The Best Natural Homemade Soaps

Olive oil is one of my favorite oils. It’s so versatile you can use it anywhere, in recipes, on your skin, on your hair, it conditions cutting boards, in baths, waterproofs work boots, like furniture polish, removes gum and sticky foods, and the list could go on. I recently learned you can also make soap with it. Surprised, me too!

The Best Natural Homemade Soaps features 40 recipes soaps made from moisturizing olive oil.

Starting a new hobby requires getting all the proper equipment and supplies. For soap making, you’ll need a scale, molds, spoons, heat source, thermometer, brown paper, containers, gloves, and goggles. You’ll also need to gather your necessary ingredients, water, lye, olive oil, essential oils, and a few more, reflective on the soap you are going to make. You’ll also want to make sure you are near an open window or have an exhaust fan running, or create your soaps outside if possible.

I’ve wandered through a few boutiques and soap stores that sell nicely scented and eye-appealing soaps; the fragrance lures you in. Most of the soaps are quite costly, so making your own is a good incentive to save a lot of money. Plus, you get to add your own special blend of herbs, oils, and scents that are nontoxic. Excited, me too!

As I peruse the book and see all the decadent soaps, I want to make them all. They all sound so soothing and comforting. First, if you’ll want to review the step-by-step photo overview on how to make your soaps. As a visual learner, I appreciate seeing these steps. They also have written instructions that are clearly explained. Now, you’ll choose which soap you want to make from the Recipes section, and gather your supplies.

I love honey and buy various kinds from local beekeepers. I think we all know about the health benefits of honey when ingested. But, I did not realize that when used topically, honey helps with scar tissue and soothes red, irritated skin. There is a special caution to use only high-quality honey. Large name-brand companies and major retail outlets do not offer a high-quality honey as they are usually mixed with additives to cut costs.

Each recipe has a cover page that talks about the main ingredients; it shares which ones to use, where to get them, and what value they offer. Flip to the next page and you’ll have the steps needed to make that particular soap. On the side column, there are Tips, Fun Facts, and Special Notes to help make your recipe a success. I found these quite enlightening.

Rosemary is another herb that has profound benefits on the body internally and externally. Rosemary is a skin disinfectant. It fights acne, dermatitis, eczema and any problem caused by excess oil production.

Homemade soaps are quite easy to make after the first time or two. Once you get the steps mastered, it’s a lot easier. Their heavenly aroma permeates the home and invigorates your senses, so you’ll feel eager to make them every week. I like the idea of making soothing and moisturizing soaps that are customized and offer therapeutic benefits. It’s fun to come up with your own formulas and mix a couple of ingredients for combined benefit. Who would have thought olive oil could offer so much love. I can’t help think what a nice gift this book would make too. I have a few friends that are always looking for a new craft to learn, and I think they would enjoy this book. It’s got lots of bright, vivid images, clear instructions, and divine recipes. I love it!

Disclaimer: I received product to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own, yours may differ.