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I’ve got the best books on soap-making for beginners, and some for experts too!
Making soap is such an enjoyable project for the whole family.
We’ve made homemade soap for years in the crock pot and I hope it’s a tradition my kids carry on to their families.
Homemade soap makes an amazing gift for your loved ones but we just love using it for every day.
If you are ready to get started, I’ve got book recommendations as well as supplies.
Best Books on Soap Making for Beginners
Homemade soap is nontoxic, great for acne-prone skin or eczema, and it’s fun to make!! I always feel so accomplished after making a batch of soap.
I love the simplicity of soap because you can make a beautiful bar with just lye and fat.
What fat you choose determines lather quality, skin conditioning and moisturizing, and shelf stability.
You can use a crockpot, or use a cold process method or even melt and pour if you are in a hurry.
Here are some books to get you started on your soap-making journey.
“Simple and Natural Soap Making: Creating 100% Pure and Beautiful Soaps”
Simple and Natural Soap Making
This book contains beautifully illustrated photos and easy step-by-step instructions for anyone ready to begin making soap.
It covers all the information you will ever need in a simple-to-understand way making it perfect for beginners.
“The Soap Maker’s Companion: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes, Techniques & Know-How” by Susan Miller Cavitch
This complete guide is a must-have for both beginners and advanced soap makers. Susan Miller Cavitch shares her expertise, guiding you through the process of creating your own soap from scratch.
Packed with detailed instructions, practical tips, and a wide range of recipes, this book will have you crafting healthy and fun soaps using essential oils and natural colorants.
Whether you’re interested in cold-process soap or liquid soaps, this comprehensive resource has got you covered.
“Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing, Natural Skin Care Soaps” by Anne-Marie Faiola
For moms who prefer a natural approach to skincare, “Pure Soapmaking” is the ideal companion. Anne-Marie Faiola, a soap-making expert, shares her passion for creating nourishing homemade soaps using organic ingredients.
With stunning photography and step-by-step techniques, this book takes you on a fun journey.
From cold-process soap recipes to liquid soaps, you’ll find an array of enticing options to explore.
“The Natural Soap Book: Making Herbal and Vegetable-Based Soaps” by Susan Miller Cavitch
The Natural Soap Book on Amazon
If you aspire to infuse your soaps with the goodness of natural herbs and botanicals, “The Natural Soap Book” is a treasure trove of knowledge. This book is an extensive guide to creating soap bars that incorporate the benefits of herbs from your own herb garden.
A practical guide emphasizes safety precautions while teaching you how to create natural soaps that are gentle on the skin and the environment. The perfect way to immerse yourself in the art of soap-making using natural products.
“Milk Soaps: 35 Skin-Nourishing Recipes for Making Milk-Enriched Soaps” by Anne-Marie Faiola
If you love the idea of incorporating dairy into your homemade soaps, “Milk Soaps” is a fantastic addition to your soap-making library. It introduces the art of making milk-enriched soaps, known for their moisturizing properties.
With simple recipes and advanced techniques, this book will guide you in creating bars of soap using milk from your own kitchen. Perfect for anyone with a farm or access to a dairy farm.
DIY Natural Melt and Pour Soap Crafting: Ultimate Guide to Making and Selling Colorful Soaps
DIY Natural Melt and Pour Soap Crafting
This book is like having a conversation with a close friend about how to make soap. It gently walks you through a simple process answering your questions along the way.
It covers the melt-and-pour method which may be safer for those not wanting to handle lye. She also covers the basics of selling soap for those who want to start a fun side hustle.
Soap Making Supplies for Beginners
Now that you have some amazing resources and recipes, it’s time to cover basic supplies. I like to keep my soap and supplies simple.
These soap-making molds are more than enough for any soap maker. I love the ruff cut look of soap and I don’t need any fancy shell molds.
I also use a crock pot and stick blender which are pretty standard kitchen items.
Personally, I don’t add a lot of extras to my soaps. Beef tallow is my favorite fat to use and a little coconut oil.
If you are looking for more detailed soap ingredients Bramble Berry has you covered.
I have to admit, making soap is pretty addicting. I love to see how fats and oils change the soap’s lather and skin conditioning.
Soap making does require very good measurements so no guessing allowed. I use a soap calculator to help me determine the amount of fat vs. lye I need.
With these good books and supplies by your side, you are well on your way to becoming a soap-making expert.
Making Soap as a Homeschool Project
Soap making has a rich history that dates back thousands of years which is perfect for a quick history lesson.
Ancient civilizations like Babylon, Egypt, and Rome discovered that mixing fats and alkaline substances created a cleansing product.
Over time, soap-making techniques advanced, incorporating essential oils and fragrances. Advancements in science led to commercial soap production in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The 20th century saw the introduction of synthetic ingredients and detergents.
So many families are making soap to get rid of those toxic chemicals. It’s a great learning experience to make soap together and learn about history while you’re at it.
Who knows maybe you have an entrepreneur in the family and you could help them sell soap and learn some business 101.
A fun project for any homeschooling family filled with the science of saponification, and lots of measurements for math. You could even use this for a STEM project!
Let us know if you have a favorite book on soap-making we missed!
