Learn how to make a chamomile melt and pour soap with dried chamomile. Since chamomile can't be added directly to the soap, you'll have to get creative and infuse the soap to get the skin benefits of this flower.
Chamomile Melt and Pour Soap Recipe
Chamomile is one of my favorite herbs, especially for sensitive skin. The flower’s natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a go-to for addressing redness, irritation, and even minor skin conditions like eczema.
Its soft, apple-like scent carries compounds that help quiet the mind and promote restful sleep, making it perfect for end-of-day self-care rituals.
What Is an Infused Soap Base?
An infused soap base is simply a melt and pour soap that’s been gently heated with herbs or botanicals to extract their beneficial properties. Instead of just adding essential oils or dried flowers at the end, you’re imbuing the entire base with the essence of the plant.
This means every lather carries more than just fragrance—it delivers skin-loving nourishment throughout. Chamomile is ideal for infusions due to its potent yet skin-safe properties.
Choosing the Right Melt and Pour Soap Base
For herbal infusions like chamomile, not all soap bases are created equal.
- Shea butter bases provide a creamy texture and luxurious feel.
- Clear bases offer aesthetic advantages but may not be as nourishing.
- Goat milk bases are rich and moisturizing, making them ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
I like to get my soap base from Crafty Bubbles, Simply Earth, or Stephenson's soap base.
Why Can't I Add Chamomile Flowers to Melt and Pour Soap?
Chamomile flowers (and most dried botanicals) tend to discolor in melt and pour soap over time. Calendula is one of the few flowers that you can add. Check out my calendula melt and pour soap recipe.
The glycerin base draws moisture from the air, which rehydrates the flowers just enough to cause oxidation, turning them brown or even black.
This gives your soap an unappealing, decayed look — not exactly spa vibes.
This can lead to mold growth or a musty odor, shortening your soap’s shelf life.
Although your soap will be pretty at first, it will soon turn brown and start to rot.
How to Infuse Your Soap Base with Chamomile
To create a chamomile-infused base, gently melt your soap using a double boiler—this method offers controlled heat and prevents scorching.
You’ll need a double boiler or heat-safe glass bowl over a saucepan, a silicone spatula, measuring cups, and a sharp knife for chopping your base.
Ingredients and Supplies
- 1 pound of melt and pour soap base
- 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
- 20-25 drops essential oils (I recommend using chamomile essential oil)
- Soap mold
- Double boiler
Directions
Step #1
Cut the melt and pour soap base into 1 inch cubes.
Step #2
Place the soap in the double boiler and add the chamomile flowers. I put the soap and flowers in a mason jar. Heat on medium for about an hour to infuse the flowers into the soap.
Step #3
Strain out the flowers.
Step #4
Add the essential oils and stir well.
Step #5
Pour the soap into the mold. Let sit for several hours or until hardened. Unmold and enjoy your soap.
Creative Add-Ins for Extra Nourishment
- For a skin-pampering experience, add a teaspoon of raw honey for moisture retention.
- Finely ground oats offer gentle exfoliation and help calm itchiness.
- Calendula petals pair beautifully with chamomile for anti-inflammatory synergy.
- Use lavender essential oil for relaxation, frankincense essential oil for its skin benefits, or bergamot essential oil for a citrusy brightness.
- Mica powders in gold or ivory can add visual charm without compromising the formula.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
Store your soap bars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Wrapping them in wax paper or placing them in airtight containers helps retain fragrance and prevents “glycerin dew” or sweating.
Chamomile-infused melt and pour soap typically lasts 6–12 months. Avoid storing in humid bathrooms without protection.
Troubleshooting Common Soap Making Mistakes
- If your soap is sticky or develops a sweaty layer, it's likely due to moisture in the air reacting with the glycerin. Wrap bars tightly once cooled.
- Air bubbles? Spritz with rubbing alcohol immediately after pouring.
- Overheating can cause scent loss or discoloration—use gentle, consistent heat.
- If your soap turns too runny or soft, you may have added too much oil or liquid.
I hope you like this fun melt and pour soap technique!
For more ways to use chamomile, check out these posts:
- Herbal Bath Bombs
- Chamomile Bath Salts
- Lavender Chamomile Tub Tea
- Chamomile Lotion Bar
- Lavender Chamomile Milk Bath
- Jewelweed Soap Recipe
Like this post? Pin it!
.png)
Chamomile Melt and Pour Soap (Infused Soap)
materials:
- 1 pound of melt and pour soap base
- 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
- 20-25 drops essential oils (I recommend using chamomile essential oil)
tools:
- Soap mold
- Double boiler
steps:
- Cut the melt and pour soap base into 1 inch cubes.
- Place the soap in the double boiler and add the chamomile flowers. I put the soap and flowers in a mason jar. Heat on medium for about an hour to infuse the flowers into the soap.
- Strain out the flowers.
- Add the essential oils and stir well.
- Pour the soap into the mold. Let sit for several hours or until hardened. Unmold and enjoy your soap.
No comments:
Post a Comment