Q&A for How to Make Glycerin Soap

Use a hammer/mallet on the bottom of the pan.

Glycerin soap is not glycerin, but soap with the addition of glycerin. Glycerin (glocerol, propanetriol is not soap, but an alcohol, and will not harden into a bar.

Typically, a controlled amount of lye is added to liquid glycerin/glycerol so that it will harden after heating.

No, any alcohol with a high percentage alcohol content will be fine,

Yes, since there no lye is used. It hardens pretty fast. You need to work with it fast if you want to add additives such as color, herbs or toys.

Yes, these items can be added to the soap.

Wait for the first layer to set. Once the first layer is set, you can pour the other color, which should not be fuming hot.

Not now, but in the future, I would recommend using any alcohol like Everclear that doesn't have such a powerful smell.

No, because it will not harden.

Yes, it bubbles less than regular soap but it does make bubbles.

Yes! However, it will not work as well as a cleanser.

You can add leaves after melting glycerin, but the glycerin should not be very hot and fuming.

Yes, this does help with demolding if you're using a solid (not silicone/thin plastic) mold. Just be careful not to spray too much, or you'll find you have to wipe down the soap afterwards, or you might even get an uneven surface in your soap from uneven oil application. Try using something like coconut oil or shea butter if possible.

You can buy rubbing alcohol sprays at online candle/soap suppliers. You can also but wooden loaf moulds online, as well as differently shaped silicone moulds. If you are thinking of making soap cupcakes, you can find silicone moulds in most general stores.

You cannot make basic soap with a pH7, there is no such thing. Any substance that has a pH above 7 is considered to be basic.

To slow down glycerin's hardening process, you can add water, reduce the cooling rate, or use viscosity-affecting additives. The optimal method depends on your specific application, such as soap making.

Yes, but this method is generally not recommended for the hardening process.

No, you cannot make soap from scratch using only liquid vegetable glycerin, as lye (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) is required to trigger saponification. However, you can use liquid glycerin in melt-and-pour soap bases, which are pre-made soaps that have already undergone saponification, allowing you to melt them, add color and fragrance, and mold them without handling lye.

You should know that adding sodium hydroxide (lye) to liquid glycerin will not cause it to solidify; instead, it will initiate a chemical reaction to make soap if fats or oils are also present. Pure glycerin naturally solidifies, or freezes, at a temperature of 64°F (17.8°C).

Yes, glycerin soap can be used as a hair bar soap, but it's generally more suited for skin. For hair, consider adding ingredients like conditioning agents, proteins, or oils that are specifically beneficial for hair care. Use a balanced formula for both cleansing and moisturizing to avoid stripping natural oils from the hair.

Extracting glycerin from soap is complex and usually impractical for home use. It involves saponification and separating glycerin from the soap mixture through boiling, settling, and filtering. This is typically done in industrial settings. It's easier to purchase glycerin directly rather than extracting it yourself.

One pound of glycerin soap base typically makes 2 to 4 average-sized soap bars, depending on the mold's size and design. The exact number will vary based on the volume of each mold cavity.

Add coconut oil, which enhances lather. A foaming additive like sodium lauryl sulfate can also help. Be sure the soap's pH is balanced to improve lather quality.

Reduce the water content or let the excess moisture evaporate. You can also add sodium lactate or stearic acid to increase firmness. Allow the soap to cure in a well-ventilated area for several weeks to improve its hardness.

Yes. They can add exfoliating properties and a natural scent. Just make sure to use it in moderation to avoid texture issues and strain it out if needed to prevent skin irritation.

Use a double boiler or microwave. For a double boiler, place the flakes in the top pot and stir occasionally until melted. In a microwave, heat in short intervals (15 to 30 seconds), stirring in between until fully melted. Avoid overheating to prevent burning.

Yes, but it will provide a more subtle fragrance and may not last as long in the soap. Lemon zest can add a pleasant, natural scent and some exfoliating properties. Just make sure to strain it out to avoid any skin irritation or texture issues.

You can substitute witch hazel or high-proof vodka. Both can help with removing bubbles and setting the surface of the soap.

A common guideline is to use essential oils at 1 to 3% of the total weight of the soap base. For example, if you have 1 kilogram (1000 grams) of soap base, you would use 10 to 30 grams of essential oil. This range helps achieve a noticeable fragrance without being overpowering or irritating to the skin.

Try adding shea butter or coconut oil to your recipe, as they can help make the soap creamier. You can also use a glycerin soap base with extra glycerin for a clearer soap base.