Melt and Pour Oatmeal Soap

This gentle exfoliating oatmeal soap combines the convenience of melt and pour soap making with the soothing, cleansing properties of colloidal oatmeal. Perfect for sensitive or irritated skin, the finely ground oatmeal gently removes dead skin cells without harsh abrasion. This beginner-friendly recipe requires no lye and can be completed in under two hours, making it ideal for anyone new to soap making or looking for a quick, reliable project.

Ingredients

Base

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

Exfoliants and Additives

• 3 tbsp (45g) colloidal oatmeal (finely ground)
• 1 tbsp (15g) ground raw oats (for texture)
• 2.0 tbsp (30ml) sweet almond oil

Fragrance and Color

• 0.5 oz (14g) oatmeal fragrance oil or vanilla fragrance
• 1/4 tsp (1ml) tan or beige mica (natural-looking color)
• Optional: 1/8 tsp brown oxide for deeper tone

Equipment Needed

• Microwave-safe glass bowl or double boiler
• Thermometer
• Digital scale
• Rubber spatula or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small strainer (for oatmeal lumps)
• Silicone molds (12-16 cavity)
• Spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol
• Cooling rack
• Paper towels

Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Organize Materials

Before beginning, assemble all ingredients and tools. Arrange them in order of use for smooth workflow. Ensure your workspace is clean and dry, with molds placed on a stable, level surface at room temperature. Have your thermometer and scale ready for accurate temperature and weight measurements.

Step 2: Prepare Oatmeal Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the colloidal oatmeal and ground raw oats. Mix together thoroughly. Colloidal oatmeal is very finely milled, while raw oat pieces add texture. If your oatmeal appears lumpy, gently press it through a fine strainer to break up clumps. This prevents rough texture in the final soap.

Step 3: Cut and Weigh Soap Base

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

Step 4: Melt the Soap Base

Place the cubed soap in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler method by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Target temperature is 170-175°F. Do not exceed 180°F, which can create bubbles and compromise quality.

Step 5: Check Temperature

Using your thermometer, verify the soap base has reached 170-175°F and is completely melted with no remaining lumps. If overheated, let it cool for 1-2 minutes before proceeding.

Step 6: Add Oils

Pour the sweet almond oil into the melted soap base and stir thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. This adds conditioning and helps suspend the oatmeal throughout the soap. The oil blends completely into the melted soap.

Step 7: Incorporate Oatmeal Blend

Slowly add the oatmeal and raw oat mixture to the melted soap, stirring constantly. Add gradually over 2-3 minutes while mixing to prevent clumping. The oatmeal will disperse throughout the soap, creating a uniform texture with flecks of texture-providing oat pieces.

Step 8: Add Fragrance

Pour in your chosen fragrance oil (0.5 oz) and stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes. Ensure complete distribution throughout the mixture. The fragrance should blend seamlessly into the soap base.

Step 9: Add Color

Add tan or beige mica (1/4 tsp) and stir thoroughly for 2-3 minutes. The soap should gradually take on a warm, oatmeal-like color. If using brown oxide for a deeper tone, add it gradually (1/8 tsp) while stirring, assessing the color development.

Step 10: Cool Before Pouring

Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. It should still be pourable but no longer piping hot. This cooling period prevents the oatmeal from sinking to the bottom as the soap sets.

Step 11: Pour into Molds

Carefully pour the oatmeal soap mixture into silicone molds, filling each cavity 3/4 to full. Work at a steady pace—if the mixture begins to thicken, you can reheat briefly (10-15 seconds) in the microwave. If air bubbles appear, spray lightly with isopropyl alcohol and gently tap molds.

Step 12: Prevent Oatmeal Settling

To keep the oatmeal evenly distributed, let the soap cool at room temperature without disturbance for the first 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you can gently stir the top layer if significant settling is occurring, then allow to cool completely.

Step 13: Cool and Set

Allow the molded soap to cool undisturbed for 2-4 hours at room temperature. For faster setting, place in a cool location (not freezer, as this can cause cracking). The soap is fully hardened when you can remove it from molds without deforming.

Step 14: Demold and Store

Gently flex the silicone molds to release the bars. If resistance occurs, place in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up further, then try again. Once removed, place bars on a cooling rack or clean surface to air dry for 24 hours before use or packaging.

Step 15: Prepare for Use

Melt and pour oatmeal soap is ready to use immediately, though 24 hours of air drying creates a slightly harder bar with better longevity. Wrap finished bars in kraft paper, tissue, or cellophane for storage and gift-giving.

Tips for Success

• Colloidal vs. Steel Cut: Always use colloidal oatmeal (finely ground) in melt and pour soaps. Steel cut oats are too coarse and can create sharp edges that irritate sensitive skin.
• Avoid Overheating: Heat control is critical. Overheated soap creates unwanted bubbles, discoloration, and poor texture in the final product.
• Even Distribution: Constant stirring during oatmeal addition ensures even distribution. Incomplete stirring creates bars with oatmeal-heavy sections.
• Cooling Time: Don't rush demolding. Allowing adequate cooling time ensures bars maintain their shape and appearance.
• Batch Testing: Make one small batch to test scent strength before committing to larger quantities.

Variations

• Honey Oatmeal: Add 2 tbsp honey to the melted base before adding oatmeal for extra moisturizing properties.
• Lavender Oatmeal: Replace fragrance oil with lavender essential oil (0.4 oz) and add 1 tbsp dried lavender buds for an herbal touch.
• Oatmeal with Bran: Substitute 1 tbsp ground oat bran for part of the raw oats for increased exfoliating power.

Cost Breakdown

Estimated Cost per Bar: $0.94-$1.25

Related Recipes

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

Usage Tips: Use this soap with a washcloth or loofah for enhanced exfoliation. The gentle oatmeal is safe for daily facial use on most skin types, though those with very sensitive skin should test on a small area first. The soap lathers well and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.