Making recycled soap bars from leftover soap slivers is one of the most satisfying zero-waste projects you can do — and adding a cannabis infusion takes it to a whole new level. In this Herbistry420 experiment, Fordee saves two years’ worth of soap slivers from Dove bars, grates them down, melts them with infused coconut oil, and reforms them into beautiful cannabis infused soap bars with green mica color and peppermint essential oil fragrance.
What Are Recycled Soap Bars?
Recycled soap bars are new soap bars made from the small leftover slivers of old bar soap. Rather than letting those small pieces crumble and fall down the drain, you can grate them, melt them down using a double boiler, add color, fragrance, and optional infusions, then pour them into molds to set into fresh new bars. This soap slivers recycling project produces zero waste and can be customized in any direction you choose.
5 Steps to Making Cannabis Infused Soap Bars at Home
Here is the complete process for making cannabis infused soap bars using the recycled sliver method:
- Collect and grate your soap slivers. Save the end pieces of bar soap until you have enough to work with — Fordee saved slivers for two years and ended up with around 756g. Use a cheese grater to shred the slivers into fine soap flakes. Aim for about 500g of grated soap for a standard batch. Using one type of soap (such as all Dove bars) keeps the color consistent and makes tinting easier.
- Melt using the double boiler method. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water — not too much, or the water will boil over. Place the grated soap in the top bowl and apply medium heat. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula. Keep temperature below 160°F (75°C) to prevent scorching. The soap will slowly become a thick, oatmeal-like consistency. Add a small amount of water if the mixture gets too thick.
- Add mica powder for color. Mix green mica powder with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol in a separate container to create a paste. Adding mica powder directly can create uneven clumps — the paste distributes more evenly throughout the soap. Stir well until the color is uniform. Note: white soap base will mute the color somewhat; clear soap base produces more vibrant results.
- Add infused coconut oil and essential oils. Once the mixture cools below 120°F, add your infused coconut oil — approximately 1 tablespoon per cup of soap, or about 2–2.5 tablespoons for a 500g batch. Then add essential oils for fragrance; peppermint oil works beautifully with green cannabis soap. Add roughly 2% of the total weight in essential oils and stir thoroughly.
- Pour into molds and dry. Spoon the soap mixture into silicone soap molds, pressing it into the corners to fill evenly. Optional: add raw oatmeal to the mixture before pouring for an exfoliating bar. Let the bars set uncovered for at least 24 hours — or longer if the soap is still soft. Pop the finished recycled soap bars out of the molds and they’re ready to use.
Does Cannabis Infused Soap Work Topically?
Fordee addresses this honestly in the video: cannabis topicals — including how to make cannabis soap infused with coconut oil — work best when the product stays on the skin long enough for the cannabinoids to penetrate and interact with the skin’s cannabinoid receptors. Regular soap is rinsed off quickly, which limits absorption compared to a salve or lotion.
That said, leaving the infused lather on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing may allow some absorption and light topical benefits — a little extra relaxation or skin soothing. The experience is as much about the ritual and the aromatherapy from the essential oils as any direct cannabinoid effect.
Tips and Lessons Learned From This Experiment
- Don’t overfill the bottom pan of the double boiler. Too much water causes boilover and makes a mess — Fordee learned this the hard way.
- Mix mica powder into isopropyl alcohol first. This creates a smooth paste that blends evenly into the soap, avoiding clumps of color.
- Use clear soap base for vibrant colors. White soap slivers will mute mica colors significantly. Clear soap base produces much more vivid results.
- Add essential oils last, when the temperature drops. Essential oils lose their fragrance at high heat. Add them once the soap mixture is below 120°F.
- Let bars cure longer than you think. Fordee’s recycled soap bars took about two and a half months to fully harden. Patience produces a harder, longer-lasting bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really make soap from soap slivers?
Yes — the soap slivers recycling project works because soap base melts and re-sets cleanly. Grate the slivers, melt them down in a double boiler, add your ingredients, and pour into molds. The result is a fully functional new bar of soap.
How much infused oil should you use in homemade soap?
Use approximately 1 tablespoon of infused coconut oil per cup of grated soap. For a 500g batch (roughly 2 cups), that means about 2–2.5 tablespoons of cannabis infused coconut oil soap base. Using more doesn’t necessarily increase topical effect and can make the bar oily or affect how it sets.
What temperature should you keep soap when melting it?
Keep the soap temperature below 160°F (75°C) to prevent scorching. When adding essential oils and cannabis infused coconut oil soap ingredients, let the mixture cool below 120°F first to preserve the fragrance and active cannabinoids in the oil.
How long do recycled soap bars take to dry?
At minimum 24 hours in the mold before popping them out. However, for a firm, long-lasting bar, allow the recycled soap bars to cure for several weeks or even months. Fordee’s bars took about two and a half months to reach their final hardness.
References
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