What do you think?
Rate this book
Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing, Natural Skin Care Soaps
The pure luxury of soaps made with coconut butter, almond oil, aloe vera, oatmeal, and green tea is one of life's little pleasures. And with the help of author Anne-Marie Faiola, it's easy to make luscious, all-natural soaps right in your own kitchen. This collection of 32 recipes ranges from simple castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. Begin with a combination of skin-nourishing oils and then add blueberry puree, dandelion-infused water, almond milk, coffee grounds, mango and avocado butters, black tea, or other delicious ingredients -- and then scent your soap with pure essential oils. Step-by-step photography guides you through every stage of cold-process soapmaking.
240 pages, Spiral-bound
First published February 9, 2016
602 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 27, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog
This is, by far, one of the best books on the subject published today. Comprehensive, beautifully presented, lavishly photographed, and suitable for beginner to advance soap makers. Designed like the highest quality cookbooks, directions are simple and very easy to follow. This is a one-stop, everything included manual for the hobbyist or enthusiast.The first section of the book details the soapmaking process: choosing equipment and molds, step-by-step cold-process soapmaking, all about oils, using herbs and natural additives, scenting your soap, and designing recipes. The rest of the book includes a wide selection of soaps to make, broken down into three categories: simplicity, pure beauty, colorful and creative.
The book is brimming with high quality professional photographs that show the process, tools, and final results. All of the bars presented are beautiful - from swirls to stripes to sandwich layered. You'll almost not want to use them after you make them since they look so good. And with ingredients such as black tea, pale ale, and goat milk - they definitely beg to be used.
Safety is important (using caustic lye, of course) and calculations are important to ensure the bar is made correctly. The author covers all of these in detail to ensure that there are no costly mistakes or accidents. Fortunately, the directions are so easy and thorough as to really facilitate success with soapmaking.
Whether you have never made soap before and need a starting point - or a veteran soapmaker looking for inspiration, you'll find it here in Pure Soapmaking. This is very well done and a treat, guide, inspiration, and bible for the art. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
January 21, 2016
I've made soap a few times over the years, as a result of my "have to try every craft ever" scatter-brained mind, but am definitely not an expert by any means. This book is written for beginner soap makers, but I think it would be a handy guide for any soapmaker.
The book includes:
Soapmaking Process and Equipment
Step by Step Cold Process Soapmaking
All about Oils and Using Herbs
Scenting Your Soap
Making your Own Recipes
The book talks about the science behind soap making - which the geek in me enjoyed - and talks about safety. Using lye can be dangerous and deadly, so the author spends some time talking about this.
There are tons of photographs throughout, making me want to start making soap right this instant.
Not only are there a ton of practical recipes included, but there are a ton of simply gorgeous ideas as well, perfect for gift gifting.
A must have for anyone serious about making soap.
The book includes:
Soapmaking Process and Equipment
Step by Step Cold Process Soapmaking
All about Oils and Using Herbs
Scenting Your Soap
Making your Own Recipes
The book talks about the science behind soap making - which the geek in me enjoyed - and talks about safety. Using lye can be dangerous and deadly, so the author spends some time talking about this.
There are tons of photographs throughout, making me want to start making soap right this instant.
Not only are there a ton of practical recipes included, but there are a ton of simply gorgeous ideas as well, perfect for gift gifting.
A must have for anyone serious about making soap.
March 2, 2018
Actual Rating 4,5 Stars
Was quite disappointed that ALL of the recipes still use Lye-Water... Other than that, a very good directory of recipes and information for soap makers.
Was quite disappointed that ALL of the recipes still use Lye-Water... Other than that, a very good directory of recipes and information for soap makers.
February 8, 2019
Mixed feelings. Much of the information before the recipes is very useful, and i felt very prepared to start a simple recipe, of which i chose the one with the least amount of ingredients. Not sure how it turned out yet, since it’s still curing, but it set up so that’s a good sign. There are a few moments (in fairly unimportant areas like how to make infused oils, and using teas) where i was scratching my head saying “no, no way, not like that� but to each their own i suppose. A big gripe of mine are the recipes. She uses a lot of oxide colorants, which weirds me out but you can also just leave them out. Palm oils, sodium lactate, and canola oil are very prevalent, but again you can replace them with other ingredients (and recalculate the lye percentage). What really gets me about the recipes though, many of combinations of the colors, the scents, the herb additives, and the names are all very incohesive. Why on earth would you scent a buttermilk-honeycomb soap with orange? or color something a beautiful earthy red but then scent it with lemongrass? or call something “cucumber layers� and scent it with lavender and patchouli! Again, these things are adjustable, I just have to rework nearly every recipe to my liking, but again, to each their own. Most of the bars a beautiful and inspiring, with some great ideas to get me thinking. I will be using the recipes as a jumping point for my own creations, I just won’t be using many of her recipes as is.
July 21, 2019
Who would of thought that there were so many books on soap making?
I thought this was very informative and I’m really glad I read it before trying to make soap. It was easy to understand and I learned a lot for this little gem!
I thought this was very informative and I’m really glad I read it before trying to make soap. It was easy to understand and I learned a lot for this little gem!
August 31, 2015
Gorgeous, Meticulous, And I Can't Wait To Try These Soaps! Publisher’s Description
The pure luxury of soaps made with coconut butter, almond oil, aloe vera, oatmeal, and green tea is one of life’s little pleasures. And with the help of author Anne-Marie Faiola, it’s easy to make luscious, all-natural soaps right in your own kitchen. This collection of 32 recipes ranges from simple Castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. Begin with a combination of skin-nourishing oils and then add blueberry puree, dandelion-infused water, almond milk, coffee grounds, mango and avocado butters, black tea, or other delicious ingredients � and then scent your soap with pure essential oils. Step-by-step photography guides you through every stage of cold-process soapmaking.
Ìý
Ìý
Review
My first thought? Pretty!!!! The photos and the soaps themselves are absolutely lovely. My second thought? Yummy!!! These soap recipes sound delicious. Rose and Champagne Peaks. Coconut Milk Sideways Swirl. Dark Ale Loofa Bars. Coffee Swirls Layered Cubes.
A feast for the senses, for sure. What is better than hopping in a hot shower and enjoying lovely scents from soaps you made yourself that leaves your skin feeling silky smooth? But how do you make soap yourself that won’t dry your skin, and how do you choose the right ingredients? As we become more and more knowledgeable about the effect our actions have on the world’s ecology, how do we choose products that are sustainable and don’t destroy the environment, like cutting out palm oil, the harvest of which causes deforestation and loss of habitat for some of the most wonderful, and most endangered, species in the world? Not to mention cutting GMO products out of your life.
Ìý
Soapmaking doesn’t require a painter’s eye or a sculptor’s hand, but it can still turn out as beautifully as a sculpture and a painting all rolled into one. It is also a ‘science project� in a way, as you learn cold-process (no outside heat source used) soap making. Anne-Marie Faiola takes you through the science of the process � why and how soap is soap � through the curing process that turns the base formula ((triglicerides (fatty acids) + sodium hydroxide = Soap + Glycerin)) plus various natural oils, herbs spices, etc. into luscious handmade soap. She is also very thorough when it comes to safety instructions � you are, after all, using lye in the process.
Ìý
From choosing ingredients and molds to cleaning up, Faiola takes you through the steps meticulously to ascertain that you have the most fun, and work in complete safety.
When I was asked to review this book for the publisher, I spent some time looking over other soap making books at the library and I have to say � this one is better. Not only is it absolutely lovely to look at, and the recipes are luscious for your senses, the level of detail is better than the other books I have looked over. I have never made soap before, but I would feel quite comfortable starting out with this book. For an experienced soapmaker, the recipes are new, fresh, and use all natural ingredients. Faiola also spends a lot of time describing different oils and why you would use one over the other, as well as why you would or would not want to make certain mixes. Wine soaps, coffee and tea, lavender, my mouth waters at the idea of enjoying these fragrances in soap I made myself! Faiola even gives you tips on designing color palettes for your soaps based on whether you use green tea or black, chardonnay or merlot!
Ìý
The book is coming out on February 9, 2016. I am putting it on my wish list to get a paper copy. Some books you simply have to hold, touch . . . and be able to lay out by your mixing bowls, of course.
Ìý
I received Pure Soapmaking from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
The pure luxury of soaps made with coconut butter, almond oil, aloe vera, oatmeal, and green tea is one of life’s little pleasures. And with the help of author Anne-Marie Faiola, it’s easy to make luscious, all-natural soaps right in your own kitchen. This collection of 32 recipes ranges from simple Castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. Begin with a combination of skin-nourishing oils and then add blueberry puree, dandelion-infused water, almond milk, coffee grounds, mango and avocado butters, black tea, or other delicious ingredients � and then scent your soap with pure essential oils. Step-by-step photography guides you through every stage of cold-process soapmaking.
Ìý
Ìý
Review
My first thought? Pretty!!!! The photos and the soaps themselves are absolutely lovely. My second thought? Yummy!!! These soap recipes sound delicious. Rose and Champagne Peaks. Coconut Milk Sideways Swirl. Dark Ale Loofa Bars. Coffee Swirls Layered Cubes.
A feast for the senses, for sure. What is better than hopping in a hot shower and enjoying lovely scents from soaps you made yourself that leaves your skin feeling silky smooth? But how do you make soap yourself that won’t dry your skin, and how do you choose the right ingredients? As we become more and more knowledgeable about the effect our actions have on the world’s ecology, how do we choose products that are sustainable and don’t destroy the environment, like cutting out palm oil, the harvest of which causes deforestation and loss of habitat for some of the most wonderful, and most endangered, species in the world? Not to mention cutting GMO products out of your life.
Ìý
Soapmaking doesn’t require a painter’s eye or a sculptor’s hand, but it can still turn out as beautifully as a sculpture and a painting all rolled into one. It is also a ‘science project� in a way, as you learn cold-process (no outside heat source used) soap making. Anne-Marie Faiola takes you through the science of the process � why and how soap is soap � through the curing process that turns the base formula ((triglicerides (fatty acids) + sodium hydroxide = Soap + Glycerin)) plus various natural oils, herbs spices, etc. into luscious handmade soap. She is also very thorough when it comes to safety instructions � you are, after all, using lye in the process.
Ìý
From choosing ingredients and molds to cleaning up, Faiola takes you through the steps meticulously to ascertain that you have the most fun, and work in complete safety.
When I was asked to review this book for the publisher, I spent some time looking over other soap making books at the library and I have to say � this one is better. Not only is it absolutely lovely to look at, and the recipes are luscious for your senses, the level of detail is better than the other books I have looked over. I have never made soap before, but I would feel quite comfortable starting out with this book. For an experienced soapmaker, the recipes are new, fresh, and use all natural ingredients. Faiola also spends a lot of time describing different oils and why you would use one over the other, as well as why you would or would not want to make certain mixes. Wine soaps, coffee and tea, lavender, my mouth waters at the idea of enjoying these fragrances in soap I made myself! Faiola even gives you tips on designing color palettes for your soaps based on whether you use green tea or black, chardonnay or merlot!
Ìý
The book is coming out on February 9, 2016. I am putting it on my wish list to get a paper copy. Some books you simply have to hold, touch . . . and be able to lay out by your mixing bowls, of course.
Ìý
I received Pure Soapmaking from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
January 16, 2017
A very well wrote and useful book on soap making focused mostly on the use of using oils in the soap making process. I'd enjoy owning the hard cover for my collection.
February 15, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
Pure soapmaking is a great addition to the soap book I already own.
I specially love the chapter about oils. It really goes into detail and describes the oils and their properties (some of which are already in my kitchen cupboard).
In addition, the recipes in the book are very creative and the presentation of the soaps is simple yet very fetching.
The recipes are easy to follow and the photos make the process even more clear.
Since my my family is very much into natural skincare, we appreciate the simple and natural ingredients used in the book. I am a bit hesitant about the colourants and will do more research on those, but other than that, the recipes will definitely be used in our house.
All in all I think this book is a welcome addition to any soap makers library and I would definitely recommend it. Maybe not for the super beginner soap maker, but if you have dabbled a little bit, go get this book and make soap that is jaw-dropping gorgeous!
Pure soapmaking is a great addition to the soap book I already own.
I specially love the chapter about oils. It really goes into detail and describes the oils and their properties (some of which are already in my kitchen cupboard).
In addition, the recipes in the book are very creative and the presentation of the soaps is simple yet very fetching.
The recipes are easy to follow and the photos make the process even more clear.
Since my my family is very much into natural skincare, we appreciate the simple and natural ingredients used in the book. I am a bit hesitant about the colourants and will do more research on those, but other than that, the recipes will definitely be used in our house.
All in all I think this book is a welcome addition to any soap makers library and I would definitely recommend it. Maybe not for the super beginner soap maker, but if you have dabbled a little bit, go get this book and make soap that is jaw-dropping gorgeous!
December 14, 2019
It’s good but I work in grams. So unless u have the patience to calculate and convert all the measurements from ounces to grams then don’t get this book.
May 15, 2025
Kitap, sabun yapımı konusunda basit ve kısa açıklamalarda bulunmuş ama alıntılardan dikkat çekenlerin çoğu Prof. Kevin Dunn’dan yapılmıştı. Ben daha ziyade işin sırlarına ve gizemlerine erişebilecek miyim farklı tarifler bulabilecek miyim diye okudum ama maalesef beklediğim ayrıntıları göremediğim gibi verilen çoğu tarifte de palm yağının kullanılmış olmasından ötürü üzüldüm� Ne yazık ki verilen sabun tarifleri ve teknikleri zaten genel de bilinen ve çok da denemeyi düşünmeyeceğim tariflerdi. Keşke biraz daha taze meyvelerin, şekerin kullanımına - jelleşmeye odaklansa, aromaların korunmasına dair sırları da paylaşsaydı�
February 22, 2024
Beautiful book! Very informative with tons of recipes.
January 27, 2016
*I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I wish I would have had this book when I started my own soap-making voyage years ago. It's a hobby I've been meaning to return to, a surprisingly enjoyable pastime.
This book is detailed and almost perfect - it not only lists a generous amount of recipes at the back, but they all use different oil combinations, and each shows different decorating, swirling, and neat techniques for decorating effect. I couldn't ask for more on this section - 5 stars for decorative effort. I see how to get the honeycomb look (saw a similar technique yesterday for decorating a cake), different swirls, layers, cubes, and even a frosting.
The author opens with glossaries of need to know terms, invaluable and in-depth information on oils and their SAP values, coming up with own formulas, detailed information on different herbs and natural solutions for colorants - including full pictures of different stages of the coloring process - and chemical colorants. The natural additives include the ratio to the soap that you need for whatever you're working with. There's a chapter on information on scented dyes and essential oils.
I have to give kudos for including Comfrey in a few recipes (love that herb) and some other natural additives. The pictures are bright, comfortable, creative, and eye catching.
If I made this one absolutely perfect, it would be that I wanted more details on other ways to make soap - such as different techniques for hot process soap, from crockpot to microwave. She mentioned hot process only as a saving attempt for cold process that refuses to trace. On the plus side, the cold process method is shown in several pages, with clear steps, pictures along the way, and full troubleshooting.
If you're looking for a soapmaking book, this is the one I'd recommend for cold process.
May 31, 2017
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Soap making is something I have recently become interested in so imagine my delight when I saw this book on Netgalley. I was even more thrilled that my request as accepted. I had to download an app to be able to read it, but boy it was worth it!
For someone who has never made soap in her life and knows nothing about soap making, this was the absolute best book to start with. It describes everything from the tools you will need to the different processes you can use with such detail, that even an absolute novice like me can make it. In fact, I got it right on my first try thanks to the detailed instructions.
The writing is far from dry either. The author really knew how to make it interesting for the reader as well as instructing them. She breaks each section down to make it easier. It starts with a little science (which a science nerd like me loved!) then she follows it with a short glossary of commons terms you should familiarize yourself with. There is a section about safety guidelines (since lye is involved) and detailed section about the equipment needed as well as images to match. In fact, all the images through the book are beautiful and beneficial.
I don’t think I can brag about this book enough. It was exactly what a novice like me needed. I am sure someone familiar to soap making wouldn’t need all the extra information but there is still a lot of recipes in here they may interested in using.
Soap making is something I have recently become interested in so imagine my delight when I saw this book on Netgalley. I was even more thrilled that my request as accepted. I had to download an app to be able to read it, but boy it was worth it!
For someone who has never made soap in her life and knows nothing about soap making, this was the absolute best book to start with. It describes everything from the tools you will need to the different processes you can use with such detail, that even an absolute novice like me can make it. In fact, I got it right on my first try thanks to the detailed instructions.
The writing is far from dry either. The author really knew how to make it interesting for the reader as well as instructing them. She breaks each section down to make it easier. It starts with a little science (which a science nerd like me loved!) then she follows it with a short glossary of commons terms you should familiarize yourself with. There is a section about safety guidelines (since lye is involved) and detailed section about the equipment needed as well as images to match. In fact, all the images through the book are beautiful and beneficial.
I don’t think I can brag about this book enough. It was exactly what a novice like me needed. I am sure someone familiar to soap making wouldn’t need all the extra information but there is still a lot of recipes in here they may interested in using.
August 18, 2018
This book is very straightforward and scientific in its approach to teaching the art of soap making. The serious tone helps to emphasize the importance of safety and a clean working environment. The in-depth explanations of each additive give you the tools necessary to be as simple or complex as you’d like. The pictures and techniques described round out the instructions well so that every soap maker can make their own unique designs.
While I enjoyed the tone of the book, I feel like it could have benefited from a few anecdotes at the beginning or end just to tie the recipes into some real world experiences or lighten the mood. Overall though, it was a well-written, instructional read.
While I enjoyed the tone of the book, I feel like it could have benefited from a few anecdotes at the beginning or end just to tie the recipes into some real world experiences or lighten the mood. Overall though, it was a well-written, instructional read.
March 16, 2020
Beaucoup trop (plus de 50%) de recettes à base d'huile de palme dont on nous dit même pas par quoi la remplacer.
Beaucoup de recettes pour faire joli mais pas spécialement pour des problématiques de peaux. Plutôt très décevant.
Beaucoup de recettes pour faire joli mais pas spécialement pour des problématiques de peaux. Plutôt très décevant.
February 13, 2017
This is a good, solid beginners' manual on creating soap using the cold- process method. It covers most techniques, from embeds to using milks and teas as well as additives likes herbs and clays. I purchased this on Kindle during a really excellent sale, but I'm considering re-purchasing in paperback or hardcover now that I've seen it on shelves- the print photography is really excellent in the print version!
The first section of the book is dedicated to technique and safety: equipment and molds, step-by-step cold-process soap-making, oils, using herbs and natural additives, scenting your soap, and recipe design are all discussed in depth, followed by a wide variety of recipes broken into three categories: simplicity, pure beauty, colorful & creative.
While the author does tend to use a LOT of ingredients in each recipe, which could be frustrating to new soapers, this is a clearly written and well-edited book on the craft that is easy to understand and follow, and the photography is gorgeous. It would make a great gift, works very well as a resource for established soapers (the reference guide on oils is worth the price alone) and contains valuable recipes.
The first section of the book is dedicated to technique and safety: equipment and molds, step-by-step cold-process soap-making, oils, using herbs and natural additives, scenting your soap, and recipe design are all discussed in depth, followed by a wide variety of recipes broken into three categories: simplicity, pure beauty, colorful & creative.
While the author does tend to use a LOT of ingredients in each recipe, which could be frustrating to new soapers, this is a clearly written and well-edited book on the craft that is easy to understand and follow, and the photography is gorgeous. It would make a great gift, works very well as a resource for established soapers (the reference guide on oils is worth the price alone) and contains valuable recipes.
December 8, 2020
I was really looking for a shaving soap recipe, as well as more science around soap making. There was a tiny bit of science in here, and a bunch of recipes, none of which I was looking for. This had some useful info, but I'm honestly not going to start a soap making business or real hobby, and after over-scenting a soap and giving myself a rash, I'm pretty done with soapmaking. This book honestly didn't have much beyond a few hours of internet research and soap blogger reading, and seemed like a series of blog entries itself.
Also, what's with mixing units in all things soap? Weights in grams for some things, ounces for others, then even ounce per kilogram ratios?? And then throw in some fluid measurements like drops or fractions of teaspoons? That's probably what bugs me the most about all soap writing I've found on the internet or in books. I know it takes time, and a very structured approach to get these things down to a single unit of measurement, but that's what I'd expect from authors.
Also, what's with mixing units in all things soap? Weights in grams for some things, ounces for others, then even ounce per kilogram ratios?? And then throw in some fluid measurements like drops or fractions of teaspoons? That's probably what bugs me the most about all soap writing I've found on the internet or in books. I know it takes time, and a very structured approach to get these things down to a single unit of measurement, but that's what I'd expect from authors.
April 10, 2019
I have already taken classes on soapmaking so it was a very useful guide that worked as a reminder and of course I learned many new things. It doesn't go into detail about the soapmaking process itself and it's specifically about cold-process bars, but it gets to the point without leaving out important information. Can't wait to try the recipes! Oh! And I also loved the diversity in the ingredients used. I wasn't sure if I wanted to try a wine bar, but I'll definitely try it now!
January 5, 2025
I read this while looking for books to recommend to beginner students. The beginning of the book is fantastic - I love the way it lays out tools, steps, oils and especially the natural colorant options, including how the color changes after a few months. It covers a wide breadth of skills as well, lots of interesting techniques.
I wish it had more simple / beginner friendly recipes, and I REALLY wish it had less recipes using palm oil! She even talks about it not being a sustainable option but uses it in half of the book's recipes, which is so disappointing.
I wish it had more simple / beginner friendly recipes, and I REALLY wish it had less recipes using palm oil! She even talks about it not being a sustainable option but uses it in half of the book's recipes, which is so disappointing.
January 26, 2025
Good description of the soap making process. Lots of information on different properties of ingredients including natural colorants and fragrances. I’m looking forward to giving it a try, although working with lye is a little terrifying 😬
March 5, 2025
Helpful start to soaping - lots of recipes but they’re a bit high maintenance and less than ideal for people who don’t want to spend a ton of money on niche ingredients. I think the methods section is most helpful.
January 24, 2017
Beautiful images and creative recipes for natural soap products. I am crazy excited to try them out!
August 6, 2017
Creative designs, clear instructions, great photos
A great book for beginner to intermediate soapmakers who seek for recipes of natural ingredients and additives in their soap.
A great book for beginner to intermediate soapmakers who seek for recipes of natural ingredients and additives in their soap.
January 8, 2018
Looks like some great recipes and easy to use for a beginner. Definitely one I would buy.
February 23, 2018
Great for the beginner
I will be using this book as a reference for quite some time. Great for the beginner that wants to progress to more difficult tasks.
I will be using this book as a reference for quite some time. Great for the beginner that wants to progress to more difficult tasks.
February 1, 2019
An excellent book on cold-process soap making! It doesn't have enough goat milk recipes for my taste, but that's just personal preference.
May 12, 2019
Very good
I very much enjoyed the techniques shared by Anne-Marie. She is certainly a genius when it comes to making soap!
I very much enjoyed the techniques shared by Anne-Marie. She is certainly a genius when it comes to making soap!
April 6, 2020
Great read if you want to learn about making your own soap.
May 4, 2020
Great book disclosing any stage soapmaker.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.