Easy DIY Turmeric Soap Recipes

PDF download Download Article
Make a homemade turmeric-infused soap that nourishes your skin and smells amazing
PDF download Download Article

Turmeric has many skin benefits, and is great for acne and aging skin. It can also help whiten your skin and make it appear brighter. [1] It's most commonly used in face masks, but if you don't like to use those, then turmeric soap may just be the answer for you. Soap making is fun and easy, once you know what to do. Cold process soap is completely natural, but if working with lye intimidates you, then you can use a melt-and-pour base instead.

A Quick Guide to Making Melt-and-Pour Turmeric Soap

  1. Cut the soap base into chunks and melt it in the microwave.
  2. Add a few teaspoons of essential oil or fragrance oil.
  3. Stir in about a teaspoon of ground turmeric.
  4. Pour the mixture into a mold and tap the mold gently to expel air bubbles.
  5. Let the soap cool for 12 to 24 hours, then remove it from the mold. Voila!
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Melt-and-Pour Soap

PDF download Download Article
  1. This will make the soap easier to melt in the next step. [2] Some melt-and-pour soap bases have a grid molded into them; you can use this as a cutting guide.
    • You can use any type of base you want. White glycerin is popular, but goat milk or shea butter would be more luxurious!
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Place the cubes into a glass, microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave at 15 to 30-second intervals until the soap base melts. Stir the base between each interval.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Plan on using about 1 teaspoon. This will give your soap a bright, golden-yellow color. If you want something deeper, you can add in a little bit more.
  4. You will need 2 teaspoons total of either oil. You can use just one type of oil or a combination of 2 to 3 oils for a unique fragrance. Great choices include lemon and lavender. Thyme essential oil pairs especially well with turmeric. [3]
    • For a more subtle fragrance, use less essential oil.
    • If you are using essential oils instead of soap making fragrance oils, make sure that they are skin safe.
    • Do not use candle-making fragrance oils. They are not the same thing, nor are they skin-safe.
  5. A great choice would be ground oatmeal because of how beneficial it is for skin, especially acne-prone skin. You can also use other exfoliants as well, such as ground apricot seeds, which you can get in the soap making section of an arts and crafts store. Plan on using about 1 tablespoon of your desired exfoliant.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Keep stirring until the color and texture are consistent. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl often. If you added in an exfoliant, be aware that it may settle. This is normal.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Use the rubber spatula to help scrape the bowl clean so that you don't waste any of your soap base. You can find soap making molds in the soap making aisle of an arts and crafts shop. You can also find them in online stores that specialize in soap making supplies.
    • Make sure that the soap is less than 145°F (63°C) before pouring it into plastic molds, or the molds may warp.
  8. This will bring any air bubbles to the surface. If you see any, lightly mist them with rubbing alcohol.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Do not put them into the fridge or freezer. Even though this seems like a good idea, it will affect the interior temperature of your fridge or freezer. Your food may also get a soapy taste.
    • For a smoother finish, cover the top of the soap with plastic wrap before setting it aside to cool. Be sure to press the wrap into the soap. [4]
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    If the soap is hard to remove, you can put it into the freezer for up to 1 hour. This will help loosen the soap from the mold. Since the soap is already cooled off, it won't affect the interior temperature of your freezer. It also won't be long enough for it to impart a soapy flavor.
    • If you used a lager mold, cut the soap into smaller bars using a sharp knife. You should be able to get about 6 to 8 bars. [5]
  11. Unlike cold process soap, melt-and-pour soap does not require a curing time. Once you de-mold the soap, it is ready to use!
    12. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making Cold Process Turmeric Soap

PDF download Download Article
  1. Fill a pitcher with 15 ounces (425.243 grams) of water and add two bags of cold brew green tea. Leave the pitcher in the fridge overnight. Squeeze the bags the next morning, then discard them. [6]
    • Green tea is a great substitute for water thanks to its antioxidant properties.
    • If you don't want to use green tea, you can skip this step and use plain water instead.
  2. 2
    Pour the tea into a heat-safe pitcher. Use a digital scale to measure out 11.8 ounces (334.52 grams) of the prepared green tea. Pour it into a heat-safe pitcher. [7] You can drink any leftover tea, discard it, or use it in another recipe.
    • You must measure the water by weight. Don't use a measuring glass.
    • If you don't want to use green tea, fill the pitcher with 11.8 ounces (334.52 grams) of water instead.
  3. Put on a pair of safety goggles and heavy-duty rubber gloves. The type that you use to clean your kitchen work well. Open up a window. If you are working over your stove, turn on the exhaust fan. Lye is caustic, and the solution in the next step will get hot; it will also produce fumes. [8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Use the digital scale to measure out 4.9 ounces (138.91 grams) of lye (sodium hydroxide). Slowly add the lye into the pitcher. Give the solution a stir with a plastic or wooden spoon. [9]
    • Never add water to lye, or the solution will erupt. [10]
  5. Use the digital scale to measure out the oils and the butters first. Stir them together in a stainless steel pot, then melt them on the stove over medium heat. [11]
    • Do not use an aluminum pot for this. [12]
  6. Once that happens, stir the sodium lactate to the lye solution. Mix the turmeric powder into the oil-and-butter mixture using a stick blender. [13]
    • If you are using a wooden soap mold, use this time to line it with parchment paper.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Use a stick blender to mix the two together. When the mixture reaches a light trace, you can add a fragrance oil if you want to.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Once that happens, you are ready to add it to your mold. You have to work quickly during the next few steps as the soap base will start to set.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    The soap will likely form a rippled texture on top, similar to whipped cream. If you don't want this, use a rubber spatula to smooth it down. For extra texture, you could add a sprinkle of calendula petals on top of the soap.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Cover the soap with plastic wrap, then place a folded towel or blanket on top. If you are using a wooden mold, wait 1 day before continuing. If you are using a silicone mold, wait 2 to 3 days. [14]
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make Turmeric Soap
    Carefully de-mold the soap. Cut the soap into 10 to 12 bars. If you used a silicone mold, remove it, then wait 1 day before cutting it. If you used smaller molds to make individual bars, you don't have to cut them. [15]
  12. Place the soap someplace out of the way where it won't get disturbed, bumped, or moved. Once the soap has cured, it is ready to use.
    13. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What alternative can I use instead of rubbing alcohol to get rid of the bubble?
    Community Answer
    Take a teaspoon of baking soda and heat it in the microwave, then let it sit on the bubble for 1-2 hours.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Can I melt the soap base on the stove instead of in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler you can make one by putting a smaller bowl or pot inside a larger pot and putting the water in the lower pot.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Why does my soap dry my skin? I might give a formula of coconut oil and olive oil and sweet almond grape or lavender or castor oil or pomegranate kernel to make soap that is soothing. Thankful
    Community Answer
    You can use soothing oils. That is no problem. Your problem may be happening because the soap is washing away natural oils from your body which make you dry. They can also be irritating. You can try using less harsh soaps or use lesser soap. You may want to avoid hand-sanitizer because it has even more dryness. Since soap has water included in the process of washing, it’s not that dry but hand sanitizer makes it drier.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you are using an essential oil instead of a soap making fragrance oil, make sure that it is skin-safe. [16]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you are using a plastic soap making mold, you can add a rubber soap making stamp into the bottom, before you add the soap. This will create a pretty print on the top of your soap.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Can't find any soap making molds? Try silicone baking molds or silicone ice cube molds.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      Making Melt-and-Pour Soap

      • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) melt-and-pour soap base
      • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
      • 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal or other exfoliant of choice (optional)
      • 2 teaspoons soap making fragrance oil or essential oil
      • Glass, microwave-safe bowl
      • Rubber spatula
      • Soap making mold

      Making Cold Process Turmeric Soap

      • 4.9 ounces (138.91 grams) lye/sodium hydroxide
      • 11.8 ounces (334.52 grams) green tea or water
      • 8 ounces (226.8 grams) coconut oil
      • 2 ounces (56.7 grams) cocoa butter
      • 1.5 ounces (42.52 grams) mango butter
      • 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams) safflower oil
      • 1 ounce (28.35 grams) shea butter
      • 3 ounces (85.05 grams) castor oil
      • 1 ounce (28.35 grams) hemp seed oil
      • 2 ounces (56.7 grams) avocado oil
      • 15 ounces (425.243 grams) olive oil
      • 1 ounce (28.35 grams) 60% solution liquid sodium lactate
      • 1.5 ounces (42.52 grams) ground turmeric
      • 2 ounces (56.7 grams) fragrance oil, optional
      • Dried calendula flowers, optional
      • Digital kitchen scale
      • Heat-safe pitcher
      • Plastic or wooden spoon
      • Stick blender
      • Stainless steel pot
      • Thermometer
      • Soap making mold
      • Safety goggles
      • Heavy-duty rubber gloves

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Soap Bar at Home without Handling Lye
      How to
      Melt a Soap Bar
      How to
      Make Your Own Soap
      How to
      Make Handmade Soap
      How to
      Make Glycerin
      How to
      Make Lye
      How to
      Make Natural Organic Soap: A Beginner-Friendly DIY
      A Guide to Making Vegetable Glycerin At Home
      How to
      Make Ash Soap
      How to
      Cut Soap
      How to
      Make Liquid Castile Soap
      How to
      Make Glycerin Soap
      How to
      Make Black Soap
      How to
      Make Foaming Hand Soap
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a13064/turmeric-skincare/
      2. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/melt-and-pour-soap/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-melt-and-pour/
      3. ↑ https://wholenewmom.com/recipes/how-to-make-soap-how-to-make-homemade-soap/
      4. ↑ https://www.candlescience.com/learning/how-to-make-homemade-soaps-with-melt-and-pour-soap-base
      5. ↑ https://www.candlescience.com/learning/how-to-make-homemade-soaps-with-melt-and-pour-soap-base
      6. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/10/homemade-green-tea-and-turmeric-soap-recipe.html
      7. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/10/homemade-green-tea-and-turmeric-soap-recipe.html
      8. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/01/beginner-cold-process-soap-recipe.html
      9. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/10/homemade-green-tea-and-turmeric-soap-recipe.html
      1. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/01/beginner-cold-process-soap-recipe.html
      2. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/10/homemade-green-tea-and-turmeric-soap-recipe.html
      3. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/07/how-to-make-cold-process-soap-from-scratch.html
      4. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/10/homemade-green-tea-and-turmeric-soap-recipe.html
      5. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/10/homemade-green-tea-and-turmeric-soap-recipe.html
      6. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/10/homemade-green-tea-and-turmeric-soap-recipe.html
      7. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/melt-and-pour-soap/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-melt-and-pour/
      8. ↑ http://soapdelinews.com/2015/07/how-to-make-cold-process-soap-from-scratch.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Turmeric soap can make your skin appear brighter and help reduce acne and wrinkles. To make turmeric soap, you’ll need melt-and-pour soap, a microwave-safe bowl, turmeric, and a soap mold. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give the soap extra health benefits. Once you have your supplies, you'll need to melt the soap base, mix all of the ingredients together, and pour them into the soap-making mold. After 12-24 hours, the soap will be hard and ready to cut and use! For more tips, including how to get rid of any air bubbles in your soap, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 144,154 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement