Melt and pour soapmaking involves melting and customizing pre-made soap bases. Melt and pour soap is quick to make and doesn’t need to be cured like cold process soap. As soon as the soap hardens and cools, it’s ready to go! Melt and pour soap does not require handling sodium hydroxide lye, making it a fun project for beginners and children. It also lends itself better than cold process soap to certain techniques, like incredibly crisp and clean lines.
If you’re thinking about making melt and pour soap, the first step is to choose a base! With so many different options, it can be a little overwhelming. There are a wide variety of bases, each with different ingredients which will affect how they behave, look and feel on the skin. The type of base you use will most likely depend on the design of your project, budget and personal preference.
Melt and pour bases need to be chopped into small pieces before melting. Then the base is ready to customize with color, fragrance and more!
First, it’s important to understand how melt and pour soap is different from cold process soap, and how it is similar. Both cold process and melt and pour soap are created by mixing lye and oils to start the saponification process. When these ingredients are measured correctly, there is no lye in the final bar of soap. During the soapmaking process, melt and pour soap has extra glycerin added. Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The glycerin content in melt and pour soap is also what makes it possible to melt down melt and pour soap to a liquid texture that’s easy to work with. It’s also the reason that glycerin dew can form on melt and pour soap. You can read more about glycerin dew (aka: sweating) and how to prevent it in this blog post.
Bramble Berry carries several different kinds of bases to meet various needs and preferences. These bases fall into three major categories: SFIC Melt and Pour Bases, Bulk Melt and Pour Bases and Stephenson Soap Bases. Learn more about each type of base below!
About SFIC Melt and Pour Bases:
SFIC Melt and Pour Bases have the most options to choose from. These bases are also referred to as the “premium” or “house” bases. SFIC is the manufacturer of the bases, and has been producing soap bases since 1967. If you’d like to learn more about SFIC, click here. The ingredients primarily consist of coconut oil, palm oil, safflower oil, glycerin, water and sodium hydroxide. The remaining ingredients depend on the base. For example, the Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base is the only SFIC base that contains goat milk, and the Hemp Melt and Pour Soap Base is the only base that contains hemp seed oil. Can’t decide which base is the perfect one for you? The Melt and Pour Sampler Kit includes one pound of the most popular bases.
These bases come in three size options: 1 pound, 10 pounds and 50 pounds. The 1 pound blocks (shown below) come wrapped and labeled. The 10 pound and 50 pound options are shipped unwrapped and come in random size blocks. Because melt and pour is chopped into small pieces before melting, the size of the block doesn’t make much difference. If you prefer wrapped, consistent sized blocks, ordering multiple 1 pound blocks is the way to go. =) Some of the more popular bases also come in 25 pound blocks. These include Clear Melt and Pour Base, Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base and White Melt and Pour Base.
All of the SFIC bases are made with high quality ingredients, and do not contain detergents to create lather, such as SLS. Because of the high quality, they are a little bit more expensive than other base options. To compare and contrast the ingredients of these bases, check out the list below!
SFIC Melt and Pour Bases: Clear Melt and Pour, White Melt and Pour, Aloe Vera Melt and Pour, Honey Melt and Pour, Hemp Melt and Pour, Goat Milk Melt and Pour, Olive Oil Melt and Pour, Shaving Melt and Pour, Shea Melt and Pour, Palm Free Melt and Pour – Clear, Organic Melt and Pour, LCP Clear Melt and Pour, LCP White Melt and Pour
About Bulk Melt and Pour Bases:
If you are looking for a more cost effective base, the Bramble Berry Bulk Melt and Pour Bases are a great option. Unique to Bramble Berry, you won’t find this formula anywhere else. The bulk bases are made with a higher amount of glycerin than the “Premium” bases, and contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Sodium lauryl sulfate is a synthetic lathering agent that is used to give the bulk bases a creamy lather. These bases feel amazing on the skin, but if you prefer a more “natural” base, the premium SFIC bases may be a better option for you. Check out the ingredients below!
The minimum purchase size of Bramble Berry Bulk Bases are 25 pounds. The bases come in 25 pound blocks, which are encased in a plastic bag inside of the box. This is poured directly into the box by the soap maker, so there are usually little bubbles or foam at the top of the block. For tips on cutting the big block of soap up, click here to see step-by-step instructions on wrangling this economical soap base easily.
Bulk Melt and Pour Bases: Bulk Clear Melt and Pour Base, Bulk White Melt and Pour Base, Bulk Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base
About Stephenson Melt and Pour Bases:
The Stephenson melt and pour bases are a new addition to the Bramble Berry product line. These bases are created by Stephenson Personal Care, a company that offers a wide variety of personal care bases including lotion, conditioner and more. You can find all their products here. Bramble Berry currently offers these melt and pour soap bases by Stephenson: African Black Soap Melt and Pour, Goat Milk Melt and Pour, Oatmeal and Shea Melt and Pour, SLS Free Clear Melt and Pour, Jelly Melt and Pour and Suspending Melt and Pour. All of these bases have unique properties that make them distinct options from both the bulk bases, and the premium SFIC bases.
The Jelly Melt and Pour Base has a fun, wiggly texture that makes it completely different from all other melt and pour options. Click here to see it in action in the Shimmery Summer Soap Jellies. The Suspending Melt and Pour Base has a thicker texture than most bases, which makes it perfect for suspending heavier additives like jojoba beads.
Stephenson Melt and Pour Bases: African Black Soap Melt and Pour, Goat Milk Melt and Pour, Oatmeal and Shea Melt and Pour, SLS Free Clear Melt and Pour, Jelly Melt and Pour and Suspending Melt and Pour
If you’re new to melt and pour soap, and are looking for more information on how to use the bases, check out the blog posts below! There are so many fun techniques that can be achieved with melt and pour. You can also use melt and pour as embeds within cold process as seen in the Gold Mine Cold Process Soap. Melt and pour soap can also be used to create frosting, as shown in the Whipped Soap Cupcakes video on Soap Queen TV. In addition to the posts below, watch the Basics of Melt and Pour Soapmaking Series on Soap Queen TV (see the first episode below!) This series includes information about fragrance, layers, embedding and more.
Free Beginner’s Guide to Soapmaking: Melt and Pour
Talk It Out Tuesday: Melt and Pour Soap
How to Avoid Burnt Melt and Pour
Natural Colorants for Melt and Pour Soap
Tips for Swirling Melt and Pour Soap
Hello, I am having trouble with my M&P base. After adding fragrance oil and mica it becomes almost instantly very thick and “gummy”. It literary takes seconds, there is no way to pour it at around 53-53 C. Could it be fragrance oil? I thought they could be a problem with CP soaps but M&P is safe? Or could it be the base itself, when I got it a lid and box were a bit cracked, could the base become drier and that’s why it acts up? Thank you for any advice.
Ella
How long are you microwaving that base? I’m wondering if it is burnt or possibly a bit old/dry.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I thought it would be the case and i tried it again. What surprises me the soap is softer than the base it is made of. Weird or not? I don’t know.
What kind of color and oil are you adding to the base, and how much? Also, are you adding any extra oil or butter?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi,
I really want to start my own business from home making soaps, bathbombs etc.
I was just wondering if you could give me some tips on how i have to start and do i need any type of certificate to be able to sell products.
Thanks.
That’s awesome, congrats on starting your business. There are a few things to consider before starting, including insurance, sales tax, etc. Also, some states do require business licenses. You can learn more in our three-part series about selling your soap. I’ll link that below.
So You Want to Sell Your Soap (Part One): http://www.soapqueen.com/business/so-you-want-to-sell-your-soap-part-one/
Part Two: http://www.soapqueen.com/business/so-you-want-to-sell-your-soap-part-2/
Part Three: http://www.soapqueen.com/business/so-you-want-to-sell-your-soap-part-3/
Find more business tips here: https://www.soapqueen.com/category/business/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you😊
Thanks for this !!
You are AWESOME
Hello, in this blog post you mention Stephenson vanilla stable melt and pour. When I click on its link, it brings me to the Bramble Berry homepage. Does Bramble Berry carry this product anymore?
We don’t carry that product anymore. Sorry for any confusion, I’ll get that link removed from the blog post! You can use SFIC Clear Melt and Pour Base for similar results though. If you’re using a fragrance that discolors, you can add Vanilla Color Stabilizer at a 1:1 ratio with the scent to prevent browning. 🙂
SFIC Clear: https://www.brambleberry.com/Clear-Melt-And-Pour-Soap-Base-P3189.aspx
Vanilla Color Stabilizer: https://www.brambleberry.com/Vanilla-Color-Stabilizer-P4156.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Kelsey, I did try to make a melt and pour soap, and when i poured the alcohol, the entire mixture overflowed and flooded the floor, i wonder what causes that and how can it be prevented.
Thanks!
We haven’t done a lot of testing with making melt and pour from scratch, so I’m not sure why that happened. Sorry about that. You may see if someone on teachsoap.com/forum knows more. 🙂
This book may be helpful as well: https://www.brambleberry.com/Making-Transparent-Soap-1-Book-P3732.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi there,
Thanks for all the helpful info on your website! I’m new to soap making, but volunteered to help with my friend’s soap making baby shower which will be using MP bases. Sorry to ask such a beginner’s question, but what kind of a time frame are we looking at from beginning to end?
No worries Betty! How long melt and pour soap takes depends on temperatures and how big the bars are. In general, the soap can be made and ready to wrap in about a day. Just make sure the bars are fully cool and hard before unmolding. If not, let them sit overnight and wrap in the morning. 🙂
Learn more about wrapping and storing soap here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Annie Marie my mentor this is my first time of making soap and I got to the trace but suddenly my s
Lye and oils get separate and has block pls enlighten me,i love you Annie Marie I mean love u so much
The soap may need more mixing! How long did you stick blend the oil and lye? I can’t help you troubleshoot. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Love your products. I have made melt & pour soap products quite a bit. I just have a question for you….what is your suggestion for wrapping the soaps to give or sell. I appreciate your suggestion. Thank you……….Linda
Thanks Linda, so glad you love the products! For melt and pour, we recommend wrapping them with plastic wrap and using a heat gun to shrink it on tightly. That will help protect it from moisture in the air, which can lead to glycerin dew: http://www.soapqueen.com/personal-ramblings/augh-whats-that-all-over-my-soap-2/
Once the plastic wrap is on, you can wrap them anyway you like! Organza bags, wrapping paper, soap boxes, etc. 🙂
This video has some great packaging ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD4bJgtaHMg
Packaging options: https://www.brambleberry.com/Packaging-C191.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I fell in love with the idea of melt and pour bases when I was pregnant; however, when I used your goat milk base, it sweated uncontrollably. It was pretty much unsalvagable. I wrapped it, put it in a Tupperware container, and used silica packets, but every time I got it out, it started sweating again. This made it slimy and unattractive. I wish there was a better way to use the MP bases.
You may like our LCP (Like Cold Process) bases! They have less glycerin, meaning there is little to no sweating. They’re perfect for more humid climates. 🙂
LCP Clear Melt and Pour: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-LCP-Clear-Melt-And-Pour-Soap-P4383.aspx
LCP White Melt and Pour: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-LCP-White-Melt-And-Pour-Soap-P3190.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
If im using the SFIC mp bases do I need to list the ingredients on my soaps if selling them?
Hi Stacey!
Technically, the FDA doesn’t require ingredient labeling for products marketed as soap. However, if you say your soap does anything besides cleaning – moisturizes, hydrates, etc., it’s considered a cosmetic and does need to be labeled. Either way we recommend including ingredient lists! They are available on the descriptions on each soap base. That way your customers know everything that’s in the products and are fully informed. 🙂
Learn how to label soap here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/how-to-label-cold-process-soap/
I would also recommend reading Soap and Cosmetic Labeling by Marie Gale. It has a ton of important information that’s really easy to read: https://www.brambleberry.com/Soap-And-Cosmetic-Labeling-Book-1-Book-P3663.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I did melt and pour for some years and have moved on to cold process, since I felt that MP really had some creative limitations. Loving the CP! But about a month ago, I made two loaves of MP with both clear and opaque bases (probably olive oil/hemp/shea/goat). I want to reuse them and do something besides just remelting and playing with them. What would happen if I cut the loaves in thin sheets and then used them in CP loaves? Would there be any sort of adverse reaction like glycerin rivers or spotting?
Hi Carolyn!
Melt and pour soap can be used as embeds in cold process soap! The transparent soap in opaque cold process soap looks really pretty. 🙂
In cold process soap, the extra glycerin in the melt and pour soap can make it sweat or morph in the recipe. Because of that, we recommend using LCP (like cold process) bases. They have less glycerin, so there is less chance they will sweat or morph!
LCP bases: https://www.brambleberry.com/Search.aspx?k=lcp
If you don’t have LCP Melt and Pour on hand, you can use the melt and pour pieces in another melt and pour project! We did that in the Neon Ambrosia Soap video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj9c2rHaqfs
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi, I’m new to this process as well. It looked rather simple, so I decided to try to make some simple bars of M&P soap with the honey base for my daughter’s baby shower. However, when the bars of soap are removed from the mold, I leave fingerprints and smudges on them. How do I prevent this? How do I get a more finished look to the soap?
Thank you!
Hi Sue!
To prevent the fingerprints and smudges, we like to place a piece of freezer paper in between our hands and the soap. That way, when you push the soap out it’s protected from any smudging. It gives it a nice professional look! If you do accidentally smudge the soap, you can spritz it with a little 99% isopropyl alcohol and wipe with a clean paper towel. 🙂
Read more about 99% isopropyl alcohol here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bramble-berry-news/sunday-night-spotlight-99-isopropyl-alcohol/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi, I’m new to Melt & Pour and i made a batch using glycerin to create my colorant with a mica, just overnight it now has a filmy bubbly type texture on the top of it and I’m able to wipe it off but I’m wondering if the glycerin in the colorant is what caused this?
Hi Nikki!
It sounds like the soap has glycerin dew. Melt and pour bases have additional glycerin added during the manufacturing process. That additional glycerin, plus the glycerin mixed with the colorant, can cause dew or “sweating,” especially in humid climates.
You can prevent that dew from forming! Wrapping the soap tightly with plastic wrap and shrink wrapping it on will protect it from moisture. It can also help to use a dehumidifer, or place silica packets near your bars.
Read more about glycerin dew here: http://www.soapqueen.com/personal-ramblings/augh-whats-that-all-over-my-soap-2/
You may also like our Like Cold Process (LCP) bases! They have less glycerin, so there is little to no sweating. 🙂
LCP Clear Melt and Pour: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-LCP-Clear-Melt-And-Pour-Soap-P4383.aspx
LCP White Melt and Pour: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-LCP-White-Melt-And-Pour-Soap-P3190.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I have a niece that is allergic to coconut & soybean oil. Is there a base without these? She loves my soaps but they all contain coconut for sure.
Hi Dorothy!
All of our SFIC bases do contain coconut oil. I’m sorry about that. This Stephenson Vanilla Stable Melt and Pour is coconut oil free though: https://www.brambleberry.com/Stephenson-Vanilla-Stable-Melt-and-Pour-HCVS-P6270.aspx
We also have castile liquid and rebatch bases you may like! They are made with 100% olive oil, which is nice and gentle on the skin. I’ll link those below. 🙂
Natural Castile Liquid Soap Base: https://www.brambleberry.com/Natural-Castile-Liquid-Soap-Base-P4609.aspx
Castile Rebatch: https://www.brambleberry.com/Grated-Rebatch-Soap-Base-Castile-P5233.aspx
Learn how to work with our liquid bases here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-use-and-thicken-liquid-soap-base/
And how to make rebatch soap here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/soap-queen-tv-presents-how-to-make-rebatch-soap-2/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I’m new to soaping but enjoying being creative! Please could you tell me if your soap supplies are cruelty-free as this is important to me. Thank you!
Jenny
Hi Jenny!
Our supplies are cruelty free! That’s very important to us. If you have more questions about specific products, feel free to email MSDS (at) brambleberry (dot ) com. We can provide information like Material Safety Data Sheets. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I’d hate to ask a stupid question, but if I wanted to make just one soap bar how many squares would I cut off the 1 pound batch?
Hi Summer!
Typically, one bar weighs about 4 ounces. I would recommend cutting off a small portion and weighing out 4 ounces. You can also cut off about 1/4th of the 1 pound size to make one bar. 🙂
We have some great molds that you can fill just one of the cavities on here: https://www.brambleberry.com/For-Melt-Pour-C547.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can you add aloe or shea butter to melt and pour? How do you determine how much to add?
Hi Christina!
We don’t recommend adding extra oil or butter to the melt and pour bases. Because they have already turned into soap, adding extra oil can make them greasy or crumbly. If you do add oil, we recommend about 1 tsp. per pound of soap. That will give you the benefits of the butter without affecting the final texture too much. A small test batch may be helpful as well to see if you like the final texture! 🙂
Shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
Also, you may like our Shea Butter Melt and Pour, which has 5% shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-Shea-Melt-and-Pour-P3192.aspx
As for the aloe, are you wanting to add aloe liquid to your soap, or aloe extract? Let me know and I can recommend how to add that to your soap! 🙂
We also have an Aloe Vera Melt and Pour Base you may like: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-Aloe-Vera-Melt-And-Pour-P3185.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Where’s the palm oil sourced from?
Hi Elksa!
Our palm oil is sustainably sourced! We’re affiliated with vendors of the RSPO and support sustainable palm oil.
The membership of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) means that you are dedicated to promoting the sustainability of palm oil, as well as a healthy environment and fair pay for the workers. Being certified by the RSPO means that they have agreed that, based on their criteria, you produce, process and harvest your palm oil in a sustainable manner.
If you’d like more information on the RSPO, let me know. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I purchased your white, clear and goats milk bulk 25lb bases, even though I mostly do CP soap. You make some very nice looking MP soaps, so I figured I want to try it too. I haven’t yet. 🙂
I’m working on a project today where I have to make a bunch of small individual MP soaps, and I must say I hate it. 🙂
I have 3 colors that I need to gently let mix a bit when I pour, and can never get all 3 to be perfectly melted at the same time. I’m going low and slow, but it’s very hard.
Cold process is so much easier!!! 🙂
Hi Martina!
Getting the temperature just right in melt and pour can be tricky, that’s for sure! We have some tips that may help you though. 🙂
If you find that one of your colors has hardened up, you can pop it back in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to get it fluid again. When I’m working with several colors, I like to take the temperature of each. If one is hardened but one is around 130F, I’ll melt the hardened one, then throw the 130F in the microwave for just about 2-5 seconds. That will get them around the same temperature so you can swirl.
Another option is to use a double boiler. A double boiler melts the soap gently, and keeps it warm until you’re ready to work with it. You can even mix the color right into the double boiler to keep it fluid. We have a handy tool that turns any pot into a double boiler: https://www.brambleberry.com/Double-Boiler-Maker-Double-Boiler-Maker-P3796.aspx
Read more tips for swirling melt and pour here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/tips-for-swirling-melt-pour-soap/
Also, practice definitely helps! The more you work with it, the easier it will be to find the method that works best for you. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
The bulk goat milk soap is my mainstay and I purchase it 150 lbs at a time. I supplement my soap-making with aloe and hemp soaps and will layer those in the top with goat milk on the bottom. Hemp is my absolute favorite. I love the suds.
Melt and pour allows me to produce quality soaps at a good price point. And I can make one bar at a time if need be.
Thanks, Brambleberry for supplying all of my soaping needs!
You’re welcome Bernadette! Thank you so much for your business, we appreciate that so much. Also, glad to hear you’re enjoying those bases. I love how you can make 1 bar or a large batch too. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry