This DIY pine needle soap is one of my favorite soaps with that amazing smell of pine. Learn how to make your own!

There’s something about the crisp, woodsy scent of pine that instantly clears my head and brings a little of the outdoors into my day. That’s why I love using pine needles as much as possible.

This is a simple melt-and-pour recipe, which means no lye and no guesswork, which I really prefer right now in this season of life. This homemade pine soap smells amazing and looks pretty cool too.

Here is my simple recipe so you can enjoy it too!

Why Pine?

Pine has long been celebrated in herbal traditions for its refreshing, clarifying properties, both physically and energetically.

Pine essential oil, distilled from the needles of Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), offers a crisp, clean aroma that’s not only invigorating but also deeply therapeutic. I instantly feel calm just smelling it out of the bottle!

Here are some of the key benefits of pine essential oil:

Respiratory Support: Pine is commonly used in herbal and aromatherapy circles to support lung health. The natural expectorant properties help open the airways and clear congestion, making it a favorite in chest rubs and steams during cold season.
Antimicrobial & Antibacterial Properties: Studies show pine oil has natural antimicrobial activity, particularly against airborne pathogens. This makes it a wonderful addition to soap, where you want both cleansing and purifying benefits.
Energizing & Mood-Boosting: Inhaling the scent of pine may help reduce mental fatigue and increase alertness. It’s often used to ease stress, restore focus, and uplift the spirit, especially during long winter months. Another one of my favorite ways to use this!
Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Topically, pine essential oil may assist in soothing sore muscles or joints thanks to its mild anti-inflammatory properties. While this soap isn’t a muscle rub, using it in a warm shower can still bring some gentle relief after a long day.

Pine connects us to the forest, both in scent and spirit. It brings a feeling of grounding and strength, helping to clear out both literal and emotional fog.

And when blended into a simple melt-and-pour soap, you get a refreshing, herbal experience every time you wash your hands.

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DIY Pine Needle Soap Recipe

Now you know some of the benefits, here is my simple pine needle soap recipe. This makes around 4 soap bars if using the same mold as I did.

Ingredients

1lb glycerin melt and pour soap base
1 teaspoon green mica powder
40 drops pine essential oil
A bit of rubbing alcohol
Soap Mold

Instructions

Cut your soap base into small chunks and melt in the microwave using 30-second intervals. Stir well in between until fully liquid.

While the base melts, mix your green mica with a bit of rubbing alcohol. This helps it blend smoothly into the soap without clumping.

mixing the green mica and rubbing alcohol

Once the soap base is fully melted and has cooled just slightly, add the mica mixture. Stir until evenly incorporated.

Let the base cool a bit more (this protects the essential oils from burning off), then stir in your pine essential oil.

Pour the soap into your mold and let it sit undisturbed for a few hours or overnight until completely set.

Remove from mold and enjoy that beautiful pine scent every time you lather.

Notes

Essential oils: You can adjust the amount to your liking. I wouldn’t go overboard, pine can be strong!
Mica powder: Totally optional, but it adds a vibrant forest green hue that makes the bars feel extra special. Just choose a darker green if you want it to be more like pine. I choose a lighter green on accident for mine!
No pine needles: While it might be tempting to add real pine needles for a rustic look, they can discolor over time and even mold inside the soap. I skip them and let the scent shine on its own. The next time I make it I do want to infuse the soap base with the needles!

Pine Needle Soap

Yield: 4 soap bars

Materials

1lb glycerin melt and pour soap base
1 teaspoon green mica powder
40 drops pine essential oil
A bit of rubbing alcohol
Soap Mold

Instructions

Cut your soap base into small chunks and melt in the microwave using 30-second intervals. Stir well in between until fully liquid.
While the base melts, mix your green mica with a bit of rubbing alcohol. This helps it blend smoothly into the soap without clumping.
Once the soap base is fully melted and has cooled just slightly, add the mica mixture. Stir until evenly incorporated.
Let the base cool a bit more (this protects the essential oils from burning off), then stir in your pine essential oil.
Pour the soap into your mold and let it sit undisturbed for a few hours or overnight until completely set.
Remove from mold and enjoy that beautiful pine scent every time you lather.

Notes

Essential oils: You can adjust the amount to your liking. I wouldn’t go overboard, pine can be strong!
Mica powder: Totally optional, but it adds a vibrant forest green hue that makes the bars feel extra special. Just choose a darker green if you want it to be more like pine. I choose a lighter green on accident for mine!
No pine needles: While it might be tempting to add real pine needles for a rustic look, they can discolor over time and even mold inside the soap. I skip them and let the scent shine on its own. The next time I make it I do want to infuse the soap base with the needles!

Final Thoughts

This soap is a beautiful way to bring the forest indoors, cleansing and calming. Whether you’re making these for yourself or gifting them during the holidays, they’re a refreshing herbal touch anyone can appreciate.