repurpose something from the recycle bin, such as old milk cartons or yogurt cups. Mist the containers with cooking spray and wipe away any excess with a dishcloth.

Arrange the dried botanicals in the bottom of your molds, then fill with the melted soap base. Let the soap set for 1 hour, then transfer the molds to the freezer for another hour. Take out the molds and bend to pop out the soap.




â—¦ Flower Soaps: Add dried flowers like chamomile, roses, calendula, or hibiscus.

â—¦ Tea Soaps: Use your favorite teas, such as green, mint, or chai.

â—¦ Moisturizing Soaps: For each 1 cup soap, add 2 tablespoons of a moisturizing ingredient - like honey or aloe vera - or a mild oil, such as coconut.

â—¦ Exfoliating Soaps: Add cornmeal, fresh coffee grounds, oats, or even sand for some nice scrub action.