BLOG

Have you ever looked at rows of beautiful artisan soap bars and thought, “I could never make anything that pretty” ? The truth is, you really can, lovely – even as a beginner. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key skills and habits that make your soaps look polished, consistent and “shop ready”, without needing a studio or years of experience. ✨ New to Soap Academy? If you’re just starting your soap making journey, you can grab my free Soap Making Checklist for Beginners

From bathroom shelves to market stalls, plastic-free and vegan soap bars are everywhere at the moment – and for good reason. They’re kinder to the planet, often gentler on skin, and they look beautiful lined up by the sink. In this post, we’ll explore why so many people in the UK are switching to bar soap and, most importantly, how you can start making your own at home as a beginner.  If you’re just starting your soap making journey, you can grab my free Soap Making Checklist

Solid dish soap is one of my favourite “gateway” projects for new soap makers. It’s practical, zero-waste, and incredibly satisfying to use every day at the sink. In this post, I’ll walk you through a beginner-friendly solid dish soap recipe and share a few tips to help your bars last longer and cut through grease beautifully. 🧽 Brand-new to soap making? Before you dive into the recipe, grab my free Soap Making Checklist for Beginners  so you feel organised and safe on soap

Running out of an oil mid-planning is such a common beginner headache. The good news is, you can  substitute oils in soap making – but not all swaps are created equal. In this guide, we’ll look at how different oils behave in cold process soap and when it’s safe to substitute one for another without ruining your batch. 📋 Planning your first recipe, lovely? Make life easier with my free Soap Making Checklist for Beginners  – it includes a simple prep list and reminders so yo

Test batches are your best friend as a soap maker, especially when you’re just starting out. Making smaller loaves lets you experiment with new oils, colours and botanicals without sacrificing a whole bottle of olive oil or a big slab of soap. In this post, we’ll go through how to scale down recipes safely and what to watch out for in tiny test batches. 🧪 Testing the waters with soap making? My free Soap Making Checklist for Beginners  will help you organise your first few

You’ve poured a beautiful batch of soap, waited patiently to unmould it… and then a dusty, white layer appears on top. Hello, soda ash. It’s harmless but frustrating – especially when you want your bars to look smooth and creamy. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll talk about what soda ash is, why it happens, and the simple steps you can take to prevent (or fix) it. 😅 Battling soda ash on your first bars? You’re definitely not alone. Grab my free Soap Making Checklist for