Orange Clove Pomander Soap

I love the history of the pomanders (I'm fascinated with the middle ages right now) and love the scent of the modern-day clove studded oranges that decorate homes during the holidays. The traditional Christmas Pomander was my inspiration for this bar.

Orange Clove Pomander Soap Recipe

Read 4 Steps to Making Homemade Soap for soap making directions.

Soap Base

  • 29 oz. olive oil
  • 16 oz. palm oil (not palm kernel)
  • 14.5 oz. coconut oil
  • 12 oz. vegetable shortening
  • 10 oz. canola oil
  • 5 oz. soybean oil
  • 5 oz. castor oil
  • 5 oz. cocoa butter
  • 13 oz. lye
  • 36.5 oz. distilled water

Essential Oils 

  • 3 oz. orange oil
  • 1 oz. clove oil
  • 1 oz. rosemary oil

Technique

  1. At trace add essential oils. Mix well and divide batch somewhat equally into two pots.
  2. Working quickly add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder and 2 tsp of ground cloves to one pot. Combine well with stick blender.
  3. Pour dark layer into mold. Pour light layer on top. Even out evenly or swirl if you wish.
  4. Lightly press dehydrated lemon and orange slices onto the top.
  5. Cool, cut and cure.

My Holiday Spice Soap is another variation of this recipe. More resources on my Soap & Body Care page.

Filed Under

Resource Library

« Green Giveaway
Seasonal soapmaking »
  • lisa jean

    lisa jean on Nov. 2, 2011, 12:01 a.m.

    Thanks for this wonderful recipe! I have already made two batches for the holidays and will probably be making more. I love the layers.

    reply

    • renee

      renee on Nov. 2, 2011, 10:34 a.m.

      So happy to hear it! I just made a modified version of this recipe a couple days ago for my Christmas soap also. 

      reply

  • Kari

    Kari on Nov. 23, 2011, 7:53 p.m.

    This smells amazing! Made a batch about a week ago and I can't stop smelling it!! I'm also using it for Christmas gifts. Thank you!!

    reply

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