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- Soapmaking
Making hand milled soap is an easy way to learn how to make soap for beginners. Keep reading to learn how to make hand milled soap with an easy charcoal & anise soap recipe from Amanda Gail Aaron’s new book, The Complete Guide to Natural Soap Making.
New Natural Soap Making Book
Is soap making a new hobby you’ve been wanting to explore? Have you made soap before but want to learn other soap making techniques? Learn a variety of soap making methods and explore easy to follow soap recipes and tutorials in Amanda Gail’s new book, The Complete Guide to Natural Soap Making.
As we discover in Amanda Gail’s new book, there are many different ways to make soap. New and beginning soapmakers will learn how to craft natural homemade soaps using five different soap making techniques. These natural soap making methods include:
- Hand Milled Soap Making
- Melt and Pour Soap Making
- Liquid Soap Making
- Hot Process Soap Making
- Cold Process Soap Making
In addition to comprehensive, easy to follow soap making tutorials, Amanda’s book also contains numerous natural soap recipes. Each of these recipes enable you to explore all of the soap making methods mentioned, then further build on that knowledge. In addition, you’ll also gain insight on essential soap making equipment and ingredients you need to get started. The book also contains insider soap design tricks and soap making techniques that will further guarantee your success.
Regardless of your preferred soap making method, you’ll find that soap making quickly becomes an addictive hobby. Therefore it won’t be long until you’re not only supplying natural soaps for your family, but for friends and coworkers too! You’ll also begin to build the foundation for achieving not just your soap making goals, but for starting a business to sell your natural soaps.
What Is Hand Milled Soap?
Two of the easiest ways for beginners to get started in soap making are through melt and pour soap making and hand-milled or rebatch soap making. While most of you are likely familiar with making melt and pour soap using a glycerin soap base, you may be less familiar with how to make hand milled soap.
If you’re looking for an easy (and affordable) way to learn how to make soap for beginners, then I highly recommend you learn how to make hand milled soap. You’ll find, that if you’re already a fan of handmade soaps, making rebatch soap is a great way to use up leftover soap slivers. It also allows you to customize your natural soaps with ingredients that offer additional benefits for your skin type.
Hand milled soaps are created by rebatching unscented (or leftover) soaps on the stovetop or in an oven. This is done to add scent and color, conditioning skin care ingredients or to salvage a botched cold process soap batch. Typically one makes hand milled soap by grating an existing soap bar, then mixing it will milk or water. Once the soap melts, other ingredients can be added to customize the fragrance, color or other properties of the soap.
Hand milling soap is an easy way to learn how to make custom natural soaps. The process is easier than making soap completely from scratch in which you combine lye and soap making fats. It’s also a safer process for anyone who has pets or small children in the home.
I hope that you’re as excited as I was the first time I learned how to make hand milled soap. Amanda was gracious enough to share her charcoal & anise hand milled soap recipe from her new book, which you can find below.
Anise & Charcoal Natural Soap Recipe
This stark black rebatch soap is naturally scented with anise, peppermint and lavender essential oils. Formulated with an easy to use hand milled soap base, this homemade soap recipe also contains activated charcoal. The addition of charcoal makes this hand milled soap perfect for acne prone skin, as charcoal works to draw out impurities, oils and toxins from skin.
Following is Amanda’s recipe for charcoal & anise soap (from her book) along with her instructions on how to make hand-milled soap. This recipe yields four homemade soap bars, each weighing approximately 113 grams. It can be made from start to completion in about an hour. You can use pre-bought soap shreds for this recipe. Alternately, you can also grate your own soap from bars of unscented cold or hot process soap.
Equipment Needed:
This is the equipment you will need to make hand-milled soap:
- Digital scale
- Glass container
- 1 (16-ounce) heatproof glass measuring cup
- Silicone spatulas
- Measuring spoons
- Oval silicone mold (with at least 4 cavities)
Hand-Milled Soap Ingredients:
These are the ingredients you will need to make this anise and charcoal soap recipe:
- 450 grams unscented and uncolored soap shreds
- 1/2 tablespoon charcoal powder
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals
- 4 grams lavender essential oil
- 4 grams anise essential oil
- 2 grams peppermint essential oil
How to Make Hand-Milled Soap
Here is how to make rebatch soap with charcoal and anise essential oil:
- Start by prepping the essential oils for this soap. Do this by weighing out each of the three essential oils called for in the recipe. Then blend together in glass container and set aside.
- Now wet the soap shreds.
- Heat the moistened soap shreds until they become translucent and resemble mashed potatoes.
- Once melted, remove the soap from heat.
- Working quickly add the prepared essential oil fragrance blend. Then mix in the essential oils and the charcoal powder until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Now divide the rose petals among each mold cavity.
- Quickly spoon the the soap into each mold cavity, covering the rose petals. Then use a spatula to smooth the soap down.
- Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mold.
- Allow the finished hand milled soap bars to cure for two weeks prior to use.
How to Use Hand-Milled Facial Soap:
To use, massage onto wet facial skin. Allow the soap to sit on your face, as you would a mask, for about one minute. Then rinse off and pat dry.
Buy The Natural Soap Making Book
You can purchase The Complete Guide to Natural Soap Making to try all of Amanda’s recipes here!
To discover more natural soap recipes, sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter! You can also follow me on facebook,twitter,pinterest andinstagram.
Rebecca D. Dillon
Rebecca D. Dillon is a soapmaker, DIY-er and blogger whose life is controlled daily by a dachshund. You can learn more about Rebecca by checking out her bio. Or discover more great skin care & beauty recipes by subscribing to Soap Deli News blog via email.
51 Comments
Tendo
March 5, 2019 at 3:19 pm
I love cold process soap with all its nuances and surprises!
Thelma Martinez
March 5, 2019 at 3:20 pm
I would love to learn how to make soap! I think it would be a great hobby!
Theresa C.
March 5, 2019 at 3:22 pm
My favorite soap making method is cold process because you control everything that goes into your soap. Soap making is very addictive and exciting to make.
Kieri-Anne Humphrey
March 5, 2019 at 3:27 pm
I make Cold Process soap and use natural EO and botanicals, many of which I grow at home. I love soaping!
Janice Campos
March 5, 2019 at 3:27 pm
I just started making cold process soap. I actually bought a kit cuz I didn’t know how to start. I loved it! I want to learn more..They fascinate me.
Waad Radhi
March 5, 2019 at 3:35 pm
I have this book on my wish list but it will nice winning it
Karen Surprenant
March 5, 2019 at 3:39 pm
I usually make cold process soap.
JMM2
March 5, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Hi! I am an amateur crafter who is dabbling in a bit of everything to find out what my true passion is.
I think my reason for wanting to try my hand at soap-making is pretty simple and probably a driving force for a lot of others on this site- I am tired of having so many chemicals in and around my body. I am making a concentrated effort to incorporate more natural ingredients into my everyday life. (To the exhaustion of my awesome husband, my efforts range from cleaning supplies to non-Big Pharma remedies to the basic starting point of my day, which is my soap :))
After consulting many a webpage, I realize that I have a lot of great soap-making ingredients and ideas, but I am really not sure where to start. I think this lovely book will make for a great boost in my confidence in getting started and help steer me in the direction I would like to go.
Thank you for the time and passion you put into your site, and I appreciate your consideration for this drawing. Cheers!LouAnn
March 5, 2019 at 4:04 pm
I’ve never made soap before, but the more I read about it, the more I want to try it!
Michelle L Neathery
March 5, 2019 at 4:13 pm
I really like cp soapmaking. I have done ho, but am interested in starting a bit more melt and pour for the all the fun artistic possibilities.
Sheree Steading
March 5, 2019 at 4:29 pm
I’ve wanted to learn how to make soap for a while. You make it look so simple. I have most of things needed already.
Deanna Nassar
March 5, 2019 at 4:52 pm
I’d love to learn soap making. They’d be great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Alicia Mariscal
March 5, 2019 at 5:00 pm
What a Great offer. I started making soap recently and truly enjoy it. The aromas are so beautiful and I love the feel of soap without all the harmful chemicals. This is one book that would get used quite a bit as I plan to make Beauty and Brawny Baskets this year for Christmas gifts. The guys are going to love them as much as the ladies will.
Kimberly
March 5, 2019 at 5:21 pm
I own an online cosmetic business where I create my own mineral makeup. Although I have never made soap, I’d like to create a facial soap that is so awesome that I can sell it on my website. I do believe, it’s very important to make a facial soap that is safe and effective, yet a pleasurable experience.
Dawn Weintraub
March 5, 2019 at 6:55 pm
I started making cold process soap for my dog who has allergies. Want to learn various methods of soap making.
Becca Cutruzzula
March 5, 2019 at 7:19 pm
Right now i just make melt and pour but i definitely want to transition into other types.
Lori Flores
March 5, 2019 at 7:56 pm
I am a novice at the moment so I do M&P. Eventually when I have the time and space I would like to learn CP.
Diana Melendez
March 5, 2019 at 7:59 pm
I love cold process because you can design your soap and at the same time pick and use the ingredients you understand are best for your customers and family.
Susan
March 5, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Cold process is the only way for me. Love The “chemistry” and magical process.!
Mary Anne Wolfrey
March 5, 2019 at 8:15 pm
My favorite is hot process. I guess I like it the best because as a kid, I remember my grandmother making lye soap on the wood stove. I loved spending time with her so it only seemed right that when I started making soap, I wanted to cook it like she did.
Trudy
March 5, 2019 at 8:34 pm
I’ve not tried soap making yet but would love to have your book!!
Kathy
March 5, 2019 at 9:12 pm
I am fairly new to soapmaking and I am completely hooked! So far, I have worked with M&P and cold process. I haven’t tried my hand at hot process yet. I’d love to win your new book!
Wisby
March 5, 2019 at 9:35 pm
I like hot process and I have learned to make soaps for purpose I have helped my family with skin conditions and I enjoy making soap to help others
See AlsoMashed Potatoes RecipeA Life Adjacent
March 5, 2019 at 11:33 pm
The charcoal and anise soap is such an interesting combination! The rose petals add a very pretty touch too.
Robert Schloss
March 6, 2019 at 12:09 am
I’ve been making CP soap for 8 years and enjoy each and every day! I do not sell the soaps I just use them and donate most of it to many homeless shelters in the western NC area,hoping to bring some joy to people. I would really like this book!
Niccole Holmes
March 6, 2019 at 12:38 am
I love making cold process soap. The hard part about cold process for me is wait the 6 weeks for the soap to cure. I look forward to reading your new book to learn new processes. Thank you so much and have a wonderful evening.
Gretchen Arnold
March 6, 2019 at 1:02 am
Just getting into making soap. Have made hot process and cold process. Would love to learn more.
julie songaila
March 6, 2019 at 6:59 am
Hello! I’m relatively new to soapmaking (about 1 year). But so far my favorite way to make soap is Cold Process. I’m enjoying making the colorful designs in my soaps and it allows me more time to do so.
Terri
March 6, 2019 at 7:26 am
I love making cold process soap. I took a class and loved it. I love trying new scents And colors!
Terry Olsen
March 6, 2019 at 8:20 am
I MAKE COLD PROCESS SOPA BUT AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW THINGS TO TRY
Denise Ekstam
March 6, 2019 at 9:40 am
Fell in Love with soap making when I made my first M&P soap for my son’s eczema. Now just getting into CP and can’t learn enogh… Love it so much, and would love it even more to have a buisness in it one day!
Nancy Gullette
March 6, 2019 at 10:22 am
I love making HP soap because your results are immediate (almost).
Dawn Kaaihue
March 6, 2019 at 5:02 pm
My favorite method is CPOP. Gets you a harder bar faster and reduces the time for curing.
I would love to learn liquid soap making and hot process.Heather
March 6, 2019 at 5:45 pm
I would have to say CP soap, I love the scents and colors and how creative you can be.
Deb Knott
March 7, 2019 at 8:26 am
I’ve never made soap. But I really want to learn how to. I already make some of my own skincare/haircare products. I enjoy using essential oils to get just the right fragrance. Keeping my fingers crossed for this giveaway!
Cari
March 7, 2019 at 9:21 am
I love making melt and pour soap because you can really get creative with additives. Thanks for the great recipe and giveaway!
Margie Riley
March 7, 2019 at 10:10 pm
I haven’t made soap in 40 years, there are so many new recipes. I’d love to start making soap again now that I’m retired, teach my family & give some away.
Jennifer Schnell
March 7, 2019 at 11:58 pm
I am new to soap making. I started by making melt and pour soaps as gifts for my student’s parents this Christmas. I was hooked and I have now made several batches of cold process soap. It absolutely fascinates me that lye and water and some kitchen oils can combine to make soap!!! Just fascinating!!!
Alberto Paredes
March 9, 2019 at 10:00 am
I have been making melt and pour soaps for about 12 years and every time is a challenge and enjoinment . People I give them to, love them and complement them. I have a number of books but I have been following your page and the articles are very good and informative.
I could use some advise in regard to marketing over the internet, and product qualities to make the soaps, such as whole sellers of bases and essential oils. The ones I use are form Michael’s and Hobby Lobby’s bases, and essential oils from a variety of suppliers.
I would like to enter the opportunity to get your free book.
Thanks,Kathy woods
March 9, 2019 at 10:11 am
I’m still on the melt and poor soap
diane
March 9, 2019 at 3:37 pm
i would love to make my own soap.
TJ Brown
March 9, 2019 at 8:34 pm
My favorite shampoo bar is discontinued and the alternatives are expensive trials, so I found you in researching the possibility of making my own. I have most of the supplies already through my extensive love of crafting, and you make it seem approachable.
Jill Traxler
March 10, 2019 at 3:15 pm
I’d love to see cp soapmaking recipes for pine tar and salt bar soaps, please. Would also enjoy your version of a syndet shampoo bar, please. Thanks much!
- Rebecca D. Dillon
March 10, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Be sure to check out my recipes for pine tar soap here and here. I also have quite a few salt bar soap recipes you find via search here. Hope that helps and good luck with the giveaway!
Lynda
March 11, 2019 at 1:16 am
Recently took an intro to soap making class that used the cold process method. Since then, I have been scouring the internet looking for the perfect first recipe for me to try! Amanda Gail’s new book The Complete Guide to Natural Soap Making would be a great resource. I enjoy the information on your website!.
- T Saunders
March 11, 2019 at 9:22 am
Hi! I’m so interested to learn how to make all types of soap. We just moved the Rocky Mountain area and when man I tell you everyone’s hair, skin and nails are super dry, it’s dry. It’s a daily struggle. Not only is it the desert like climate but i think it’s the altitude that contributes to the lack of moisture. And of course, since it’s so beautiful where we live one can’t help but stay outside and enjoy the view. So I’ve decided to make our own skin care products that nourish our skin and it starts simply with our soap. Looking forward to reading your book.
Patricia Mcginty
March 11, 2019 at 7:53 pm
I would love to learn to make soap so that, just like my food, I know what is in it is good for me inside as well as out.
- Rebecca D. Dillon
March 12, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Congrats to Susan T. of Brunswick, GA! She won the giveaway for this book!
Amanda Gail
March 12, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Thank you so much for sharing, Rebecca! I am so grateful. I just love your blog.
- Rebecca D. Dillon
March 12, 2019 at 6:30 pm
You’re so welcome! Your blog is one of the newer favorites on my radar and it’s been a pleasure to share your book and knowledge with others!
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