Homemade Rosemary and Tea Tree Oil Soap

I started making my own soap last year and have been hooked ever since. 

After doing some experimenting I have figured out the perfect recipe. I looked into making the real deal soap from lye but it just looks too complicated for my simple mind. I found though that you can make great natural soap without all the work as long as you have a good organic soap base. The base I use has the same component as lye- sodium hydroxide(a saponifying agent). So you are really getting all the same good stuff without all the work.

Sounds good to me! 

Also goats milk contains alpha-hydroxy which helps remove dead skin cells.It is also high in Vitamin A which is necessary to repair damaged skin tissue. Goats milk is also a great moisturizer and brings relief to eczema and psoriasis sufferers. 

Need I say more!?(source)

I made these soaps for Christmas presents this year and am really happy with how they turned out. Adding the beeswax really helps to keep them firm so they don't turn into mush once you start using them, because nobody wants mushy soap. The fragrance that you get from the Rosemary and Tea tree oil is so soothing and therapeutic; not to mention great for your skin. 

Tea Tree oil is one of the most effective home remedies for acne, so you know I had to add it for that reason also. At 34 I still break out like a teenager. You would think as you get older I would have to start worrying about wrinkles, not acne. Now I have to take measure against both. But I can say that since I have been using this soap I can really see an improvement! The Rosemary oil has properties in it that help hydrate and tone skin and is also a great astringent.

I don't like soaps that are so heavily perfumed that they make you gag when you smell them. The amount of rosemary and tea tree oil is just enough to make you want to inhale it but not enough to overwhelm you.

 I use it every morning to wash my face. I ran out of soap last week and it just wasn't the same using the stuff from the store, so I am just going to have to keep making it.

Here's what you will need:

*1 lb. of Organic Goats milk soap base- Where to buy
*1 oz of Beeswax- where to buy
*A few sprigs of Rosemary- Grind leaves till fine in a coffee grinder till it makes about 1tsp- we have some growing in our yard but you could get some at the grocery store or your local nursery
*2Tbs. honey- we of course use our own raw honey;)
*2Tbs. Almond oil- Where to buy
*1Tbs. Vitamin E oil-Where to buy
*15 drops of Rosemary oil- where to buy
*15 drops of Tea Tree oil- where to buy
*a few drops of lavender oil if desired
*Pyrex 2 cup measuring cup- where to buy
*Soap mold- where to buy
*Kitchen scale- optional- where to buy

*All these items can be bought on Amazon

Instructions:
makes 4 big bars 4oz. or 8 small 1 1/2 oz.

Fill a pot with water and place a heat proof bowl on top that fits to make a double boiler. Keep on low. Should be simmering not boiling. Cut up soap base and place in bowl. Add beeswax. Mix until melted. Add Almond  and Vitamin E oil and Rosemary. Remove from heat and add essential oils. Transfer to Pyrex measuring cup and pour into molds. Then keep on a flat surface until it hardens or place in freezer for quicker results. I usually make it in batches and make enough to last for at least a couple of months.

Not only are these great practical gifts to give but they are so easy to make. All you need is a little time to melt the ingredients and let them harden. I bought  little clear bags to package them in and my husband helped me make labels for them. I have also been selling them along with our local raw honey in our little honey business- Harris Honey I have also used paper bags to cut out and use to wrap around the soap.

If you are looking for a last minute gift to make that looks like you put a lot of time into it, give these homemade soaps a try! Your family and friends will love them and so will you!

Have you ever made homemade soap before?

Do you usually buy or make gifts for your family and friends?

Linking up here!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Every time you click on a link and purchase an item, I receive a small commission. Thanks so much for your support!

" Try these other great DIY's!