How to Make Green Tea Soap

Make your very own green tea soap to reap the benefits the herb provides when applied to your skin. Clinical trial studies indicate that predominant polyphenols contained in green tea may prevent cancerous cells from developing, according to the National Cancer Institute's website. Another study cited in the "Skin Research and Technology" journal concluded that green tea extracts used in some skin care products also have protective qualities against sun damage. Get clean and get these benefits with a green tea soap that takes three to four hours to make.

Things You'll Need

• Matcha powder
• Knife
• Glycerin soap bars
• Microwavable dish
• Microwave
• Measuring spoon
• Mini-loaf pan
• Spray bottle
• Alcohol
• Freezer

Instructions

1. Purchase at least 1 1/2 tsp. matcha powder from a trustworthy online retailer or from a local health food store. Matcha powder is the primary ingredient used in green tea ceremonies, and can be found at the The Republic of Tea (republicoftea.com), Matcha Source (matchasource.com), and Teanobi (teanobi.com) websites. Ordering matcha powder online will most likely be the most cost-effective option, although you will have to wait for it to be shipped.

2. Cut the glycerin soap bars into tiny pieces with your knife, then melt the pieces in your microwave. Place 1 cup of glycerin soap pieces into a microwavable dish, insert them into the microwave, and melt them on high power. Glycerin soap bars can be found at most local drug and beauty stores, so you don't have to order them online.

3. Add 1 1/2 tsp. matcha powder to the melted glycerin powder, stir the contents together thoroughly, then pour the mixture into a mini-loaf pan. Spritz the top of the soap mixture with a spray bottle containing alcohol if bubbling occurs after pouring.

4. Let the soap harden for two and a half hours, or until it is hard when touched. Put the soap in your freezer and allow it to continue to harden for 15 minutes. Take it out of the freezer and let it sit for another 10 minutes or so. Turn the pan over and remove the green tea soap bar from the molding.

Tips & Warnings

• Fragrances and essential oils can be added to the glycerin and matcha powder mixture before hardening in order to create scents all your own.

References

• Snowdrift Farm: Making Melt and Pour Soaps
• National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health; Tea and Cancer Prevention: Strengths and Limits of the Evidence
• "Skin Research and Technology" journal; Protective Effects of Green Tea Extracts on Photoaging and Photommunosuppression; YH Li, et al.; Aug. 2009

Resources

• The Republic of Tea: Organic Matcha Powder
• Matcha Source: New to Matcha?
• Teanobi: Powder Tea