How to Make Homemade Exfoliating Soap: 3 Simple and Effective Natural Recipes
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In a world where we are trying to consume better and limit waste, making our own cosmetics at home has become an ecological, economical and beneficial gesture for the skin . Homemade exfoliating soap is an excellent example: it deeply cleanses the skin, eliminates dead cells and stimulates circulation, while respecting your skin and the environment.
In this article, discover the benefits of exfoliating soap , the essential ingredients for making it, as well as 3 natural and easy recipes to make at home , suitable for all skin types.

The essential ingredients for making homemade exfoliating soap
1. A natural soap base
Depending on your level of experience, you can choose:
- Melt and pour base: simple to use, often glycerin-based, it melts in a bain-marie and solidifies quickly.
- Castile soap or grated Marseille soap: for a more natural and artisanal approach.
- Homemade base in cold saponification (with caustic soda): reserved for experienced users.
2. A natural exfoliant
Exfoliation gives soap its texture and cleansing power. Here are some commonly used exfoliants:
- Raw sugar or brown sugar: gentle exfoliant, ideal for the body.
- Coffee grounds: toning, firming, good against cellulite.
- Oatmeal: Gentle and soothing, perfect for sensitive skin.
- Poppy seeds or apricot kernel powder: more intense exfoliation.
- Clay or activated charcoal: purifying and detoxifying.
3. Vegetable oils (optional, but recommended)
They provide softness and hydration:
- Coconut oil , olive oil , sweet almond oil , argan oil …
4. Essential oils (optional)
To perfume the soap and enhance its benefits:
- Lavender (soothing)
- Tea tree (purifying)
- Lemon (invigorating)
- Peppermint (refreshing)
3 exfoliating soap recipes to make at home
Recipe #1: Exfoliating Coffee Grounds Soap
Ingredients :
- 250g melt and pour soap base (glycerin or goat's milk)
- 2 tbsp dried coffee grounds
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 10 drops of lavender (or sweet orange) essential oil
Steps:
- Melt the soap base in a double boiler.
- Add the coconut oil and mix well.
- Stir in the coffee grounds.
- Remove from heat, add essential oils.
- Pour into silicone molds.
- Leave to harden for 2 to 3 hours before unmolding.
Benefits:
Coffee grounds activate circulation, exfoliate effectively and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
To try: our soap with coffee seed and cardamom oil !
Recipe #2: Gentle Oatmeal and Honey Soap
Ingredients :
- 250g melt and pour soap base
- 2 tbsp blended oatmeal
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sweet almond oil
Steps:
- Melt the soap base.
- Add honey and oil, mix well.
- Stir in the ground oats.
- Pour into molds and let cool.
Benefits:
Oatmeal soothes sensitive skin and honey is a natural moisturizer.
To try: our exfoliating oatmeal soap !
Recipe #3: Sugar soap with lemon essential oil
Ingredients :
- 250 g soap base
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
Steps:
- Melt the base.
- Add the oil, sugar and essential oil.
- Pour into molds and let cool.
Benefits:
Sugar gently exfoliates, while lemon purifies and revives the complexion's radiance.
Precautions for use
- Use the exfoliating soap once or twice a week for the body and once a week for the face.
- Store soaps in a dry place between uses.
- Always test essential oils on a small area of skin to avoid allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Exfoliating Soap
What is the best natural exfoliant?
Coffee grounds are highly valued for their toning effects. For the face, opt for oatmeal or caster sugar.
Can you use exfoliating soap every day?
No, to avoid irritating the skin, limit its use to once or twice a week.
Can I make an exfoliating soap without essential oil?
Yes, they are optional. The soap remains just as effective without added fragrance.
Conclusion
Making exfoliating soap is a great way to take care of your skin while controlling the composition of your cosmetics. It's another step towards a natural, personalized, and zero-waste beauty routine . You can customize each recipe according to your skin type and preferences. It's also a fun and economical activity, ideal for sharing with family or friends... and good for the planet!