Essential oils have become a go-to for anyone exploring natural wellness and beauty. From diffusers to massage oils, they’ve found their way into our homes, including into homemade soap formulations.
If you’re curious about how to make natural soap with essential oils or want to find the best essential oils for soap making, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create DIY essential oil soap using simple ingredients, safe ratios, and easy melt and pour recipes.
Why use essential oils in soap recipes?
Essential oils don’t just smell incredible, they also bring natural skin benefits depending on the oil you choose. From calming lavender to clarifying tea tree, essential oils turn a plain soap bar into a luxurious aromatherapy experience.
Perfect for anyone starting out with DIY soap making, essential oils offer an easy way to create homemade soap recipes with a personal touch, whilst avoiding synthetic fragrances and harsh ingredients.
Best essential oils for soap making
Not sure which oils to choose? Here are some of the most-loved essential oils for handmade soap:
Calming, anti-inflammatory, great for all skin types.
Energising and brightening; use in moderation for sensitive skin.
A luxurious floral with balancing properties.
Antibacterial, ideal for blemish-prone or oily skin.
Great for balancing oil and uplifting mood.
Gentle and soothing for sensitive skin.
Cheerful, citrusy scent that blends beautifully with spices.
Earthy, grounding, and great for calming blends.
Deeply relaxing with a rich, smoky aroma.
Softly floral with skin-balancing properties.
Essential oil ratios for soap
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be used with care in soap making.
A commonly recommended usage rate for wash-off products like soap is up to 3% essential oils for body soap. This guideline is based on general safety recommendations from sources like the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and widely accepted practices in natural skincare formulation.
However, essential oils vary in potency. Some oils (eg. cinnamon or clove) should be used at much lower percentages, while others (eg. lavender) are generally gentler on the skin.
We always recommend checking the IFRA usage limits for each essential oil and doing your own research before formulating. You can also start lower (1–2%) if you're working with sensitive skin types.
How to make essential oil soap at home
Making your own essential oil soap is simple, fun, and customisable. This easy melt and pour method is perfect for beginners and only takes a few ingredients to get started.
You’ll Need
- 100g Melt and Pour soap base (available at INKY)
- 30 - 60 drops of your chosen essential oil blend (see recipes for inspiration below)
- An 100g soap mould
- Rubbing alcohol spray (to reduce surface bubbles)
- A microwave-safe bowl
Method
- Cut your melt and pour soap base into small, even chunks to help it melt smoothly.
- Place the chunks into your microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in short bursts - microwave for 30–45 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Add your essential oil blend and stir thoroughly to distribute the oils evenly.
- Pour the liquid soap into your mould.
- Spritz the surface lightly with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.
- Let the soap set at room temperature for at least 6 hours, or until fully hardened.
- Once set, unmould and store in a cool, dry place.
This is one of the easiest ways to start DIY natural soap making at home with no lye or curing time required. Just melt, blend, pour, and enjoy your own handmade essential oil soap in a few simple steps.
DIY natural essential oil soap recipes to try
Modern Calm
A gentle, grounding blend to soothe the senses and support a mindful wind-down.
- 12 drops Lavender
- 10 drops Geranium
- 6 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Vetivert
Great for evening baths, relaxation rituals, or stress-prone skin.
Clear Glow
A fresh, clarifying blend designed for sensitive, blemish-prone, or oily skin types.
- 10 drops Tea Tree
- 10 drops Lemon
- 6 drops Rosemary
- 4 drops Geranium
Great for post-workout bars, skin-balancing soap, or a gentle clarifying cleanse.
Floral Dream
A soft, spa-inspired floral that feels luxurious while being kind to delicate skin.
- 10 drops Ylang Ylang
- 10 drops Lavender
- 6 drops Sweet Orange
- 4 drops Palmarosa
Great for everyday self-care, or a brightening morning shower.
Safety tips for essential oil soap
While essential oils are natural, they can also be very potent. Here's how to stay safe:
- Never apply essential oils directly to the skin without dilution.
- Always patch-test your soap.
- Keep away from eyes, children, and pets.
- Store your oils and soaps in cool, dry places to preserve their aroma and potency.
Final thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at homemade soap with essential oils, now’s the perfect time. These simple DIY natural soap recipes are an easy, fun way to explore aromatherapy at home and they make fantastic gifts, too!
All the essential oils mentioned above (and more!) are available on inky-ingredients.com, your trusted source for natural soapmaking ingredients and oils.
