One of the things my husband loves most about living in the US? The four seasons! Since we don’t have fall where we live now, my son and I decided to bring a touch of it into our tropical home with a cozy little DIY project.
We made pumpkin spice melt-and-pour soap—a simple, kid-friendly activity that smells just like fall: sweet, warm, and lightly spiced. Not only was it fun to make together, but we also love using it!
If you’d like to bring the scent of autumn into your home, here’s how to make it yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 lb melt-and-pour soap base (goat’s milk, shea butter, or glycerin all work well)
- 1–2 teaspoon pumpkin spice fragrance oil (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove essential oils)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for color and light exfoliation (optional)
- 1–2 drops orange soap colorant for a pumpkin-y look (optional) .I recommend mica powder as soap colorant.
- Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to remove bubbles
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl or heat-safe measuring cup or double boiler
- Silicone soap mold (pumpkin shapes are perfect, but any mold will work)
- Spatula
- Knife (for cutting the soap base)
- Small spray bottle (for the rubbing alcohol)
Instructions
- Prepare the Soap Base
Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes. This helps it melt evenly.
- Melt the Base
Place the cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. I used a double boiler though.
- Add Color and Spice
Once melted, stir in the pumpkin spice fragrance oil.
For extra warmth and exfoliation, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
If you’d like a richer pumpkin look, mix in 1–2 drops of orange soap colorant. Mica powder is great for soaps.
- Pour into Molds
Carefully pour the soap mixture into your silicone molds.
- Remove Air Bubbles
Lightly spritz the top with rubbing alcohol to pop any surface bubbles.
- Let It Set
Allow the soap to harden at room temperature for 2–3 hours, or place in the fridge for faster results.
- Unmold and Enjoy!
Gently pop the soaps out of the molds, and they’re ready to use!
Q&A Section
1. Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
Yes! Essential oils like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg create a natural pumpkin spice scent. Just be mindful not to overdo it, as some spice oils can be strong on sensitive skin.
2. How long does homemade soap last?
Melt-and-pour soap usually lasts up to a year if stored in a cool, dry place. Wrapping them in plastic wrap helps prevent sweating in humid climates.
3. Can kids really help with this project?
Absolutely! Kids can help measure fragrance, stir, and pour (with supervision). Just make sure an adult handles the hot melted soap.
4. Do I need a special mold?
Nope. Any silicone mold will work—even ice cube trays! Seasonal shapes (like pumpkins or leaves) just make it more festive.
5. Can I add fresh ingredients such as fresh herbs?
For melt-and-pour soap, using fresh ingredients like rosemary leaves is not recommended. Fresh botanicals will eventually rot inside the soap, creating discoloration and introducing bacteria. Instead, you can safely add essential oilsderived from your favorite herbs or use dried herbs, which hold up much better in melt-and-pour recipes.
Extra Tips for Success
- Gift Idea: Wrap your soaps in kraft paper and tie with twine for a cozy fall gift.
- Layering Colors: Try making two-tone soaps by pouring half the mixture, letting it set, then adding another colored layer.
- Moisturizing Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of honey or vitamin E oil for added skin benefits.
- Holiday Twist: Add a sprinkle of gold mica powder for a touch of sparkle—perfect for Thanksgiving hostess gifts!
