Calendula is a fantastic flower with so many benefits! This DIY Calendula soap recipe makes reaping those benefits super easy! Plus, it looks and smells great!
My husband has really bad Psoriasis. His scalp and hands are most affected. His hands specifically will crack and bleed for months if we do not control it. One of the simplest ways we work to control it is with Calendula. This DIY Calendula bar soap is by far the simplest way for us to get the benefits of Calendula onto his skin with very little muss or fuss.
Calendula flower is one of those garden plants that brings with it a powerful punch of help when you need it. It is easy to grow and even easier to harvest and dry. If you have fresh Calendula flowers on hand, you can dehydrate them for later use without losing too much of its potency.
What are the benefits of Calendula?
Calendula has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. When applied to the skin, it has been shown to help speed wound healing and reduce infection. While researchers aren’t exactly sure why it is so helpful, they believe that it helps the body to regrow damaged and to grow new tissues, speeding and aiding in healing.
It is often recommended for use on eczema, psoriasis sores and acne as a result. This is why Calendula is often used in skin creams and healing balms. It has also been used for healthy skin overall giving it a plump, hydrated appearance after just a few uses.
Other uses for this medicinal flower include leg ulcers, swelling of injured limbs (sprained ankle, etc), menstrual pain, nosebleeds and even hemorrhoids. It can also be used to start a missed period or treat mouth sores.
All in all, it’s a fantastic well-rounded herb to keep in your holistic medical cabinet!
How is Calendula used?
Calendula is used in many different forms. Since the flower is edible, you can make a tea or make a Calendula tincture out of them to address internal issues. Otherwise, adding the petals to a bar of soap such as the one in this post, a balm or cream can help with skin issues. Another option is to make calendula infused oil that helps to relieve dry skin.
You can buy calendula as dried whole flowers, buy Calendula flower petals or buy Calendula oil to assist with making different products you may have in mind.
Should You Use Mica to Color Soap?
Mica is often used for soap colorant and for the sake of this recipe, we have included the measurements of mica powder you would need should you want to use it.
However, there are two different forms of mica and both have their own issues. You can read about why you might not want to use mica in natural products HERE.
In the end, I recommend that you do your own research into whether mica is a good addition to your bar of soap or not. It is your soap and your call on which ingredients you add.
Can I Use Calendula Soap Daily?
Yes you can! This soap really has been the best thing to ever happen to my husband’s skin!! But, in case you don’t have psoriasis, it will help ensure your skin stays radiant looking and may help heal any small wounds or sores you have.
It smells amazing and is perfect for using in your daily beauty routine!
Before you make this DIY Calendula soap
To make things as easy as possible on our readers, this bar soap recipe uses a goat milk melt and pour base. This is easiest and best for beginners. Goats milk is very moisturizing in itself which only aides the calendula in this recipe. If you are an experienced soap maker, you absolutely can use the healing ingredients in a hot process soap recipe.
Because you will be bathing with this, you will want to ensure that the ingredients you are using are organic. Using anything else could introduce a higher amount of toxins into your soap.
DIY Calendula Soap
Equipment
- Liquid Measuring Cup microwave safe
- medium mixing bowl if not using a measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 lb Goat Milk Melt & Pour Soap Base
- ½ tsp Calendula Oil or 50 drops
- ¼ c. Calendula Flowers dried
- ¼ tsp Golden Mica Powder optional
- ¼ tsp Yellow Mica Powder optional
Instructions
- Cut goats milk melt and pour soap base into 1" cubes. Place in a microwave safe container and heat in 30-second increments. Stir each time to help the soap base melt evenly.2 lb Goat Milk Melt & Pour Soap Base
- Allow the soap base to cool for around 60-seconds. If you are using mica powder to color your soap, add it now and stir well. If not, add the Calendula oil to the melted base and stir to combine.1/2 tsp Calendula Oil, 1/4 tsp Golden Mica Powder, 1/4 tsp Yellow Mica Powder
- Add the Calendula flowers making sure to reserve a small amount. Stir well to combine.1/4 c. Calendula Flowers
- Pour the mixture into the soap mold. Once poured, sprinkle the reserved flowers onto the top.1/4 c. Calendula Flowers
- Allow the soap mold to sit undisturbed for 24-hours to cure. Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mold and use a soap cutter to cut it into 1" bars.
- Wrap soap with Kraft paper and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Notes
- A liquid measuring cup can be easiest for melting the soup base. If using a mixing bowl, one with a pour spout is best.
- You may not want to use mica powder in your soap. It is okay to skip it, however, your soap will be a different color than the photos in this post.
- Your soap may still be on the soft side after curing for 24-hours. This is normal. It will continue to harden as it ages and dries out.
- Price estimate is per bar.
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