Creamy Orange Soap Bar & Bath Salt {DIY Gift}–Lather and Lotions

Creamy Orange Soap Bar & Bath Salt by Lather and Lotions

In this handmade soap tutorial we feature a soap that uses natural colorants {derived from plant sources}, organic melt and pour soap base and essential oils {no artificial fragrance}. This beautiful soap makes a rich, creamy lather that is scented with a creamy orange scent. We also added a bit of poppy seeds for some light exfoliation.

Essential oils have powerful effects when used in blends. When you blend two or more essential oils together you are creating a new compound with therapeutic effects. This is called synergy. A synergy is made up of two or more essential oils. The properties of each essential oil form a stronger combination than if the oils were to be used separately. These blends can be incorporated into soaps, bath salts, lotions and other bath and body products.

Creamy Orange Handcrafted Soap Bar

No artificial fragrances or colorants are used in this handmade soap.  Made in an organic oil soap base.  No sulfates.  100% good for your skin!

Ingredients

• 3lbs organic white soap base
• 2 tablespoons Annatto Seeds
• 2 oz. almond or light olive oil
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 oz. of Orange Essential Oil
• 1.4 oz. of Peppermint Essential Oil
• Silicone soap mold {loaf}
• Small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol

Makes 8-10 soap bars

Directions

• Heat your almond {or olive oil} in the microwave {or on top of stove} for about 20 seconds.  Oil should be very warm but not steaming hot!
• Place your annatto seeds into your warm oil.  Let your seeds soak overnight {or if you’re the impatient type a few hours, but the color might not be as strong}.
• Strain the annatto seeds out of your oil and save the oil {this is your colorant}.  You can save the seeds for another use, just rinse them out and let them dry.
• Cut 30 oz. of your organic soap base into 1/2 inch cubes.
• Place your 30 oz. of soap in a microwavable glass measuring cup in the microwave and heat for 1 minute and 30 seconds.  If you have a few small chunks of soap left stir slowly until melted.  If your soap chunks are still large melt for 15 more seconds.
• Add 3-4 tablespoons of your annatto seed colorant and stir slowly into soap base until well incorporated.  Don’t worry if the color looks too light, it will darken as the soap hardens.  We don’t want to add too much oil colorant because this can decrease your lather.
• Let your soap cool.  This is very important.  Let your soap cool down to about 120 degrees, even lower is better.  It will help your essential oils behave better in your soap!  If a skin forms on top of your soap while it is cooling just stir it back into your soap or get a fork and remove it.
• While your soap is cooling  pour 3/4 of an ounce of your orange essential oil into a small glass bowl.
• Next add about 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil to the same bowl.  Don’t worry if the peppermint hijacks your orange oil!  The peppermint will be stronger but will fade slightly.  This is normal.  We use the peppermint to create creaminess in the orange essential oil.
• When you have cooled your soap add your essential oils and stir {not too vigorously, it will add bubbles {air} to your soap} until well blended.
• Pour soap base into your mold but hold back an ounce or two of soap.  Let set for 1 hour or until the top becomes very firm.  This is your first layer of the soap.
• After your soap has set sprinkle about a tablespoon of poppy seeds on top of your soap.  Heat the soap you held back {about 10 seconds} and pour over the poppy seeds to help them adhere to the layer of soap.
• Cut 12 oz. of the remaining soap base and place into the microwave.  Heat for 30 seconds.  This is your top layer.  When soap has cooled down add a few drops of orange essential oil {about 10} and 1-2 drops of peppermint right into your soap base.

• Lightly score {with a fork or small knife make a series of small lines in the soap, this lets the first layer adhere better} the first layer of your soap.  Spritz some rubbing alcohol on your first layer of soap.  Let sit 5-10 seconds and then pour the rest of your melted soap base on top of your first layer.
• When the final layer of soap has set sprinkle your poppy seeds on top of the soap.  You can adhere the seeds by pouring a small bit of melted soap over them.

Now you have fabulous handmade soap!  You might also enjoy this Organic Lemon Poppyseed Soapmaking Kit!

And now for the beautiful bath salt…

Creamy Orange Bath Salts

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Dendritic Salts
• 2 cups of Epsom or Dead Sea Salts
• 12 drops of Orange Essential Oils {more info about my favorite essential oils at the bottom}
• 2-3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oils
• Optional – Calendula Petals {1/2 cup}

Dendritic Salts have a large surface which helps retain your essential oils and reduces clumping when making bath salts.  Making an essential oil salt blend is very easy and doesn’t take more than a few minutes.  We’ve also added some Calendula for some added color.  Calendula is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

Directions

• Blend your drops of essential oils into a small glass container and then add to your Dendritic Salt {make sure you use a glass bowl}.  Using a small whisk or fork stir the mixture.
• In a large bowl incorporate your Dendritic Salts to your Dead Sea Salts.
• Add your Calendula and toss the entire mixture until blended.
• Pour your bath salts into a glass jar.

Use a half of a cup of bath salts per bath…enjoy!

This lovely guest post was provided by Lather and Lotions…the best spot to buy your soap making products!

Thanks, Christine!

This post is part of our Summer Splash series!  Did you miss these posts??

• Shrinky Polka Dot Necklace Tutorial & Free Printable
• 12 Simple Sewing Patterns for Summer
• Cheat’s Mango Ice Cream Recipe & Printables
• 25 Mod Melts Crafts for summer fun!

~Kim

Are you interested in learning more about essential oils? They really are amazing!

I’ve been selling essential oils for a couple years now and have used them for over 5 years…so, please email me any questions you might have! I’d love to help you out! Kim@EverythingEtsy.com