The scent of a mango is like a cross between a citrus fruit and a peach. It brings to mind a lush, tropical landscape that soothes the senses. If you would like to make your own mango-scented soap, here are three recipes, ranging in skill from easiest to hardest. All three produce fantastic smelling soap for you to use.
For those that prefer an easy method that doesn’t require a lot of hard work and the use of lye, here is a recipe that is easy and kid safe.
Hand milled Mango Soap
20 oz. grated soap flakes (use a good unscented soap and grate fine)
1 oz. distilled water
1oz. fresh mango puree, sieved to remove any lumps
1 Vitamin E capsule
Melt all ingredients together in a double boiler or crock-pot until smooth. Pour into molds of your choice and let sit for at least 24 hours. Unmold the soap and enjoy!
The second method of soap making is called Melt and Pour. This involves using a clear or white glycerin soap base that can be purchased at some health food stores or online. These clear blocks are then melted down and color and fragrance can be added to produce the scent of your choice. Using glycerin blocks produces a very moisturizing bar of soap.
This soap uses an essential oil for scent, which can also be purchased in some health food stores or online. Oatmeal is added for a natural exfoliant.
Mango Oatmeal Soap
Melt 8 oz. of clear glycerin and 8 oz. of white glycerin, cut into cubes in a double boiler over low heat. Mix thoroughly.
Add ½ oz. of mango sorbet essential oil.
Add colorant, if you want. You can choose between a variety of options: food coloring (use sparingly!) or food safe color pigment.
Grind up ½ oz. of oatmeal in a blender. Add to mixture of glycerin bases.
If the oatmeal is staying suspended in the base, it is ready. Pour it into molds and spritz with alcohol to minimize any bubbles in the surface.
If the oatmeal sinks to the bottom of the bowl your mixture is not thick enough. Cover with plastic wrap and wait for it to cool. Stir at intervals, checking to see if the oatmeal stays suspended.
Wait at least 5-6 hours or overnight and unmold the soap.
The last method is the most difficult, and dangerous. It is called Cold Process and is the old-fashioned way to make soap. This process uses lye, which can be hazardous. Make sure that you use safety goggles, gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Old Fashion Mango Soap
To 4 oz. lukewarm distilled water, add 2 tbls lye and allow to cool.
Heat ½ lb. Lard over medium heat until liquid. Pour into a plastic bowl and allow to cool. Add the lye mixture to the lard. Mix by hand or stick blender until it looks like sour cream.
Add some mango essential oil, a few drops at a time.
Add colorant as desired.
Pour into molds and let sit for 24 hours. Unmold and let them cure for 3-4 weeks in a non-airtight container.
If you choose to use this method, it would be a good idea to buy a book on cold process soap making before embarking on this project.
