Soap making is a fun and useful hobby. While making lye soap is not exactly suitable for children, that doesn’t mean that they can’t get in on the soap making fun. There are other ways to make soap that are simpler and less hazardous. Here’s a recipe for glycerin soap that is appropriate for preschoolers and older.

What You Will Need

* Glycerin soap (either bars or blocks)
* Soap dye
* Soap mold
* Microwave safe container
* Spoon
* Knife

Instructions

1. Cut a bar of glycerin soap into three pieces. If using blocks, cut two or three pre-measured pieces, then cut each into smaller chunks. (Only an adult should do this step.) You can purchase the glycerin base online at Amazon, or from craft, beauty supply, or health food stores.

2. Melt the soap in a double boiler over low to medium heat, stirring frequently.

3. Add soap dye. For pastel colors, use only a few drops. For darker colors, keep adding dye until the desired color is achieved. You may also decide to keep it clear, adding no color at all.

4. Pour into the soap mold and set aside. Allow to sit for an hour or two until hardened.

5. Once soap has hardened and cooled completely, pop it out of the mold. If it is stuck, place it in the freezer for a few minutes and try again.

Microwave Version

Place the glycerin soap in the microwave safe container, and microwave for about 20 seconds or according to directions that came with soap blocks. Stir, and continue microwaving 10 seconds at a time until the soap is fully melted.

**Use caution when removing soap from the microwave, and stir carefully to eliminate air bubbles. DO NOT let it boil. Soap that is heated too long or unevenly can erupt out of the container, causing burns.

Once melted, follow steps 3-5 above and use some of the tips and tricks below to all the kids to customize their own soap bars.

Soap Making Tips & Tricks

• You can use a clean dry cupcake pan as a soap mold to make multiple bars. Even a bread loaf pan could be used to make a larger bar that can then be cut into smaller bars.
• If you would like a scented soap, you can add a couple of drops of fragrance oil. Just make sure it’s safe for use on the skin, and remember that a little bit goes a long way.
• You can make a swirled soap by waiting until you have poured the soap into the mold, adding drops of dye, and swirling with a toothpick.
• Want a layered bar of soap? Add color to half of the melted soap, pour it into the mold, and let sit for about 5 minutes or until a “skin” forms on top. Then slowly pour the rest of the liquid soap (mixed with another color of soap dye if you like) on top.

Kids can have fun personalizing their own soaps with this easy soap making method. These make great birthday party favors, or gifts to give to Teachers, or just to keep for their own personal use. Having soap they made themselves may be just the thing to encourage more frequent hand washing too!

Related posts:

• The Difference between Cold Process Soap and Melt and Pour Soap
• Melt and Pour Soap
• Ideas for Molds
• Milling Soap
• Cocoa Butter Soap