Glycerin is a sweet tasting, odorless byproduct of the conventional soap-making process that most large, commercial soap manufacturers leave out of their finished product. Smaller soap manufacturers routinely create glycerin-based soaps, which are so easy to make, they are also known as "melt and pour" soaps, according to the Soap Making Fun website. You can make glycerin soap at home by following a few simple instructions.
Step 1
Obtain blocks of glycerin from your local craft store. Cut them into smaller pieces, so they will melt faster and more evenly.
Step 2
Place the glycerin pieces into the top of a double boiler, and turn on the heat. A double boiler is a pot, with an inch or two of water in the bottom, with another pot and lid placed on top. Boil the water, and place the item you wish to melt in the upper pot for gentler heat distribution and less chance of scorching. You can also use a microwave, but you will have less control over the process.
Step 3
Melt the glycerin from 150 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir gently as it melts or stop the microwave every 10 seconds or so to check on its progress and give it a stir.
Step 4
Spray the insides of rubber molds with alcohol to avoid bubbles forming after you have poured the glycerin. Add alcohol to any empty spray bottle to accomplish this. The molds can be in any shape you would like for your soap.
Step 5
Pour your melted glycerin into the mold. Fill it as high as you would like. Spray a little more alcohol onto the top to reduce bubbling.
Step 6
Personalize your soap by adding oils or dyes for fragrance and color. Use only 1 percent or less oil content for essential oils, and no more than 5 percent total oil content. Too much oil will make the soap cloudy and it could crumble, according to the Creative Spotlite website.
Step 7
Leave your soap in the mold for 24 hours at room temperature before you remove it. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in cling wrap to help prevent water absorption.
Tips and Warnings
- Use dyes that are designed for soap to make a better product.
Things You'll Need
- Glycerin
- Double boiler
- Microwave
- Alcohol
- Rubber molds
- Alcohol spray
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