Looking to pamper yourself with a new homemade beauty project? Learn how to make this DIY Exfoliating Oatmeal Soap Bars recipe with a few simple ingredients for a great handmade gift.
These DIY Oatmeal Exfoliating Bars are a great intro into basic soap making – without the need to mess with lye. I have been wanting to make my own soap for a while, as I delve deeper into making more of our personal care products. It’s just such a great feeling to know what ingredients are going onto my family’s skin.
With winter on the horizon, my skin is starting to get dry and my eczema is flaring up again. Keeping my skin exfoliated and moisturized is critical when the humidity levels drop this time of year. This dry skin balm can work wonders after exfoliating!
I love this recipe because oatmeal is very soothing and gently exfoliating, so it’s safe not only for my skin, but for the whole family. It works nicely for sensitive, eczema prone skin too.
You can also add essential oils with helpful qualities like lavender, frankincense and helichrysum. These soap bars also make a great homemade gift any time of year.

DIY Oatmeal Exfoliating Bars
Supplies
- ¼ cup gluten free oatmeal
- 12 ounces shea butter melt and pour soap or your favorite type
- 10 drops essential oils of your choice
- Rubbing alcohol
Instructions
- In a food processor, grind the oatmeal into a fine powder. In a silicone mold, sprinkle the bottom of each cavity with the ground oatmeal. Set aside
- In a double boiler, cube and then melt your soap over low heat, whisking frequently until completely melted and smooth. Once the soap has melted completely, allow it to cool for 3-4 minutes, then add a few drops of essential oil at a time, until desired scent is reached. You can add as little or as much as you like, but don't add more than is considered safe.
- Pour melted soap over ground oatmeal. If any air bubbles occur at the surface, spray them with rubbing alcohol to disperse them.
- Allow your exfoliating oatmeal bars to harden in the mold for 3-4 hours before popping them out of the mold and storing them in an airtight glass container.