Package a couple of these up in a basket, add some scented
Dead Sea salts and it becomes a gift that anyone would love. This bar of soap is perfect for those days when you need some extra pampering. I’ve added some awesome Organic Jojoba Meal to a wonderful soothing Shea soap base and a sprinkling of Apricot Kernel Oil. Get ready to relax.
Supplies & Equipment Needed
Making an Exfoliating Massage Bar
Step 1: Cut the Soap Base- Cut 16 ounces of Shea Butter Melt & Pour soap into small cubes using a sharp knife.
Step 2: Melt the Soap- Melt the soap cubes in a microwave-safe glass container in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until fully melted. Avoid boiling to prevent a rubbery texture. If small chunks remain, stir them in to melt with residual heat.
Step 3: Add Fragrance Oil- Allow the melted soap to cool to around 135°F, then add 4 ml of Cranberry Yuzu fragrance oil using a disposable pipette. Stir slowly to incorporate without creating bubbles.
Step 4: Incorporate Apricot Kernel Oil- Add one teaspoon of Apricot Kernel Oil to the melted soap base. Stir gently until fully mixed. Note: Add no more than 1 teaspoon of oil per pound of soap to maintain good lather.
Step 5: Add Jojoba Meal Exfoliant- Gradually add 8 scoops of Organic Jojoba Meal (using a 0.15 cc scoop) to the soap base, stirring slowly between each addition to prevent clumping. Adjust the amount to your preference for texture.
Step 6: Prepare for Molding- Let the soap cool to about 125°F, stirring occasionally. When the soap begins to thicken and a thin skin forms, quickly pour it into your mold. This ensures the exfoliant stays suspended throughout the bar.
Step 7: Eliminate Bubbles- Spritz the top of the soap in the mold with alcohol to remove any surface bubbles.
Step 8: Let the Soap Harden- Allow the soap to cool and harden in the mold for 2-3 hours.
Step 9: Unmold the Soap- Carefully turn the mold over and gently press on the bottom to release the soap. If it doesn’t release easily, wait another 30 minutes or briefly place the mold in the freezer for 5 minutes before trying again.
Tips & Tricks for Your Exfoliating Massage Soap Bar
Customizing Your Exfoliating Massage Bar: To create different looks, experiment with the temperature at which you pour the soap into the mold. Pouring at cooler temperatures will keep the exfoliant evenly distributed, while pouring warmer will cause more exfoliant to settle at the bottom (which becomes the top of the soap). This is especially striking with textured molds.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Be patient when adding the exfoliant to your exfoliating massage soap bar. Adding it too quickly can cause clumping, while pouring the soap too hot may result in uneven distribution of the exfoliant or damage to your mold. Always stir slowly and pour with care to achieve the best results.
FAQs About Making Exfoliating Massage Soap Bars
How do I keep the exfoliant evenly distributed in my exfoliating massage soap bar?
Let the soap base cool to around 125°F before pouring it into the mold. Stir gently until the soap thickens slightly and a thin skin forms. This will help keep the exfoliant suspended throughout the soap.
What can I use as an exfoliant in an exfoliating massage bar recipe?
Common exfoliants include Organic Jojoba Meal, ground coffee, poppy seeds, and oatmeal. These natural ingredients add texture and gentle exfoliation to your exfoliating massage soap bar, enhancing the skin-smoothing effects.
Can I add more than one type of oil to my exfoliating massage soap?
While it's possible to combine oils, limit the total amount to 1 teaspoon per pound of soap base. Adding too much oil can affect the soap's lather and consistency. Stick to lightweight oils like Apricot Kernel Oil for best results.
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