I've been battling eczema on my hand for almost a year now, so I made this calendula soap recipe to use as a hand soap. It would also make an excellent bar for the bath too. I started with a shea butter soap base for the extra good fats and vitamins in shea butter. Powdered milk has alpha hydroxy acid, which penetrates the skin to make it softer and nourish it. The coconut oil is full of good fats, and the chamomile that I infused in it helps soothe irritated skin.
The real star of this recipe is the calendula. This herb, which is also referred to as marigold, is a great herb for your skin. It's full of antioxidants to prevent damage from oxidation in your cells. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing when applied topically to your skin. It has been shown to be an antiseptic and can help increase blood circulation to an area to promote healing.
What You Need
- 1 pound melt and pour soap
(I used one with shea butter)
- 1 Tablespoon powdered milk
- 2 teaspoons calendula
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
(I used chamomile infused coconut oil)
Directions
You can melt your soap in a double boiler
or in a Pyrex measuring cup
in the microwave. The microwave is easier for me, so that's what I did. Cut the soap in to 1" chunks and place them in the bowl. I also added the coconut oil so it would melt in the heat.
or in a Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave. The microwave is easier for me, so that's what I did. Cut the soap in to 1" chunks and place them in the bowl. I also added the coconut oil so it would melt in the heat.
Microwave on high at 30 second intervals until melted. I give it a little stir between intervals. It should be completely melted before you move on, but small chunks will usually melt if you stir it for a minute. Then I added the powdered milk and stirred.
Finally, add the calendula. I did not crush it very fine. You can use a mortar and pestle to crush it if you want.
Now give it a good stir to get everything incorporated.
Then pour in to soap molds. I use a mold
that has 4 ounce and 3 ounce bars, but you can use anything. I've even heard people using a cleaned Pringles can to make a round loaf that can be cut in to smaller bars.
that has 4 ounce and 3 ounce bars, but you can use anything. I've even heard people using a cleaned Pringles can to make a round loaf that can be cut in to smaller bars.
Ta da! Beautiful handmade calendula soap that's very nourishing for your skin.
