Easy Loofah Soap Recipe: How to Make Your Own Exfoliating Bars at Home

If you want a simple and enjoyable DIY project that brings a bit of luxury to your day-to-day, try this loofah soap recipe! It’s a soap that lightly scrubs your skin, making you feel refreshed and ready for anything.

Unlike cold-process soap making, this one doesn’t involve handling lye. It uses a melt-and-pour method, making it simple and error-free, whether it’s your first time making soap or you’re already experienced.

These soaps are also great for your own use and can also be wonderful gifts. You can even personalize them with your chosen scents and colors for any event or mood – a fun and useful way to treat yourself and your loved ones! Plus, creating something beautiful and practical by yourself is always fulfilling. So, give it a try!

hand holding loofah soap

Easy Loofah Soap Recipe

An easy melt and pour soap recipe with an invigorating twist: loofah in the center helps exfoliate your skin and a citrusy fragrance leaves you ready to seize the day.
Prep Time 30 minutes
cooling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Serving Size 9 bars

Equipment

  • Microwave safe mixing bowl (or large measuring cup)
  • Spatula
  • Individual cavity soap mold (round is best)
  • Cutting board
  • Toothpick (optional for pushing down the loofah)
  • Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol (optional for dispersing powdered colorant)

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Prepare the mold and loofah slices.  Place the loofah slices into each cavity of the soap mold. Then, trim them if necessary to make sure they fit well.  It's best to prepare the mold before melting the soap base to prevent the soap from cooling too quickly.
    dried loofah pieces in soap mold
  • Cut the soap base into chunks.  Using a sharp knife, chop the melt-and-pour soap base into small chunks to help the soap melt faster. No need to be precise—roughly cut pieces work just fine.
    cutting board chopping up base
  • Melt the soap base.  Place the soap chunks in a microwave-safe container, such as a large Pyrex measuring cup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until the soap completely melts. Be careful, as the soap will be very hot.
    partially melted clear soap base
  • Add the color and fragrance.  If you’re using powdered colorant, mix it with rubbing alcohol to help it disperse evenly.  If using a liquid color, simply add it directly to the melted soap.  Stir in the fragrance oil and mix thoroughly with a spatula.
    spatula mixing pink colorant into liquid soap
  • Pour the soap batter into the molds.  Carefully pour the melted soap mixture over the loofah slices in the mold. It’s okay if the loofah sticks out on one side. If you want the loofah fully submerged, use a toothpick to push it down while pouring.
    pyrex container of soap batter pouring over loofahs in mold
  • Allow the soap to harden.  Let the soap cool and harden for at least 4 hours. For larger bars, you may need to wait up to 8 hours. Once the soap is fully set, gently remove it from the molds.
    cooled bar of soap being removed

Notes

The type of soap base you choose is essential.  Go for a clear, good-quality melt-and-pour base.  It melts more smoothly, produces a less bumpy soap, and improves the smell.
When your soap has melted, it’ll start to get solid again pretty quickly.  So, have all your mix-ins ready when the soap is all melted.  This way, you can mix everything nicely and smoothly without any lumps.
You can choose any smell and color you like!  I like the combination of pink and grapefruit because it’s bright and fresh.  But you could also go for something sweet or flowery with this recipe.
For my soap, I picked a pink colorant called mica from Nurture Soap and a scent called Energy Fragrance from Brambleberry.
Different fragrance oils have different strengths.  If you like your soap more fragrant, add more, but try not to use more than 3% of your soap’s total weight to keep the soap feeling right.  It’s a good idea to try a little batch first to see if you like the smell.
When you add coloring, stir it well until it’s mixed in.  This helps avoid any uneven spots or lines in your soap.  A tiny whisk or fork works great for mixing the color in well.
If you decide not to add color, your soap will still look nice and be transparent.
Wait until the soap is excellent before trying to remove it from the mold.  If you try too soon, the soap might crack or break.
The loofah might initially feel scratchy but will get softer once you use it.

Ever since I began crafting these loofah soap bars, I stepped up my daily self-care. The soft scrub from the loofah and the zesty smell make each shower feel extra special. They’ve quickly become my favorite project because they turn out so lovely, and I can mix and match different smells and colors. What’s great is how simple they are, even if you’re starting. After creating my first set, I was hooked. Now, I always keep some ready, and they’re gone in no time because my friends keep asking for them!

If you want to explore more advanced soap-making techniques, I also have a collection of cold-process soap recipes you might enjoy.

bars of soap in stack

I hope you love it as much as I do!

Tips for the Best Loofah Soap

  • Keep the room warm enough when making soap because if it’s too cold, the soap will harden faster than you want. A room that’s just warm enough will make pouring easier and help the soap look smoother.
  • If you heat the soap in the microwave for too long, it might burn. It’s best to heat it in short bursts, like 30 seconds, and then stir. This stops it from getting too hot and helps it melt evenly.
  • Melt and pour soap should cool down for at least 4 hours before removing it from the mold. Once solid, it doesn’t have to cure like other soaps, but if you wait a week before using it, it’ll last longer. Once you’re comfortable with melt-and-pour, you can explore more advanced methods that involve working with lye, like cold-process soap. Before you get started, read up on lye safety to make sure your soap-making experience is both fun and safe!
  • To remove bubbles on the top, you can spray some rubbing alcohol over the soaps right after pouring them. This leaves you with a smooth top.
  • If the soap won’t come out of the mold easily, don’t yank on it. Just put the mold in the fridge for a short time, like 10–15 minutes, and it should come out easier.
  • If the loofah moves around too much when you pour the soap on it, cut it so it fits better in the mold, meaning it won’t float away.
  • Sometimes, the loofahs are too big for the mold, but you can cut them to fit in half or into a smaller round shape.
  • For those who make a lot of soap, having a separate spatula and measuring cups is useful. But at least clean the ones you used in vinegar and water to eliminate any soap smell.
  • Cover the soap you’ve melted but haven’t yet poured with cling film when making batches of soap at once. This stops a skin from forming on it as it cools.

Key Ingredients and Tools

When crafting this loofah soap, here are essential tools and ingredients you’ll need to make sure it turns out well.

sponges, mold, and other supplies laid out on counter
  • Loofah slices: These natural scrubbers are derived from the loofah plant, which you can buy at health stores or online. They’re great for scrubbing away dead skin, making your soap more efficient at exfoliating. If unavailable, you could use a natural sponge or pieces of exfoliating gloves for a similar scrubbing effect.
  • Clear melt-and-pour soap base: This ready-to-use soap base can be melted down easily and form your soap’s core. Choosing a good quality base is crucial for it to melt properly and have a smooth feel.
  • Fragrance oil: Choose fragrance oils that are safe for your skin and meant for soap-making. Don’t use perfumes or essential oils not intended for use on the skin, as they might lead to irritation. You can also substitute essential oils such as lavender or peppermint. Just add a little at a time so the smell isn’t too strong.
  • Mica powder: It’s used for adding color; this powdered pigment is common in makeup and soap-making. It provides beautiful, natural shades and doesn’t block pores. You can find it at craft stores or online. Try liquid soap color or natural options like cocoa powder or turmeric for coloring, though the hues might not be as bright.
  • Rubbing alcohol: Keep a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol ready to remove any bubbles on the soap’s surface after pouring so your soap looks smoother and more professional. Witch hazel is an alternative for removing bubbles, but it might also not work.

These tools and ingredients will greatly help the soap-making process, aiming for the best outcome. Equipped with these, you’re on your way to making a fantastic batch of loofah soap!

Usage Suggestions

Match your loofah soap with an Olive oil sugar scrub, a gentle cotton washcloth, scrubbing gloves, hydrating body cream, fragrant bath salts, and a wooden soap holder for the perfect spa-like treatment.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use any type of loofah for this soap?

Absolutely! Just make sure the loofah is clean and dry before using it. If your loofah is too big, cut it into smaller pieces to fit snugly in your soap mold.

Do I have to use a microwave to melt the soap base?

Nope! You can melt the soap base on the stovetop using a double boiler. Just stir it regularly and keep the heat low so it melts evenly without burning.

Can I skip the colorant?

Of course! If you like a more natural look, you can leave the soap base clear or just add the fragrance. The soap will still work just as well!

Can I add other ingredients like dried flowers or herbs?

Yes, you can! Just be careful not to add too much, as large bits can clog drains or feel rough on the skin. Dried lavender, rose petals, or finely ground oats work well in small amounts. If you’re looking for inspiration, I have a collection of summer soap recipes packed with refreshing fragrances and vibrant colors that work perfectly with this melt-and-pour method.

Is there a specific type of soap mold I need?

Any soap mold works, but silicone molds are the easiest to use since they allow easy removal. Round molds work best for this recipe, but you can use any shape you like!

Can I remelt the soap if it starts to harden before I’m done?

Definitely! Just pop it back in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and stir until it’s fully melted again. You can keep doing this until you’re ready to pour.

How long do the soaps last once made?

Handmade soaps like this usually last several weeks, depending on how often you use them. Just keep them in a dry place on a soap dish that drains well to prevent them from becoming mushy.

These extra tips should make the process even smoother. Let me know if you have any more questions—I’m happy to help!

Storage Instructions

To store your loofah soap and keep it lasting as long as possible, it’s important to keep it dry between uses. Place the soap on a draining soap dish, like a wooden or slotted dish, to prevent it from sitting in water. This allows the soap to dry out completely between uses, helping it maintain its shape and texture without becoming mushy or soft.

For long-term storage, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This protects the soap from moisture and air exposure, which can cause it to deteriorate or lose fragrance over time. If you store it properly, your soap can stay fresh and usable for months.

It’s best to store the soap in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. A bathroom with poor ventilation may cause the soap to sweat or break down faster, so consider storing extra bars in a dry cupboard or drawer. Also, avoid placing the soap in excessively hot areas, like near heaters, as this can cause it to soften, melt, or lose shape.

I hope you have as much fun making this loofah soap as I do. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to bring a touch of luxury to your daily life, and it’s perfect for creating thoughtful, handmade gifts. The coolest part is that you can make it your own by choosing your favorite smells and colors, making each batch special.

Whether you stick to the basic recipe or mix things up with new combinations, this recipe is great for beginners and those who have made soap. Feel free to play with different shapes or extra ingredients like dried flowers or essential oils. Enjoy the making process, and have fun putting your unique spin on it!

stack of round, pink finished bars
picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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7 Comments

  3. I went a step further and powdered up some pink Himalayan salts and threw some in (with organic tangerine and grapefruit essential oils) as extra exfolient and it turned out awesome.. great recipe thankyou ☺️❤️

    Reply

  5. Thank you for sharing this easy tutorial on how to make the homemade loofah soap. Looks refreshing! Should try this!

    Reply