DIY Orange Soap Recipe
If you’ve ever started exploring natural DIY products, homemade soap is usually one of the first things people want to try. It sounds complicated at first, but melt-and-pour soap makes it SO simple!
No lye calculations, no complicated equipment, just a few ingredients and a little creativity.
This DIY orange soap is one of my favorite beginner recipes because it smells amazing and I love how it feels on my skin. The citrus scent is bright and fresh, and the orange peel powder adds a gentle exfoliation that helps remove dry skin. Plus it is just SO cute for summer 🙂
It’s a simple project you can make in an afternoon, and it also makes lovely handmade gifts.
Herbal Benefits of Orange in Soap
Oranges are more than just a delicious fruit. The peel contains natural plant compounds and aromatic oils that make it useful in skincare recipes!
In homemade soap, orange peel powder can help:
• Provide gentle exfoliation for smoother skin
• Add natural citrus scent and color
• Support healthy-looking skin by removing dead skin cells
The best part is that you can make your own orange peel powder at home!
Orange essential oil is also widely used in natural skincare and aromatherapy. It’s known for:
• Its uplifting citrus aroma
• Helping freshen natural skincare products
• Blending well with oils like lemon, lavender, and peppermint
If you love the scent of orange essential oil, you might also enjoy making DIY orange shower steamers for an extra burst of citrus aromatherapy in the shower!
Safety note: Citrus essential oils can increase photosensitivity on the skin when used in high amounts. This is usually minimal in rinse-off products like soap, but it’s still wise to use essential oils in moderate amounts, just to be safe!
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DIY Orange Soap Recipe
This made about 5-6 soaps for me using the orange silicone mold:
Ingredients
- ½ lb (8 oz) melt and pour soap base
- 1 tablespoon orange peel powder
- 15-25 drops orange essential oil
- Silicone mold
Instructions
Cut the soap base into small cubes.
Melt the soap base using a double boiler or microwave in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between bursts until fully melted.
Let it cool for about 1 minute so it’s not piping hot. This helps protect the scent of the essential oils. I like to check and add in at about 135 degrees F.
Stir in the orange peel powder until evenly mixed.
Add the essential oils and stir well.
Pour the mixture into your silicone mold.
Allow the soap to harden completely, about 1-2 hours.
Once fully set, gently remove the bars from the mold and enjoy!
Notes
- Shelf life: Melt-and-pour soaps typically last about 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
- Storage: Keep the bars wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture from forming on the surface. I seal them as soon as possible to keep them from sweating!
- For a smoother bar, use less orange peel powder.
- For stronger exfoliation, increase the orange peel powder slightly.
- If you want a brighter orange color, use a white soap base instead of a clear one. I will do that next time!
- Again, citrus essential oils are phototoxic, so be careful!
Orange Soap
A bright, citrus-scented melt-and-pour soap made with orange peel powder for gentle exfoliation and essential oils for a refreshing aroma.
Materials
- ½ lb (8 oz) melt and pour soap base
- 1 tablespoon orange peel powder
- 15-25 drops essential oil (orange, lemon, or a blend)
Tools
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone mold
Instructions
- Cut the soap base into small cubes.
- Melt the soap base (double boiler or microwave in 20-30 second bursts), stirring between bursts until fully melted.
- Let it cool for 1 minute so it’s not piping hot (this helps protect the scent).
- Stir in the orange peel powder until evenly mixed.
- Add the essential oils and stir well.
- Pour into your mold.
- Let harden completely (about 1-2 hours), then unmold.
Notes
- Spray the surface of the melted soap with isopropyl alcohol right after pouring to remove bubbles and create a smooth, professional-looking bar.
Final Thoughts
Homemade orange peel soap is a great beginner-friendly DIY project. It’s simple, smells incredible, and lets you experiment with natural ingredients in a safe and easy way.
Making your own products can feel a little intimidating at first, but recipes like this beginner-friendly homemade soap recipe shows how simple it really is. With a few ingredients and a little curiosity, you can start replacing everyday products with homemade alternatives!
And honestly, once you make your first batch of soap, it’s hard not to start thinking of all the other herbs and scents you want to try next 🙂 Let me know how you like it!
