Whipped Soap Base From Scratch

There are countless recipes that you can make once you learn how to make your own whipped soap base from scratch.Learn how to make a fluffy whipped soap base that you can turn into sugar scrubs, shaving cream, decorative whipped soap, and more.

This recipe is your base — once you make it, you can customize it with fragrance, color, exfoliants, oils and butters.

What can you make with this base?

Whipped Sugar Scrub
Whipped Soap That Holds Its Shape
DIY Shaving Cream
Rainbow Whipped Soap
Bath Bomb Frosted Cupcakes

I love the light and fluffiness of this soap, it is like washing with clouds of goodness. Just make the base and store it away until you are ready to whip up a new soapy creation.

Whipped soap base is used in a lot of different recipes, everything from Melt and Pour Soap Cupcakes to How Whipped Sugar Scrubs. You can purchase the whipped soap base, but it is actually pretty simple to make at home. It is made from a blend of surfactants and other ingredients that we will discuss.

Prefer to watch How to Make Whipped Soap instead of reading it?

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As you can see, whipped soap base is a thick, fluffy soap.

What is whipped soap base used for?

Whipped soap base aka foaming bath butter is used in a bunch of homemade skin care recipes. I like to make everything from Melt and Pour Soap Cupcakes to How Whipped Sugar Scrubs with it. The cool thing is this is just the base, from here you can add fragrance oils and mica powder to make all kinds of different things with it. One of my favorite things to do is to add a bit of sugar to the whipped soap base and make an exfoliating soap. It just leaves your skin feeling so smooth and clean.

Is whipped soap base actually soap?

Although it is not technically a soap, because true soap is made with oils and lye, it is a cleansing agent. You will notice a lot of “soaps” in the stores are called beauty bars, this is because they are made with surfactants. I could go on for days on surfactants, but if you want to learn more check out my Surfactants Explained post.

Even though it is not technically a ‘soap’ it is a cleaning agent. It washes your hands and body the same as a soap would.

What ingredients do you need to make a WHIPPED SOAP BASE?

Whipped Soap Base — 500 g Total

Since this is the base recipe, I am going to leave it unscented and uncolored. From there, we will learn how to create all the other things it can be made into.

We have 3 phases in this recipe. I know, that sounds like a lot. We have the water and oil phases, both of which need to be heated. We also have a cool down phase where we add our preservative, that can not be heated.

Water Phase

Distilled Water

You will want to ensure that you are using distilled water as all water is not created equal. Hard waters or different minerals in your tap water can effect the overall product.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is a humectant, which means that it draws moisture from the air to itself. Adding the vegetable glycerin also helps to soften the soap base and keeps it moldable. It also draws moisture to your skin when you use the whipped soap and holds it there.

Proplyene Glycol

Propylene glycol is the emulsifier for the whipped soap base. You have to add it in order to get everything to mix together and to stay together. If you would like to learn more about emulsions, check out my Emulsions – What Are They and How Do They Work post.

Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium EDTA works with the preservative to preserve it’s efficacy. Since this soap base is probably going to be made in advance of making your actually ‘finished product’, we want to keep it preserved as long as possible.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)

SCI is the surfactant in our whipped soap. Basically, it is what gives the soap the ability to bubble up. SCI is made from coconut oil and is very mild. If you are working with this in powder form, be sure to wear a mask as the fine powder can irritate your lungs.

Oil Phase

Stearic acid

Stearic acid adds a bit of a silkiness to the whipped soap. It also helps to harden it up so it can stay in a fluffy whipped state. This is also used as a co-emulsifier, which means that it helps to keep the emulsion together better.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil sounds kind of scary, until you realize that it is just coconut oil that has had it’s fats separated. So basically, different fats in the coconut oil have a different cooling rate, making it quite easy to separate out. I like to use this oil because it is a lightweight oil that does not leave behind a greasy feeling. You can swap this out for a different carrier oil if you prefer.

Shea Butter

Refined shea butter is used to add skin loving oils into our whipped soap. Shea butter is solid at room temperature but it is not brittle. If you were to squeeze it in your hands, it would smush up. This helps to keep the whipped body butter in solid form, but not hard like a bar soap. Shea butter also has a melting point right around skin temperature, so it softens up when on your skin.

Cool Down Phase

Preservative

Super important that we use a preservative in this recipe because it contains water. I am using Optiphen Plus, but feel free to use any broad spectrum preservative that you have. (Just be sure to check the use rates). If you don’t add in the preservative, you will wind up growing some pretty nasty stuff that is not good for you or your whipped soap.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
• Vegetable glycerin
• Propylene glycol
• Stearic acid
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Tetrasodium EDTA
• Optiphen Plus
• Distilled water

Equipment

• Digital scale
• Hand mixer
• Infrared thermometer
• Heat-safe bowls
• Double boiler
• Tall mixing container
• Storage jars

Making whipped soap from scratch

1. Weigh out all your ingredients on a scale.

2. Combine the water phase ingredients in a heat safe container.

3. Heat the water phase ingredients on a double boiler. For a double boiler, I like to just use a pan with some water and a silicone mat on the bottom of it.

4. Once your water phase has completely mixed together, remove it from the double boiler.

5. Pour the heated water phase into a mixing container. You will want to be sure that it is tall enough for all the bubbling that will happen.

6. Mix just a little bit with your hand mixer. (It is going to bubble up on you, that’s completely normal).

7. Add you oil phase ingredients into a separate heat safe container and put in on the double boiler. 

8. Once the oil phase is fully melted, remove it from the double boiler.

9. Add the oil phase into the water phase mixture.

10. Mix well with the hand mixer. The bubble are going to get a little wild on you, but they should not bubble out of the container.

At this point it is still going to be a runny consistency.

11. Verify that the temperature is below 110° F and add your preservative. Mix it in well.

12. Allow to cool, mixing every now and then. You should notice that the soap base is starting to thicken up.

13. When the soap base is fully cooled give it a good whip. 

That’s it! Now that your whipped soap base is made from scratch, feel free to whip it into a lovely new creation for now or package it up for later. When you are ready to use it, simply whip it until it comes back to this light fluffy texture.

How to Scale This Whipped Soap Recipe

This recipe is written using percentages so you can make a small batch or a much larger batch without changing the formula.

If you’re new to working with percentages, don’t worry — I explain exactly how this works in my beginner’s guide:

Percentages vs. Grams in Skincare Formulation: A Beginner’s Guide

Want to make 500 grams of whipped soap? Multiply 500 by the percentage for each ingredient. For example, SCI is 22.5%, so:

500 × 0.225 = 112.5 g SCI

Once you understand this, you can use the same formula to make 100 g, 500 g, 1,000 g, or any batch size you need.

How Can I Customize Whipped Soap Base?

Once you’ve made your whipped soap base, there are several ways you can customize it to create different products.

Adding Fragrance Oil

Fragrance oil can be added to give your whipped soap a beautiful scent. Always check the fragrance manufacturer’s recommended usage rate for a rinse-off product and stay within the maximum allowed amount.

Add fragrance after the base has cooled enough to prevent unnecessary fragrance loss from heat. Mix thoroughly so the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the finished product.

I recommend Nurture Handmade and Northwood Candle and Craft for Fragrance Oils. Both links will give you a 10% discount.

Adding Color

Cosmetic mica can be used to add color to whipped soap. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach the color you want.

Keep in mind that some colorants can temporarily color the skin or bath water, so choose colorants that are appropriate for your intended use.

If you’re making multiple colors, divide the finished base into separate portions before adding your color.

Adding Sugar for a Whipped Sugar Scrub

One of the easiest ways to turn whipped soap base into another product is by adding sugar to create a whipped sugar scrub.

The amount of sugar you add will affect the texture and exfoliation level of the finished scrub. Start with a small amount and adjust until you reach the consistency you prefer.

For a complete recipe, see my Whipped Sugar Scrub recipe.

Adding Oils and Butters

You can experiment with oils and butters, but this is where you need to be more careful.

Adding additional oils or butters changes the balance of the original formulation and can affect the texture, whipping ability, cleansing properties, and stability of the finished product.

If you want to change the amount or type of oil or butter in the base, I recommend adding this after you have the completed base.

Want Whipped Soap That Holds Its Shape?

If your goal is to pipe whipped soap into decorative designs, the basic whipped soap base may not give you the exact texture you’re looking for.

I’ve created a separate recipe specifically designed to make whipped soap that is thick enough to pipe and hold its shape.

Learn how to make whipped soap that holds its shape and pipes like frosting.

Want to Make Something Else With Your Base?

Once you understand how the base works, you can use it as a starting point for several different DIY bath products.

Try my whipped sugar scrub or explore my other whipped soap recipes and tutorials.

Can I Substitute Ingredients in This Whipped Soap Recipe?

You may be wondering if you can make this whipped soap recipe with ingredients you already have on hand. Sometimes you can, but not every ingredient can be replaced with another ingredient at the same rate.

Each ingredient in a formulation has a specific job. Some ingredients provide cleansing, some affect texture, some add moisture, and others help keep the product stable or protected from microbial growth.

Because of this, I don’t recommend making a 1:1 substitution unless you know that the replacement ingredient performs a similar function and is appropriate at the same usage rate.

Here are some of the most common questions about substituting ingredients in this recipe.

Can I Substitute the Shea Butter?

Yes, but the substitution can change the texture of your whipped soap.

Shea butter contributes richness and helps give the finished product body. Replacing it with another butter may work, but different butters have different melting points and properties, so the finished whipped soap may be softer, firmer, or have a different texture.

If you substitute another butter, I recommend making a small test batch before making a large batch.

Can I Substitute the Fractionated Coconut Oil?

Possibly, depending on the oil you want to use.

Fractionated coconut oil is a lightweight liquid oil that helps add emollience without making the formula as heavy as some other oils.

A different lightweight liquid oil may work, but oils are not completely interchangeable. Changing the oil can affect the texture and feel of the finished product.

If you’re experimenting with a different oil, keep the amount the same for your first small test batch and evaluate the finished texture before making additional changes.

Can I Substitute the Stearic Acid?

This is one ingredient I would not casually substitute.

Stearic acid contributes to the structure and consistency of the whipped soap.

Replacing it with another fatty acid or thickener does not necessarily produce the same result, even if the ingredient appears to have a similar purpose.

If you don’t have stearic acid, I would recommend using a different formulation rather than simply replacing it 1:1.

Can I Substitute the SCI?

SCI is a surfactant and is responsible for part of the cleansing action of this formula.

I would not recommend replacing SCI with a random surfactant at the same percentage. Different surfactants have different active matter levels, properties, pH considerations, and recommended usage rates.

If you want to use a different surfactant, the formula should be reformulated rather than treated as a simple substitution.

Can I Substitute the Glycerin?

Glycerin is a humectant and also contributes to the feel and consistency of the finished product.

Another humectant may be able to perform some of the same functions, but that does not mean it can automatically be substituted at the same percentage.

Can I Substitute the Preservative?

Do not substitute preservatives based simply on the fact that they are both “broad-spectrum preservatives.”

Different preservatives have different effective usage rates, pH ranges, solubility requirements, and processing instructions.

If you use a different preservative, follow that preservative manufacturer’s recommended usage rate and processing instructions rather than using the percentage from this recipe.

This is particularly important because this is a water-containing product and therefore requires appropriate preservation.

What If I Don’t Have One of the Ingredients?

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t automatically replace it with something that seems similar.

Instead, ask:

1. What is this ingredient doing in the formula?
2. Does my replacement perform the same function?
3. Is it suitable for this type of product?
4. Can it be used at the same percentage?
5. Will changing it affect the texture, stability, cleansing properties, or preservation of the formula?

This is one of the reasons I recommend learning to formulate using percentages rather than simply following recipes by weight.

If you’re new to formulation, read my guide to Percentages vs. Grams in Skincare Formulation.

The Bottom Line on Substitutions

Some ingredients in this recipe can be changed with relatively little difficulty, while others are important enough to the structure or function of the formula that replacing them requires reformulation.

If you’re just getting started, I recommend making the recipe as written first. Once you understand how the finished base behaves, you can begin experimenting with individual ingredients and keep notes on each test batch.

That way, you’ll know exactly what changed when a batch turns out differently.

Ingredient	Can you substitute it?	Why?
Shea butter	Yes, with testing	Affects richness and texture
Fractionated coconut oil	Sometimes	Changes feel and texture
Stearic acid	Not recommended as a simple swap	Important to structure
SCI	Not as a 1:1 swap	Surfactant properties differ
Glycerin	Sometimes	Different humectants behave differently
Preservative	Not 1:1	Usage rate and pH requirements differ

Printable Whipped Soap Recipe

Print Recipe

Whipped Soap Base From Scratch

Learn how to make your own whipped soap base from scratch. The base can then be used in a variety of different recipes.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Keyword: Melt and Pour Soap, Soap

Servings: 8 ounces

Cost: $5

Equipment

• Double boiler
• Infrared thermometer
• Scale
• Heat Safe Bowls
• Hand Mixer
• Spatula
• Mixing container

Ingredients

Water Phase

• 3.65 ounce | 45.6% Distilled Water
• 0.70 ounce | 8.8% Vegetable Glycerin
• 0.75 ounce | 9.3% Propylene Glycol
• 0.01 ounce | 0.1% Tetrasodium EDTA
• 1.80 ounce | 22.5% SCI

Oil Phase

• 0.22 ounce | 2.7% Stearic Acid
• 0.35 ounce | 4.4% Fractionated Coconut Oil
• 0.44 ounce | 5.5% Shea Butter

Cool Down

• 0.09 ounce | 1.1% Preservative

Instructions

• Weigh out all your ingredients. 
• Combine the water phase ingredients in a heat safe container.
• Heat the water phase ingredients on a double boiler. For a double boiler, I like to just use a pan with some water and a silicone mat on the bottom of it.
• Once your water phase has completely mixed together, remove it from the double boiler.
• Pour the heated water phase into a mixing container. You will want to be sure that it is tall enough for all the bubbling that will happen.
• Mix just a little bit with your hand mixer. (It is going to bubble up on you, that's completely normal).
• Add you oil phase ingredients into a separate heat safe container and put in on the double boiler. 
• Once the oil phase is fully melted, remove it from the double boiler.
• Add the oil phase into the water phase mixture.
• Mix well with the hand mixer. The bubble are going to get a little wild on you, but they should not bubble out of the container.
• Verify that the temperature is below 110° F and add your preservative. Mix it in well.
• When the soap base is fully cooled give it a good whip. 
• That’s it! Now that your whipped soap base is made from scratch, feel free to whip it into a lovely new creation for now or package it up for later. When you are ready to use it, simply whip it until it comes back to this light fluffy texture.

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