5 Mistakes New Soap Makers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Table of Contents
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Oils
A common early mistake is using too many drying oils or not enough nourishing ones. New makers often grab what’s cheap or easy — but not what skin really needs.
✅ Do this instead: Balance cleansing oils (like coconut) with moisturizing butters (like shea). Always include something gentle, like olive oil.
Mistake #2: Not Understanding Superfatting
Superfatting is what keeps artisan soap rich and skin-loving. Without it, the bar feels tight and stripping.
✅ Do this instead: Learn your formula’s oil-to-lye ratio. Adding extra oils at the end of the process ensures leftover fats remain to condition your skin.
💡 Tip: Josspure bars are superfatted for dry, sensitive skin.
Mistake #3: Using Synthetic Fragrance
Many beginners use generic fragrance oils without realizing what’s inside — or how they’ll affect skin.
✅ Do this instead: Use essential oils or natural plant-based scents. Lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and citrus oils all offer aroma and benefits.
🌿 Shop naturally scented artisan soaps
Mistake #4: Rushing the Cure Time
It’s tempting to use a bar too soon. But without curing, the soap stays soft and harsh.
✅ Do this instead: Let bars cure for at least 4 weeks. This allows water to evaporate and the soap to harden into a longer-lasting, milder product.
Mistake #5: Forgetting Skin Type
Not all skin is the same. What works for one person might irritate another — especially when it comes to exfoliants, scents, or essential oils.
✅ Do this instead: Know your customer. Dry skin? Use oatmeal and shea. Acne-prone? Try tallow and charcoal. Sensitive? Avoid citrus and stick to calming botanicals.
🧼 Customer faves at Josspure:
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Harmony Bar: spirulina, chamomile, shea butter
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Balance Bar: tallow, charcoal, calendula
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Oatmeal Honey: oatmeal, honey, shea
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Lavender Espresso: lavender EO + exfoliating coffee
FAQs
Q: Can I use kitchen oils to make soap?
Only if they’re skin-safe and fresh. Rancid oils can ruin your batch.
Q: How long does soap need to cure?
At least 4 weeks. Some bars benefit from 6–8 weeks for better hardness and lather.
Q: Why did my soap turn out soft or oily?
Likely due to too much superfat or not enough cure time.
References
Summary
What are common mistakes in handmade soap?
New soapmakers often choose the wrong oils, skip superfatting, use synthetic fragrance, rush the cure, or forget about skin type. Avoid these and your bars will shine.
✨ Soapmaking is a craft — start with care.
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