This homemade lemon soap recipe smells amazing, it’s definitely one you’ll want to try. The lemon zest gives the soap a great texture and the citrus scent will leave your hands feeling rejuvenated. With only three ingredients required this soap recipe is easy to make and makes a wonderful handmade gift.
DIY Lemon Soap
If you’ve been following along my soap making adventures this year I have to say that this is my favorite so far! For this recipe I used the goat’s milk soap base, because it makes soap making a breeze and it’s available at most craft stores. Beside the citrus scent what I like is that I don’t need to add any colorant to the soap, it’s totally optional. The lemon zest mixed with the melted soap produces a yellow color on it’s own. To make lemon soap you will need a soap base (goat’s milk, shea, or glycerin), lemon essential oil and lemon zest. 
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Homemade Lemon Soap
Supplies:
1 1/2 cups Goats Milk Soap Base
or Shea Butter Soap Base
, cubed
4-6 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Dried Lemon zest of 3-4 lemons
More DIY Soap Ideas
- Lavender Lemon Soap
- Exfoliating Loofah Soap
- DIY Peppermint Soap
- Honey and Oatmeal Soap
- DIY Watermelon Soap
- Pink Himalayan Salt Grapefruit Soap
Step one: Cut soap into cubes and microwave in 30 second intervals (I like to use a large Pyrex measuring cup to melt the soap in). This recipe makes 3 bars of soap and I used about 15 cubes of goat’s milk soap base.
Step two: Melt soap for about a minute. Add another 15-30 seconds if it’s not completely melted.
Step three: Once soap cubes have liquified add a few drops of the lemon essential oil and the lemon zest; stir well.
Step four: Pour into soap molds and allow to harden for at least one hour. Press mold to release soap.
***Update: For longer lasting soap omit the lemon zest and use yellow soap dye for color (if desired). The essential oil will provide enough lemon scent without the lemon zest.
Looking for more homemade Mother’s Day gift ideas? Here are some of my favorite!
How to make bath bombs + video tutorial
Thanks for stopping by!
Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife
Mmmm. Lemon soap sounds so refreshing! Soap making has been on my to-do list for a while now, I might have to give this a try before I try it “the old fashioned way”. (Yes, I actually have lard hanging out in my freezer for whenever I get the guts to try it!)
Shannah @ Just Us Four
This is such a cute idea. The soap is absolutely beautiful with the bright and cheery yellow.
I hope you will consider linking this up to the Pinworthy Projects Party over at my blog, Just Us Four.
Sarah Younker
How and where do I find the Goat’s milk soap base?
Amanda
At a local michaels store (-:
jane
I am in the UK & not @ all sure where to get this goats milk soap base can I make it & how?
r hobbs
I am planning to start embroidery towels and try to sell them. Need to make extra money. I would like to enclose home made soap in the packaging. Is there any way you can let me know where I can get the .materials.any hep in this matter you be much help. God Bless. Rose
Carolyn
Usually Michael’s Craft store or any Craft Store really.
ginger
Amazon has it.
Southern Scraps
Looks and sounds refreshing.
Nicole
I am going to have to try some of these out! They look amazing!! I am a new follower from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully you will want to follow me back! Happy weekend, Nicole!
Jaime ♥ Raising up Rubies
crystal! what an awesome gift for mom! i think we’re going to give it a try :) thanks for sharing! ♥
Vickie
Beautiful. I’ll bet this smells really good and makes the bathroom smell fresh! Thanks for the recipe!
JaneEllen
You make it sound very easy so to challenge my cowardly ways I’m gonna have to try it. Love lovely smelling soaps for freshening bathrooms. What could be better than lemon? I’ve printed out your other home beauty aids also. Wonderful gifts for anytime, so glad you shared these ideas.Happy Weekend.
I have some pretty soaps I bought about 4 yrs. ago and they still have a fragrance after I put them in a jar or bag for little while to refresh their fragrance. To me that’s a big luxury. Love to pretty up our bathrooms for Spring or any season.
Tanya
Just shared on Facebook and Pinned! This looks amazing Crystal, all of your Mother’s Day ideas are wonderful. Have a great weekend :)
xo, Tanya
Marcy @ day2day SuperMom
This is a beautiful soap! And it’s EASY ~ finally I can try to make some!!! Thank you for sharing at the Nifty Thrifty party. PIN’d!! =)
Chelsea @ Making Home Base
Oh Crystal this soap looks so delightful!
Cindy Eikenberg
Hi Crystal, I absolutely love lemon and this soap sounds heavenly! Thank you so much for sharing and am pinning! Happy Sunday!
Margo
This is such a pretty looking soap!
Libby Sawyer
Do you sell your creations on Etsy?
Crystal
Libby Sawyer » Hi Libby, I’m sorry I don’t currently have an etsy shop. Thanks for asking, I really appreciate it! :)
Lakota
Can you use rice milk instead of goat milk base?
Crystal
Lakota » Hi Lakota! I don’t think that will work, but I’ve never tried it. I’m using an actual soap base that’s solid and melts then is put into a mold which then hardens again. You can find the soap base online or at your local craft store. I hope that helps!
Crystal
Your soaps look so pretty!! What a treat for any mom!!
Liz Fourez
I love following along on your soap making adventures! These look so pretty, and I bet smell amazing! I need to jump on the bandwagon and try making some! Thanks for sharing at Time To Sparkle : )
xoxo Liz
Shelley
Where would I buy Goat Milk Soap Base?
Gretelain
Hi! Where can I buy the goat’s milk soap base? Or it is possible, that I would make it, whit oil, whater and sosa?
Thanks!
Crystal
Gretelain » I’m sorry I haven’t used that method. I find using the soap base really easy to do and you can find it online at ConsumerCrafts.com or at a craft store like Michaels and Hobby Lobby. I hope that helps! :)
Holly @HollyPop Designs
So pretty! It looks fabulous and I bet it smells great!
Sally
This looks so pretty. I’ll bet it smells good, too!
Lynaea
Beautiful. I love lemon, and I love lavender. And I love them together. Your lemon bars (soap) look edible. Lemon is such a happy smell. (Very good pictures, by the way). Lynaea
Bonnie @ Uncommon
Love this idea Crystal..I bet it smells wonderful!
[email protected]
Fun! I’ve never tried making my own soap but it is something I want to try. When I was shopping recently I smelled some anise soap and since I love black licorice, it smelled amazing!
Simplee Sue
Will be sharing on FB. This has to be such a refreshing, feel clean soap. Great gift.
Consider yourself hugged,
https://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2013/05/homemade-lemon-soap-mothers-day-gift-ideas.html
Leslie
I found your blog via The Shabby Creek Cottage Transformation Thursday and I’m loving your homemade spa recipes. I’m now following you through email! Great ideas!
Mackenzie
Love lemon! I bet this would make the whole bathroom smell amazing!
Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers
Oh I love the smell of fresh lemon! I bet this is fabulous soap. I need to try it :)
Angela
Oh, this is awesome! I love it!!!
Randi - Dukes and Duchesses
I love all your soaps but that one sounds really great … and it’s so pretty and springlike! Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d}!
Emily
I can almost smell this through my computer …you take such tantalizing photos :)
Great gift ideas!! I’ll give it a shot.
[email protected]
Your soap-making adventures are as equally YUMMY-looking as well as clean and delightful. So fun, Crystal!
Val @ Home Made Modern
Thanks for this tutorial…I’ve always wanted to try making soap.
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen
Stunning! My sister makes homemade soap and I’ve always been intrigued, but she does the lye method. This looks so much easier for a newbie like me. Plus, that color…
Jocelyn @ BruCrew Life
That is such a pretty soap and I bet it smells amazing!!!!
Elaine
Have you tried using fresh basal to make soap? Do you think it would work?
Crystal
Elaine » I haven’t but I think it would make a lovely addition! I would make sure the basal is finely chopped. Thanks for stopping by! :)
Bernadette
I don’t own a microwave. Could I melt the soap in an old pot instead?
Thanks!
Crystal
Bernadette » Definitely! I’ve made soap in a double boiler several times, just stir the soap periodically to make sure it melts evenly. Thanks for stopping by! :)
Melissa @ No. 2 Pencil
So gorgeous!!!!
Debbie
You have to be careful of adding fresh lemon rind , it can start to break down , mold / bacteria . Not trying to be a killjoy , just safety first . Add a preservative , when using something in your soap that can break down .
Grapefruit seed extract, rosemary extract and vitamin E oil are good preservatives .
Crystal
Debbie » Hi Debbie, that’s a great tip! I’ve added vitamin e oil to homemade scrubs but didn’t think to add it to soap. Thanks for sharing! :)
Anita
If you use the soap right away I assume you don’t have to worry about this? Just want to be sure. :)
Margaret Szlabonyi
How much of vitamin e oil would you use? And could you break open the capsules?
Barb
This sounds amazing. Lemon is one of my favourite scents! Thanks for the simple recipe!
Asmita
I love all these ideas. Might try these for my daughter’s next birthday. She wants a spa birthday party!
Asmita
I love all these ideas. Might try these for my daughter’s next birthday. She wants a spa birthday party!
Stephanie Violet!
Heya!
Just a word from a soapmaker – using fresh anything will result in moldy bits in your soap! Using a
Preservative will prove tricky, especially with a melt & pour base like you’re using! Grapefruit seed extract will provide some preservative aspects, but rosemary extract and vitamin e are just antioxidants used to help prolong the freshness of oils in soap making! If you want to incorporate herbs or peels, go ahead, but dry them first! Dried mint or basil or orange rind will be a lovely addition to the soap!
Also, make sure your soap base isn’t boiling hot, as essential oils have certain evaporation points — add the EO to too hot soap and all the volatile oils (the good smelling stuff!) will be released in a sort if scent wave and there will be very little left in the actual soap!
Happy soaping!
(Check out my friend’s DIY soap making studio – The Nova Studio — for some awesome classes!!)
Xo,
Violet
Crystal
Stephanie Violet! » Hi Stephanie, thank you SO much for sharing your knowledge! I’ve read contradicting articles on soap preservatives and have yet to try them because I’m not sure which actually preserve. If it’s ok with you I’m going to edit the post to include a “reader suggestion” quote from you on what preservatives to use. Thanks again, Stephanie!
Tami
Where can I purchase Goat soap ? I’ve never made soap before but I’d love to try this one. Thanks
Aly
A question from a person whose never made soap before: Do I need to put in the essential oil? I’ve heard they can be bad for you. For the lemon scent could I just put in lemon juice and zest, even if it won’t look as yellow?
Thanks for this recipe im excited to try it!
Crystal
Aly » Hi Aly, I haven’t tried that method but I recommend using the soap immediately as it may mold without a preservative. I’m still learning about preservatives to help the lemon zest from molding and will update my post to share what a reader suggested. Thanks for stopping by!
Yohanna
Thanks for sharing!!! I just made this soap with my kids for Father’s Day and added some vitamin e oil to it…it is lovely!!! It smells wonderful and the color is gorgeous!
Jennifer
Great idea! I would recommend omitting the lemon zest for dried lemon peel (easy find at health food stores) since there is no way to properly preserve it in m&p soap. The effect and color would be much the same and there won’t be mold growing. As for vitamin e, it can extend shelf life a touch but is not a preservative. BTW your photos are absolutely gorgeous. Keep on soaping! ~Jennifer
P.S. I’m a handmade soap and body product maker/business owner and if you have any questions or ever need help don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Nancy Weaver
Oh I love that brown sugar scrub! I am actually using a mixture of honey, brown sugar and lemon as my body scrub. I actually like it because it leaves me soft skin after I use it. Moreover, I like those ideas shown above. They are great as gift ideas and also as party favors. I will try on the Lemon Soap sometime. Thanks for posting.
Julianne
Hi, when I go to order the soap base online it is sold by the pound.. How many pounds do I need for this recipe? I’m a first timer :)
Crystal Owens
I used a two pound block and it was divided into small cubes. I used about a third of the entire block of soap to make 3 bars. Hope that helps! :)
Taleda
If you don’t want to use the Lemon Zest & preservative, you can use dried Lemon Peel bits and/or Lemon Peel Powder. Make your own or purchase from internet (I buy a lot of herbs botanicals etc from Natures Garden as well as Starwest botanicals) I’ve made my own dried citrus slices and rind bits and powder. Makes for pretty decorations and embeds.
Riens handmadesoap
I bet it smells lovely. I know the scent is strong and will linger in your bath after. Thats what I love about lemon and citrus fragrance soaps period.
Lisa Bertolini
Have you tried drying your zest first? I’ve grated orange before and let it dry on a paper towel then store it for recipes.
niharika gupta
That’s great idea Lisa! How long ddi the soap last then?
Rachel
I made this soap and it is wonderful! I’ve never made soap using a soap base before and it’s so easy! I blogged about how I packaged this soap and linked back to your tutorial. I hope that’s okay! Thanks!
Carolyn Dunn
The picture of your soap is gorgeous. But once you dry the lemon zest it is considerably darker in color, almost a golden brown. How do we get the gorgeous yellow color while making sure our product doesn’t get moldy? Thanks for your help.
Suzanne Cox
Have you ever thought about using almond. My favorite !!! It is very hard to find anything with that scent.
miranda
Can I ask how many bars of soap this recipe will yield?
Marla
This looks super easy and is such a great gift! You mention omitting the lemon zest to produce longer lasting soap. how long does the soap usually last with the zest, versus without? Thanks for sharing!
Jenny simard
Hi i was wondering if i could get emailed the recipes to the soaps you have on your site, its very hard for me to try to print these out and find them.. There are tons of ads and i keep loosing the pages… I want to make a lavender and lemon soap recipe and yours all look amazing!
Kim H
Will this soap get as hard as cold pressed soap made with Lye?
niharika gupta
That’s a great and super easy receipe! Thanks for sharing!
Would you know how long the soap with zest last?
Heidi
I’ve never made soap before, but these fun lemon bar soaps make me want to try it out! Thanks for the step by step instructions.
Daphne
I’m excited about trying your recipe. What do you store the remaining bars in? Thanks for sharing!!!
glow
Where can I see goat milk base thanks ma
Lindsey
Does the lemon zest HAVE to be dried?
Lindsey
Could I use lemon zest that’s not dried?
Dawn
It’s lovely, thank you. Most of the zest sank to the bottom though, :-( Any suggestions?