Lemon Soap

This was my first attempt at making soap. I decided to start by making soap with the Melt and Pour Soap Base purchased from a local craft store.

Original source: http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2013/05/homemade-lemon-soap-mothers-day-gift-ideas.html

Here are her instructions with my personal notes added. I will be making this again. It is easy, smells great and cleans well. I shared bars with 2 other people and they both loved it too!

Supplies:
1 1/2 cups Goats Milk Soap Base, cubed
4-6 drops Lemon Essential Oil (PK: use more)
Dried Lemon zest of 3-4 lemons (PK: I used 3)

Step one:
Cut soap into cubes and microwave in 30 second intervals (I like to use a large Pyrex measuring cup to melt the soap in). This recipe makes 3 or 4 bars of soap and I used about 15 cubes (PK: I used 13 cubes) of goat’s milk soap base.
Step two:
Melt soap for about a minute. Add another 15-30 seconds if it’s not completely melted. (PK: I started 30 secs. On high, then rest of time on power 7)
Step three:
Once soap cubes have liquified add a few drops of the lemon essential oil and the lemon zest; stir well.

PK: If using heat-sensitive molds, test temperature of liquid (use candy thermometer) to be sure it is not too hot (needs to be less than 150 degrees)

Step four:
Pour into soap molds and allow to harden for at least one hour. Press mold to release soap.

***Update: For longer lasting soap omit the lemon zest and use yellow soap dye for color (if desired). The essential oil will provide enough lemon scent without the lemon zest.