The Complete Guide to Natural Soap Making: Create 65 All-Natural Cold-Process, Hot-Process, Liquid, Melt-and-Pour, and Hand-Milled Soaps

by Amanda Gail Aaron

All-Natural Soap, All You Need to Know.

Match colors to scents, add essential oils, try a simple slab swirl or opt for a tiger stripe—the creative possibilities of homemade soaps are endless. Even if you're starting from scratch. If you're wondering where to find everything you need to know, open this book and get ready to fall in love with soap making.

The Complete Guide to Natural Soap Making is the ultimate DIY reference to master the processes, techniques, and recipes to start creating picture-perfect handcrafted soaps. With step-by-step tutorials and 65 completely all-natural recipes, you'll find lots of inspiration to create your very own recipes to sell, gift, or keep all for yourself.

Inside The Complete Guide to Natural Soap Making you'll

Discover the pleasures of soap making with this beginner-friendly guide to create your very own suds!

Genres: Nonfiction, How To

294 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2019

Reviews

[Andrex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know that descriptions of soapmaking have been discovered going back to 2200 B.C.? This author has been making her own soap since 2008. FYI none of the recipes contain palm oil.

Eight chapters:
All About Soapmaking * Essential Equipment and Ingredients * Cold-Process Soapmaking * Hot-Process Soapmaking * Liquid Soapmaking * Melt-and-Pour Soapmaking * Hand-Milling Soap * Finishing Touches

What's the difference between all the different types of soap? The author explains them in the first chapter. Lots of cool techniques shared with plenty of pictures! (Pictures are not beside the individual recipes but in the "How To' sections.) If you've wondered how to create swirly soap or even layered soap, it's all in this book!

IMPORTANT to note that you will need a digital scale that has metric measurements i.e. grams as ALL the measurements are in grams. When making soap, all ingredients are weighed. Yes, even the water! LOVE the way the title of each recipe is highlighted making them so easy to see.

As a family who makes their own soap I was interested to see what I would learn from this book. I am happy to report that this book contains a wealth of information along with having a LOT of recipes. We will definitely be referencing back to this for our next soapmaking marathon. At the end of the book you will find measurement conversion charts. This is followed by a recipe index, glossary, resources and indexes.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. That has not influenced my review with the thoughts and opinions above being my own. Thanks, Liz

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'v only made soap one time, so I'm not exactly a pro or the most qualified person to write a review on this book. That being said, I can offer a look at what it's like to read this book as a novice. For starters this is a gorgeous book, it's a little big and intimidating at first glance but I really like the lay out (could have used a lot more pictures though!). This book contains 65 soap recipes and is broken into 8 sections. The first two talk about soap making and provide a brief but necessary overview on what to expect, essential equipment, and ingredients. After that it jumps right in and the remaining chapters are broken into sections regarding the process behind them: cold process, hot process, liquid, melt and pour, and hand milling. Sprinkled throughout the recipes are tips and techniques as well as very detailed instructions. The last chapter is on finishing touches. Even though I haven't started any batches of soap yet, I'm really excited to try out some of these recipes. Mocha mint soap, cucumber scrub soap, rose clay soap, and charcoal soap are just a few of the 60+ recipes I can't wait to try out. An excellent guide for beginners as well as an excellent recipe book for even the most experienced of soap-makers.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started making soap about a month ago with 2 batches under my belt when I got the opportunity to review this book. It couldn't have been more perfect! One of the things that got me into soap, is to be as sustainable as possible. When looking online for recipes they all contained Palm Oil. I know they have what is considered sustainable palm oils available now, but when I think of Palm Oil all I think about is displace Orangatans. I don't know if this is true, but still don't want to risk it. This whole book is completely Palm Oil Free! I could not have chosen a better book! The information is complete and very well written. Even as a reletive beginner, I feel confident not only doing the recipes in the book, but I also fell comfortable making substitutions and tweaking the recipes to suit my wants and needs (not to mention using what I have on hand) I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to using natural products in their soaps. Suitable for any level of soap making experience. Oh, I almost forgot about the section on liquid soap. I had decided that liquid soap was just too much trouble, but after reading her instructions I feel that I may just give it a shot. Happy Soaping!

[zeknir · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay so i haven’t actually tried any of the recipes yet, but man, this is what i was looking for when i wanted simple recipes with actual natural ingredients! most of the recipes don’t require too many ingredients, she starts with simple one or two base-oil recipes and progresses from there (very logical, thank you), the recipes are intriguing, the bar design, use, color and scent all are cohesive, and the information seems very solid. the only qualm i have with this is that she chooses to use the microwave to warm solid oils instead of a double boil, but seriously, that’s my only complaint (she does mention that you can use the double boil but it’ll take longer). thank you for making a great soap making book. stoked to have found this, let you know how the recipes turn out as i work with it.

[Sandy Sandmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book walks you through soap making and how to do it through 5 processes - cold-processing, hot-processing, liquid, hand-milling, and melt-and-pour soap making. The author has a love for the natural and doing things in a way that won't hurt the environment. She methodically lays out all of the ingredients and tools one will need to make soap. I like that the author talks about each type of additive to the soap, whether it be oils, herbs, essential oils, etc. and how they affect the final product. All-in-all, the author takes what can be a complicated project and breaks it down to small bites for the novice soap maker. But, this book is great for soap makers of all levels of experience. This book makes me want to spend some time in the kitchen making my own soap now.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Robin Avrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have to say this is one of the most complete and informative soap making books I have ever read and used. Everything you need to know about soap making, all types, is in this book. Each recipe lists all supplies needed to complete the recipe - equipment, scents, base oils and colorants/additives. That is always a main issue when your never quite sure what you need and can’t locate, especially when your in a time crunch. Amanda has included very important ‘tips’ with each recipe. This prepares you ahead of time to possibly encounter issues. So far I have made four of the recipes with perfection. Absolutely recommend if you want to try something new and be confident in the end result.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book so I could learn about soap making and get different ideas for recipes. The book begins by explaining some different soap making techniques like cold-process soap, hot-process soap, liquid soap, etc. The author also goes over safety, how to use this book, equipment and ingredients needed.

Most of the techniques require Lye for soap making which means safety is very important-wearing goggles and gloves since its a chemical.

I was hoping the liquid soap making wouldn't be as complicated, but it requires lye as well, so I probably won't be using this book as much as I had hoped.

Lots of great ideas! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Shannon R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide to soap making will not disappoint!

It’s suitable for the beginner all the way to experienced! Not only is the information easy to understand, follow and gives expert tips - the book itself is just beautiful! The pictures alone bring excitement for new soap creations!

It is quite obvious Amanda takes everything into account. She gets the point of safety across without making soap making sound terrifying! Her recipes are easy to follow and the troubleshooting section helps create a stress free experience.

The all natural recipes (woo-hoo!!) are for several different forms of soap making! This guide is truly a complete guide! Soap can be natural and beautiful!

[Jodi Bremner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent! It is so informative, Amanda is a pro at making cold process soaps! She covers every topic you could possibly want to know as a beginner soap maker, and also a seasoned one. I have made MANY different soaps, and I still found lots of new ideas in this book, especially essential oil combos, to use in my own recipes. The book gives clear, concise, step by step instructions on each recipe, and also gives a new soapmaker the necessary information to feel confident to start! Buy it! You won’t regret it!

[Ellen Desrosiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love amanda aaron books . this soap book explains everything in detail and walks you thru every step i love the idea of natural colorants she tell you when to add them and how to mix them being a new soaper ive purchesed many books that i dont use i see myself using this book constantly the recipes are great whats really nice is she gives you ideas to tweek them to really make them yours once your comfortable .

[Laura Detrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is well laid out and has very clear instructions. There are chapters on cold process, hot process, melt and pour, and hand milled soaps. There is also a chapter on packaging, selling, and marketing soap. This book focuses exclusively on natural colorants and fragrances. I think it is a good beginner book, and the list at the back of suppliers and resources definitely made it worth checking out.

[Hauwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and informative

Well organized: starting with general soap processes, then providing detailed info (overview, process, troubleshooting, recipes) for cold process, hot process, liquid soap, melt and pour soap, hand milled soap. And then concluding with steps to formulating your own recipes as well as saying up a soaping business.
Learnt new tricks as well as found a few solutions to issues i faced. I recommend this book to new and experienced soapers. Great read

[Tanisha L Bruns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best formatted and easiest to understand of all the soaping books that I have read... and I have read many. I even feel comfortable with trying to make liquid soap now, because of how simply she wrote the steps & the great tips. Every soapmaker should have this book, from novice, hobbyist to experienced & professional. A MUST read.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book and can't wait to try out a bunch of the new things I have learned. This is a great resource for any level of expertise, especially a beginner like me I am sure you will love this as much as I have..PS the photography is very good also, great job.

[Julez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best soap book ever!! I’ve read a few and some of them are good other bad but this is hands down the best I’ve read. There is so much information but not too many pictures but that’s okay. The information is on point and it is easy to understand.

[Yvonne Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide for beginners and pros. All you need to know to make some soap at home.

[K Bayko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and helpful but definitely not needed in print form when Pinterest exists.

[Carol LeBoeuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great soapmaking book

Very descriptive, good teaching, describes every soap in detail. Love her format, doesn't leave anything out. She is an expert at soapmaking for sure.

[Huda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Veeeery very useful and include everything
I love the recipes i feel that i dont need to read anymore very recomended

[Jody A Mashensic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent

This book was absolutely amazing and very helpful. It is well written and intelligent.
Well rounded and covered the info I was looking for.
Thank you💖

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative!

I'm a new soap maker. I found this book to be very informative and educationally. I really appreciate the tried and true recipes.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I know everything I need to know about making soap. I am just not sure I want to make it now. I found the metric measurements confusing.

[Rajarshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oo

Ok this is is a great book to know steps of soap making using home ingidients and sell it to outside world. Thanks

[Stacia Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully loaded book with all the necessities needed for soapmaking. I've made melt and pour and after reading this, I'm ready to step it up a notch. The recipes included sound divine.

[Nguyen Thanh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to know how to make a natural soap by handmade.
Pls help me to know it!

[Shelby Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much about soap making from this book! Great recipe ideas & very useful for decorative tips :)