How to Make Non-Glycerin Soap

This recipe for non-glycerin soap uses grated castile soap. It's fantastic for sensitive skin and can be made using any scent you like. This method makes approximately two 4-ounce bars or balls of non-glycerin soap. Preparation time is approximately 45 minutes. This soap will leave the skin feeling nourished, soft, and clean.

Things You'll Need

• 2 (3.5 ounce) bars of castile soap Grater Lanolin Small pan or double boiler Cornmeal Crushed lavender flowers Essential oil Sweet almond oil Wax paper

Instructions

1. Grate the two bars of pure, unscented castile soap with a grater. Combine the grated soap with 1 tablespoon of lanolin in a small saucepan or double boiler. Heat over low heat until the mixture has reached a soft, mushy consistency, stirring constantly.

2. Remove the mixture from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of cornmeal, 1 tablespoon of crushed lavender flowers, 10 drops essential oil of choice (lavender is recommended, but not necessary), and 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Stir to thoroughly combine.

3. Oil your hands with sweet almond, or any other vegetable oil. Form the soap into balls, or bar shapes, according to your own preference. The soap can be any size and shape you want, but don't make balls any larger than the size of a lime, or bars any larger than the size of a regular bar of soap.

4. Lay a large sheet of wax paper on a flat surface and place the soap on the paper to dry thoroughly. Allow the soap to dry for approximately 3 hours, although depending on size, this can take a little more or less time. Wrap dried soap in wax paper until it'sready for use, and store it in a cool, dry place.

5. Use this non-glycerin soap as you would any other soap. Do not allow it to remain in a puddle of water in the shower, or it will quickly melt. A wire soap dish is best to extend the life of the soap.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute crushed peppermint leaves, or any of your other favorite herbs for your skin type for the crushed lavender flowers. Try adding a few drops of soap coloring to the mixture before adding the corn meal, if you prefer colored soap. Castor, jojoba, or high quality olive oil may be used in place of sweet almond oil, if necessary or desired. All ingredients used to make this non-glycerin soap can be found at local health food stores, craft and hobby stores, or ordered online.