Aloe Vera Soothing Soap

Aloe vera is nature's ultimate soother, making this gentle soap perfect for anyone dealing with sensitive skin, sunburns, minor irritations, or post-procedure skin care. This beginner-friendly melt and pour recipe incorporates real aloe vera gel for maximum therapeutic benefit while maintaining the simplicity and speed of melt and pour soap making. The cooling sensation of aloe combined with the gentle cleansing action creates a bar that feels refreshing and soothing on stressed skin. Perfect for summer seasons, this soap makes an excellent gift for those with reactive or compromised skin barriers.

Ingredients

Base

• 2.0 lbs (908g) white or cream melt and pour soap base

Aloe and Botanicals

• 0.5 cup (120ml) fresh aloe vera gel (or 3 tbsp aloe vera powder mixed with 1.5 oz distilled water)
• 1.0 oz (28g) fractionated coconut oil
• 0.5 tsp (2ml) vitamin E oil

Fragrance (Gentle Options)

• 0.4 oz (11g) unscented fragrance oil or gentle floral fragrance
• Optional: 0.1 oz chamomile essential oil (very diluted for sensitive skin)

Color (Natural)

• Clear or very pale color from aloe
• Optional: 1/8 tsp light green mica (for pale green appearance)

Equipment Needed

• Microwave-safe glass bowl or double boiler
• Thermometer
• Digital scale
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or food processor (if using fresh aloe)
• Fine mesh strainer
• Silicone molds (14-18 cavity)
• Spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol
• Cooling surface
• Clean cloth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Aloe Vera Gel

If using fresh aloe vera: Cut a fresh aloe leaf lengthwise, scrape the clear gel into a blender, and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh to remove any plant fibers. You should have approximately 0.5 cup of clear, smooth gel. If using aloe vera powder: Mix 3 tbsp powder with 1.5 oz distilled water in a small bowl, stirring until completely smooth. Either way, aloe should be completely lump-free before adding to soap.

Step 2: Prepare Oil and Vitamin E Blend

In a small bowl, combine fractionated coconut oil (1 oz) with vitamin E oil (0.5 tsp). Stir together gently. This blend provides additional moisturizing and healing properties that complement the aloe vera. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare Fragrance Blend

If using fragrances, measure 0.4 oz unscented fragrance or gentle floral fragrance into a small container. If using chamomile essential oil, measure 0.1 oz and have it ready. For sensitive skin soap, avoid overwhelming or synthetic fragrances. Some soap makers choose to make unscented aloe soap for maximum sensitivity consideration.

Step 4: Set Up Workspace

Arrange all ingredients and equipment within easy reach. Place silicone molds on a clean, level, stable surface at room temperature (68-72°F). Ensure your workspace is clean and dry, as this recipe works better without excess humidity.

Step 5: Cut and Weigh Soap Base

Remove melt and pour soap base from packaging and cut into 1-inch cubes. Using your digital scale, measure exactly 2 lbs of cubed soap. Set aside any excess for future batches.

Step 6: Melt Soap Base

Place cubed soap in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler with simmering water. Target temperature is 160-165°F. Keep the temperature as low as possible for this recipe, as aloe vera can lose some therapeutic properties if overheated. Do not exceed 170°F.

Step 7: Verify Temperature and Clarity

Using your thermometer, confirm the soap has reached 160-165°F and is completely melted with no lumps. The soap should be clear and fluid. If overheated above 170°F, let it cool for 2-3 minutes before proceeding.

Step 8: Add Aloe Vera Gel

Slowly pour the prepared aloe vera gel into the melted soap while stirring gently and constantly. Add gradually over 1-2 minutes to prevent shocking the soap with the cool aloe. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until completely incorporated. The soap should take on a pale, milky appearance as the aloe blends in.

Step 9: Incorporate Oil and Vitamin E Blend

Pour the fractionated coconut oil and vitamin E blend into the soap and stir gently but thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. The oils integrate fully with the soap base, adding additional moisturizing properties to the already-soothing formulation.

Step 10: Add Fragrance

If using fragrance, add your chosen option (0.4 oz unscented or gentle fragrance) and stir gently for 1-2 minutes. For maximum gentleness on sensitive skin, you may choose to skip fragrance entirely or use only 0.1 oz chamomile essential oil. Gentle stirring prevents excessive aeration which can introduce bubbles into sensitive skin bars.

Step 11: Optional Color Enhancement

If using light green mica for a pale green appearance that suggests aloe, add 1/8 tsp and stir gently for 1-2 minutes. The soap should have a pale, calming color. If you prefer to keep it completely clear/white, skip this step.

Step 12: Cool Before Pouring

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 2-3 minutes. It should still be pourable but not piping hot. This cooling period helps the aloe components settle into the soap matrix properly.

Step 13: Pour into Molds

Carefully pour the aloe vera soothing soap into silicone molds, filling each cavity 3/4 to full. Work at a steady, even pace. If the mixture begins to thicken or separate, stir gently (don't reheat if possible, as heat can compromise aloe properties) or reheat very briefly (5 seconds only) if absolutely necessary.

Step 14: Eliminate Air Bubbles

Inspect for surface air bubbles, which are more critical to remove in sensitive skin products. Lightly spray with isopropyl alcohol and gently tap the molds. Smooth any visible bubbles with a clean toothpick if they remain.

Step 15: Allow Initial Cooling

Let the molded soap cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours without disturbance. The lower temperature formulation means these bars set slightly more slowly than standard melt and pour soaps.

Step 16: Complete Hardening

After initial cooling, allow additional cooling time or place in a cool location to accelerate hardening. The bars are ready for demolding when completely firm—you should not be able to dent them with your fingernail.

Step 17: Demold with Care

Gently flex the silicone molds to release the bars. These bars may be slightly more delicate due to the aloe content, so handle gently. If they resist, place in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up further, then try again.

Step 18: Air Dry Completely

Allow bars to air dry on a clean surface for 24-48 hours before use. This is particularly important for aloe soaps, as the additional moisture from the aloe requires thorough drying. Place in a well-ventilated area.

Step 19: Storage for Sensitivity

Store finished bars in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat. Consider wrapping individually in tissue or kraft paper to protect from environmental moisture. Keep in an airtight container for maximum shelf life (6-12 months is typical for aloe vera soaps).

Step 20: Usage Recommendations

These bars are ready to use immediately after curing. They're particularly beneficial for post-sun, post-procedure, or during flare-ups of sensitive skin conditions. The soothing properties improve with proper storage away from heat and light.

Tips for Success

• Aloe Quality Matters: Use pure aloe vera gel or powder, not aloe vera juice (which is different and not suitable for skin care). Fresh aloe is ideal; shelf-stable aloe vera powder is a convenient alternative.
• Temperature Control: Keep heat as low as possible to preserve aloe's therapeutic compounds. This soap should never exceed 170°F at any point.
• Gentle Handling: Use gentle stirring motions to avoid introducing air bubbles. The more delicate the handling, the better the final product.
• Complete Drying: Allow extra drying time due to the aloe content's moisture. Thorough air drying prevents soft bars and extends shelf life.
• Sensitive Testing: If making for someone with extremely reactive skin, test on a small area first, even though this soap is formulated to be gentle.

Variations

• Aloe and Oatmeal: Add 1.5 tbsp finely ground colloidal oatmeal for gentle exfoliation without irritation.
• Aloe and Lavender: Add 0.1 oz lavender essential oil for additional calming and skin-soothing properties.
• Aloe with Honey: Add 1 tbsp honey for increased moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cost Breakdown

Estimated Cost per Bar: $0.88-$1.13

Related Recipes

• Melt and Pour Honey Milk Soap
• Melt and Pour Lavender Soap
• Rose Clay Facial Bar

Aloe Vera Benefits: Aloe vera is renowned for its cooling, soothing, and healing properties. The gel contains compounds that reduce inflammation, promote moisture retention, and support skin repair. It's particularly beneficial for sunburned skin, minor cuts and scrapes, eczema, psoriasis, and general skin irritation. This soap is excellent for daily use by anyone with sensitive or compromised skin, and especially helpful during summer months or after skin procedures.