Whether you’re creating your first batch or leveling up your setup, having the right supplies makes all the difference in your soap making success.
This page is your go-to resource for understanding what to buy, why it matters, and where to get it without breaking the bank. We’ll help you avoid unnecessary purchases and focus on the tools and ingredients that actually move the needle.
Essential Soap Making Ingredients
Every bar of soap starts with a few core components. Here’s what you’ll need:
Oils & Butters
These form the base of your soap and determine its hardness, lather, and skin feel.
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Olive oil (moisturizing and gentle)
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Coconut oil (cleansing and bubbly)
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Palm oil (for a harder bar) – optional
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Castor oil (for creamy lather)
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Shea, cocoa, or mango butter (adds luxury and moisture)
Check out our article on the best oils here.
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
This is a must for cold and hot process soap.
It reacts with oils to create actual soap (called saponification). Always handle with care and use proper safety gear.
Liquids
Used to dissolve the lye and contribute to the soap’s final texture.
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Distilled water (recommended)
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Milk (goat, coconut, etc.)
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Herbal teas or aloe vera (for natural soap options)
Fragrances & Essential Oils
These give your soap its scent.
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Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus oils, and more
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Fragrance oils (make sure they’re skin-safe)
Natural Colorants & Add-Ins
Make your bars beautiful and unique.
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Clays (kaolin, French green)
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Activated charcoal
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Dried herbs (lavender buds, chamomile)
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Spices (turmeric, cinnamon)
Check out our article on colorants here.
️ Tools & Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to start—just a few reliable basics:
Machines
Molds
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Silicone molds (easy to use and clean)
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Wooden molds with freezer paper lining
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Recycled items (yogurt cups, Pringles cans, etc. for round soaps)
Check out our article on soap molds here.
Mixing Tools
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Heat-safe mixing bowls (stainless steel, glass, or HDPE plastic)
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Silicone spatulas
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Stainless steel spoons
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Stick blender (optional but saves time)
Measuring Tools
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Digital scale (accurate to 0.1 oz or grams)
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Thermometer (for checking oil/lye temp)
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Measuring cups/spoons (for small add-ins)
Safety Gear
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Safety goggles
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Gloves (nitrile or rubber)
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Long sleeves and ventilation (lye safety is serious!)
Kits
️ Where to Buy Soap Making Supplies
Looking for trusted sources?
We’ve curated a list of recommended online stores and local options.