Handmade Lemon Lime Soap Bars
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This handmade Lemon Lime Soap is so fresh and zesty and smells divine! These citrus soap bars use just four ingredients and are perfect not only for use at home, but also make wonderful handmade gifts, and even party favors. Making your own soap is fun, and easier than you think, and I’m going to show you how!
I’ve shared lots of great craft ideas on The Purple Pumpkin Blog over the years, in fact, there are 100+ crafts to make and do at home that you can try.
Lemon Lime Soap
Why is homemade soap better?
I’m not going to preach that I know all about commercial soap because I don’t – but with most things in this world, homemade is pretty much always the better choice because we know what has gone into making that product.
These lemon lime soap bars are made with a goats milk base which is naturally high in vitamins and minerals and rich in butterfats making it a great moisturiser. Using homemade soap helps to ensure you are using ingredients that are as natural as possible on your body. Plus it’s a great hobby and fun to do!
RELATED READING: 30+ DIY Bath Scrubs & Bath Bombs
Soap Making Supplies
To make these lemon and lime scented soaps you will need:
- melt & pour goats milk soap base
- lemon essential oil
- fresh lemons
- fresh limes
Soap Making Tools
You will need a Pyrex measuring cup/jug or bowl to melt your soap base in, as well as a grater to remove the zest from the fresh lemons and limes used in these soap bars.
Additionally, you will need a silicone mold to shape your soap. This rectangular soap mold comes with a wooden box so that the bar holds its shape as it cools. It also has a wavy, and a straight edge scraper to cut the soap into bars.
A wooden stick is helpful for stirring the soap as it melts, and for mixing in other ingredients – a popsicle or lolly stick would work.
How do I make lemon lime soap?
Step 1: Zest fresh lemons and limes until you have half a tablespoon of each zest. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Cut the soap base into 1-inch chunks and transfer to a glass measuring cup/jug or a bowl to melt in the microwave for 30 seconds (or according to the package instructions) and stir with a wooden stick.
If the soap isn’t completely melted, stir and put back in the microwave for 10-second increments, stirring each time.
Step 3: Add the lime zest, lemon zest, and lemon essential oil to the soap base, and mix well before pouring into the silicone mold. You can sprinkle over more citrus zest if you wish.
Mist spray with some rubbing alcohol to help disperse any air bubbles, then leave to set for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Remove from mold and use a wavy edge scraper to cut into 2-inch bars. If you don’t have a scraper, use a large sharp knife instead.
Lemon Lime Soap Bars
Materials
- ¾ lb/350g melt & pour goats milk soap base
- ½ tablespoon fresh lime zest
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
- Rubbing alcohol spray
TOOLS
- Rectangular silicone soap mold & wavy edge scraper
- Large Pyrex measuring cup/jug
- Wooden stirring stick
Instructions
- Cut the soap into 1"/2.5cm chunks and place in Pyrex glass cup/jug or bowl. Melt the soap in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir. If it is not completely melted, put it back on for 10 second increments, until fully melted; stirring each time.
- Add the lime zest, lemon zest, and essential oil. Mix well.
- Pour into the silicone mold.
- Lightly sprinkle with more lime zest on top of the liquid soap mixture. (Optional.)
- Mist lightly with rubbing alcohol to help reduce bubbles.
- Leave to set for 3-4 hours.
- Remove from mold and use wavy scraper to cut the soap into 2"/5cm bars.
Video
Soap Variation Ideas
You could customise these soap bars with different fragrance oils and citrus zests. Why not try some of these combinations:
- Almond & Orange Zest
- Chocolate & Orange Zest
- Cinnamon & Orange Zest
- Honey & Lemon Zest
- Blueberry & Lemon Zest
- Peach & Lemon Zest
- Bergamot & Lime Zest
- Lemon & Lime Zest
- Mint & Lime Zest
- Mango & Lime Zest
- Coconut & Lime Zest