Make a batch of DIY Citrus Loofah Soap in just 10 minutes, and wake up your mornings with the refreshing and invigorating scent of citrus! These homemade luffa soaps make a great DIY homemade gift idea – perfect for friends, family, neighbors, and teachers!
Loofah soaps are a fantastic way to exfoliate your skin (just in time for warmer weather!), and they are super quick and easy to make, so they’re perfect for beginning soapmakers!
Random side note, did you know that you can call them loofah soaps OR luffa soaps? Both are correct! Loofah is the more commonly accepted American spelling, but other countries often favor the luffa spelling since the natural sponges are derived from tropical vines of the genus Luffa, of the gourd family.
How to Make Luffa Soaps
What You’ll Need:
- Crystal Clear Soap Base
- Natural Loofah
- Large Serrated Knife
- Round Silicone Mold
- Yellow and Orange Soap Colorant
- Citrus Scented Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils – we used Tangerine, Orange, and Lemon Essential Oils
- 4-Cup Pyrex Measuring Cup
Start by using the serrated knife to slice 1″ thick slices of loofah. Place a slice into the bottom of each well in the mold.
I usually work with about 1 lb. of soap base at a time, which makes approximately one batch of six soaps. I slice the soap base into cubes (it cuts easily with a kitchen knife), place them inside a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup, and melt in the microwave in 20-30 second increments, stirring well after each microwave session to ensure that the soap is completely melted. For 1 lb of soap, I generally microwave for 30 seconds, stir, microwave for another 30 seconds, stir once again, and microwave a final time for 20 seconds.
When the soap base is completely melted, stir in the soap colorant (add one drop at a time until the desired color is reached) and fragrance or essential oil (about 15-20 drops). Pour into the silicone mold, and allow the soap molds to sit undisturbed until completely cool (about 30-90 minutes depending on temperature/humidity).
To make this batch of soap in an ombre of colors, I started by adding yellow soap colorant and lemon essential oil to the melted soap. I poured the mixture into two of the molds and then added one drop of orange colorant and tangerine essential oil to the mixture before pouring the mixture into two more molds. (Note: if the soap starts to firm, simply pop it back in the microwave in 20-second increments again!). I finished up by adding several more drops of orange colorant and orange essential oil to the melted soap and then pouring the mixture into the remaining molds.
The resulting soaps have a range of colors from bright yellow to deep orange and a variety of citrus scents that smell SO yummy!
These loofah soaps are fantastic for exfoliation and for sloughing off the dry skin so that you can keep yourself feeling silky smooth! They smell great AND keep your skin healthy – win-win!
Luffa soaps also make a great homemade gift idea for friends, family, neighbors, teachers, and more! Whip up a batch in about 10 minutes for a thoughtful handmade present!
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Ka says
Do you have your loofah slightly damp or dry?
Heidi says
I start with dry loofah and slice it into pieces.
Kathleen says
Can you use other colors like red or colors that create a lavender color? My sister really like rose or lavender scent.
Heidi says
Absolutely, Kathleen! Feel free to change up the colors and the fragrances to your personal tastes!