How to make lump of coal soap
Whether you've been naughty or nice, these lump of coal hand soaps are a fun, simple project perfect for the holiday season.
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need.
EO Notes: You can also use soap-safe essential oils for this project. When using essential oils, be sure to check your essential oil's recommended usage percentage and IFRA Certificate. How to Make Melt and Pour Soap with Essential Oils.
Additional items needed:
- Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle
- Microwave
- Paper towels
- Latex gloves
- Sharp knife
OPTIONAL ITEMS:
- Activated charcoal
- Poppyseeds
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare your supplies and workplace
Wash your equipment, soap molds, and utensils in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Don’t forget your workspace! Avoid any cross-contamination by spraying the area with rubbing alcohol or a 5% bleach solution, then wipe dry with a clean paper towel.
Step 2: Prepare the melt and pour soap base
Remove the SLES & SLS Free Soap Base from the container and cut off about ¾ of the soap block. Cut this piece down into 1” (2.5 cm) cubes.
Weigh out 27 oz. (765 g) of the cubed soap base. Using the Funnel Pouring Pitcher or another microwave-safe container, melt the soap cubes in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir and melt for 30-second intervals stirring in between until the soap is fully melted.
NOTE: We love the Funnel Pitcher for pouring, but It was a tight squeeze to get all of the soap into the container. Be sure to keep your soap pieces cut small and push them down into the pitcher as much as possible before melting.
Weigh out and add 1 oz. (28 g) of the Tonka and Oud fragrance oil to the melted soap base. Stir gently but thoroughly, being careful not to stir up too many bubbles.
Add 8 drops of the Black Vibrant Liquid Soap Dye to the melted soap. Stir gently until the dye is completely mixed into the soap.
OPTIONAL STEP: If you’re using activated charcoal or poppyseeds, add them at this stage. We’d recommend adding 3/4 tsp. (3.75 mL) of the activated charcoal and 1 1/2 tsp. (7.5 mL) of poppyseeds.
Step 3: Pour soap base into the mold
Pour soap into the circle mold and spray the surface with alcohol to remove any bubbles. They should be cooled completely after about 3 hours.
Step 4: Remove the soap from the mold
Once the soap has cooled completely, remove it from the silicone mold.
Step 5: Make the 'coal' shapes
Place your cooled soap on a cutting board mold side up. With a sharp knife, cut slices of soap off at an angle. We went around in a circle twice, cutting larger slices first, and then smaller slices on the second pass.
Step 6: Package and ENJOY!
There are some fun possibilities for packaging these lump of coal hand soaps. We decided to shrink wrap the soaps individually and put them in a small drawstring bag. We completed the look with a small square tag from Avery WePrint - head over to avery.com/candlescience to get started designing your own and take 10% off your label order!