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How to Make Ginger Soap

Ginger is an amazing ingredient to add to handmade soap.

It brings a warm, spicy scent, helps stimulate circulation, and adds a natural glow to the skin.

Whether you’re making soap to sell or just for fun, ginger soap is a great addition to your lineup.

Below is a simple, reliable recipe and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients (For a 2–3 lb Soap Loaf)

Base Oils

Lye + Liquid

  • 4.4 oz sodium hydroxide (lye)

  • 10 oz distilled water (or ginger tea for extra scent)

Additives

  • 1–2 tbsp fresh grated ginger or 1 tbsp ginger powder

  • 1 tsp turmeric (optional, for warm color)

  • 1 oz ginger essential oil (optional for stronger scent)

Tools You Need

  • Digital scale

  • Stick blender

  • Heat-safe bowls

  • Silicone spatula

  • Soap mold

  • Gloves, goggles, long sleeves (safety gear)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Liquid

If you want a stronger ginger effect, make ginger tea first:

  • Simmer sliced fresh ginger in water for 10 minutes.

  • Strain and cool completely.

  • Measure 10 oz of this liquid.

Never mix lye with hot liquid—allow it to cool fully.

2. Mix the Lye Solution

  • Put on your safety gear.

  • Slowly sprinkle lye into the water (never the other way around).

  • Stir until dissolved.

  • Set aside to cool to about 90–110°F.

3. Melt and Combine Your Oils

  • Add all oils and butters into a pot.

  • Heat gently until fully melted.

  • Allow oils to cool to 90–110°F as well.

4. Blend Lye and Oils

  • Pour the cooled lye solution into the oils.

  • Stick blend until light trace (pudding-like texture).

5. Add Ginger + Color

Mix in:

  • Fresh grated ginger or ginger powder

  • Turmeric (optional)

  • Ginger essential oil (optional)

Stir by hand to evenly distribute.

6. Pour Into Mold

  • Pour batter into your soap mold.

  • Tap gently to remove bubbles.

  • Cover lightly with parchment or a towel.

7. Cure the Soap

  • Let it sit for 24–48 hours to harden.

  • Unmold and cut.

  • Cure for 4–6 weeks to allow water to evaporate and the soap to harden.

Tips for Better Ginger Soap

1. Want a stronger scent?

Blend ginger EO with:

  • Lemongrass

  • Lime

  • Sweet orange
    Ginger on its own fades fast, but blends last longer.

2. Want a deeper color?

Increase turmeric slightly—but not too much or it may stain the skin.

3. Want exfoliation?

Add 1–2 tsp of finely ground ginger root powder.

4. Selling this soap?

“Spiced Ginger Glow” or “Warm Ginger Energy Bar” are great names.