If you’ve wondered how to make lemon soap at home, you’ll be glad to know this is one of the easiest homemade soap recipes to start with. This easy lemon soap recipe uses natural ingredients, creates a refreshing citrus scent, and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Soap making is a practical homestead skill that lets you control what goes on your skin. When you use olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter in your own soap, you avoid harsh chemicals found in store-bought bars of soap. Learning how to make lemon soap is a simple way to begin experimenting with essential oils, lemon peel powder, and other natural ingredients.
Over the years, I’ve shared other easy soap recipes and skin care ideas. Favorites include my gardener’s soap recipe for scrubbing tough dirt, a lavender grapefruit soap with a refreshing scent, and a nourishing lavender tallow balm skin treatment. If you’re looking for more DIY beauty projects, try my harvest lip balm or my easy hair butter for dry hair.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Soap with Peels and Glycerin
This homemade lemon soap recipe uses a glycerin base and lemon peel powder for gentle exfoliation. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your own soap without handling a lye solution or worrying about the full saponification process. The bright citrus fruits add a natural yellow color and a refreshing way to clean up after working in the garden or kitchen.
Ingredients
To make about three lemon soap bars, gather these supplies:
- 1 lb glycerin melt and pour soap base (or goat’s milk soap base)
- ¼ cup lemon peel powder (or one tablespoon of fresh lemon zest from an organic lemon)
- 20–25 drops lemon essential oil (or blend with sweet orange essential oil)
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or coconut oil for added moisture
- Optional: shea butter for extra softness
- Soap mold (a silicone mold works best)
- Glass bowl for melting
- Airtight container for storing finished soap
Directions
This pour soap recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for beginners who want to explore homemade soap recipes with natural ingredients.
- Cut the soap base into 1-inch chunks or soap cubes.
- Melt in a glass bowl in the microwave on low heat, using 30-second intervals and stirring in between. Continue in second increments until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon peel powder or fresh lemon zest. Let the mixture cool slightly so the powder doesn’t sink to the bottom of each soap cavity.
- Add the lemon essential oil and stir thoroughly.
- Pour soap base into your silicone mold. Gently tap the mold to release air bubbles.
- Allow the lemon soap bars to set for about 2–3 hours or overnight in a dry place.
- Pop the bars of soap out of the mold and store them in an airtight container.
Next time, try adding a little shea butter or experimenting with goat’s milk soap base for a creamier bar.
Lemon Soap FAQs
Do you have questions about how to make lemon soap? The most common ones are listed here, but if yours isn’t answered, leave it in the comments below.
How do I make lemon peel powder at home?
Dry the zest of a lemon rind in a well-ventilated area until completely crisp. Grind into a fine powder with a spice grinder or blender, and store in an airtight container in a dry place.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon peel powder?
Lemon juice contains vitamin C, but it adds too much liquid, which may interfere with the soap-making process. It’s better to use lemon peel powder or zest for exfoliation and color.
How do I add color to homemade lemon soap bars?
The zest of citrus fruits naturally creates a light yellow color. You can also use other natural soap colorants available at a craft store, but avoid synthetic dyes to keep your bars free from harsh chemicals.
How long does homemade lemon soap last?
When kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, lemon soap bars last for several months. Store away from sunlight to help preserve the citrus scent.
Making Homemade Lemon Soap is Easy
Learning how to make lemon soap is a great way to start exploring homemade soap recipes with natural ingredients. Whether you’re making it as a gift, experimenting with essential oils, or adding another project to your soap-making process, this easy lemon soap recipe is one you’ll want to repeat. And if you’re looking for more DIY ideas, my gardener’s soap, lavender grapefruit soap, lavender tallow balm, harvest lip balm, and homemade hair butter are all great ways to keep building your natural skin care skills.
How to Make Lemon Soap with Lemon Peel Powder and Glycerin Base
Equipment
- 1 microwave
- 1 wooden spoon for mixing
- 1 silicone soap mold
Materials
- 1 lb glycerin melt and pour soap base
- ¼ cup lemon peel powder
- 20-25 drops essential oil
Instructions
- Cut up the melt and pour soap base into small squares.
- Melt in the microwave on low heat for 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between until it is completely melted.
- Next, add in the powder and stir thoroughly. Wait for it to cool for a bit so the powder is mixed throughout the entire soap.
- Add in your essential oils. Stir to mix.
- Then, pour into your mold. Wait a few hours or overnight until it is hard. Take out of your mold and enjoy!
Notes
Like this post? Save it, share it, and read it!
