Buying guide
Natural & Botanical Soap
Updated How we research
Plant-powered bars with earthy color and scent. The page is split into five sections (Natural Colorants; Cosmetic Clays; Dried Botanicals; Pure Essential Oils; Olive Oil Base), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.1 to 9.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:Yogi's Gift Pack of 5 Clays for Mask & Soap Making - Rose Clay, French Green Clay, Kaolin, Moroccan Red and Bentonite Clay, 8oz Each. Highest overall score in this guide at 9.2/10.
- Also great value:Natural Botanical Colorants Sampler #2 for Soap Making - 18 Plant-Based Powders, Clays, and Herbs - Indigo, Madder Root, Annatto. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:Bare Essentials Living Bentonite Clay Powder (5lbs) Cosmetic Sodium Bentonite Clay, Made in USA. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:21 Pack Dried Flowers for Candle & Soap Making, 100% Natural Dried Herbs Kit - Lavender, Rose Petals, Rosebuds, Leaves, Lemon. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Natural Colorants
- Natural Botanical Colorants Sampler #2 for Soap Making - 18 Plant-Based Powders, Clays, and Herbs - Indigo, Madder Root, AnnattoOur score8.8/10
- Rose Hips Powder Soap Making Supplies Natural Colorant - Finely Ground Natural Dye Pigment (4 oz) Vegetable Dye for Handmade Soap, Cosmetics & More DIYOur score7.6/10
- Erosom 12 Colors Mica Powder Pigments Soap Dye for Soap Coloring - Making Colorants SetOur score7.6/10
- Green Tea Powder, Natural Green Soap Colorant, Eco Friendly Sustainable Soap Supplies, Organic DyeOur score7.1/10
Cosmetic Clays
- Yogi's Gift Pack of 5 Clays for Mask & Soap Making - Rose Clay, French Green Clay, Kaolin, Moroccan Red and Bentonite Clay, 8oz EachOur score9.2/10
- Bare Essentials Living Bentonite Clay Powder (5lbs) Cosmetic Sodium Bentonite Clay, Made in USAOur score8.6/10
- ClearLee Cosmetic Grade Clay Powders Variety Pack - Kaolin, Bentonite, Dead Sea, Moroccan, Rhassoul Clay, 5 PackOur score8.4/10
- Clay Mask Multi Pack 100% Natural - Bentonite, Rhassoul, Kaolin & French Green Clay with BrushOur score7.6/10
Dried Botanicals
- 21 Pack Dried Flowers for Candle & Soap Making, 100% Natural Dried Herbs Kit - Lavender, Rose Petals, Rosebuds, Leaves, LemonOur score8.6/10
- Sukh Dried Calendula Petals - Natural 3oz Bulk Calendula Flowers for Soap Making & Candle MakingOur score8.6/10
- Dried Herbs and Flowers for Soap Making - 12 Mix Pack, Rose Petals Lavender Jasmine and MoreOur score8.2/10
- 9 Bags Dried Flowers 100% Natural Herbs Kit for Soap Making, DIY Candle Making, Bath - Rose Petals, Lavender, JasmineOur score7.8/10
Pure Essential Oils
- Lab Bulks Essential Oil Tea Tree Essential Oil 16 Ounce (2 Pack) for Soap MakingOur score8.4/10
- Plantlife Basic Sampler Set 6-Pack (Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and more)Our score8.4/10
- Woolzies 100% Pure Soap Making DIY Scenting Essential Oil Blend Gift SetOur score7.7/10
- PHATOIL 9PCS Premium-Quality Essential Oils Set for Soap Making Diffusers, 10mlOur score7.6/10
Olive Oil Base
- Pifito Olive Oil Melt and Pour Soap Base (5 lb) Premium 100% Natural Glycerin Soap BaseOur score8.6/10
- Primal Elements Olive Oil Soap Base - Moisturizing Melt and Pour Glycerin Soap Base, 5 PoundOur score8.4/10
- Saponify 8LB Olive Oil Melt and Pour Soap Base - Detergent-Free GlycerineOur score8.4/10
- ClearLee Olive Oil Melt and Pour Soap Base Cosmetic Grade Natural Bar 2lbOur score7.4/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Yogi's Gift pack of 5 clays, 8oz each: rose, French green, kaolin, Moroccan red and bentonite for soap and masks.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 5 clays at 8oz each give plenty for many soap batches
- + Mix of colors lets you tint soap pink, green and red naturally
- + Kaolin and bentonite add slip and a silky lather
- - Bentonite absorbs lots of water, so recipes may need adjusting
- - Five full bags take more storage than a small sampler
#2Natural Botanical Colorants Sampler #2 with 18 plant-based powders, clays and herbs including indigo and madder root.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 18 powders, clays and herbs give a wide range of natural shades
- + Includes indigo, madder root and annatto for blue, red and orange
- + Clays in the mix also add slip and a silky feel to bars
- - Many small amounts may not be enough for full-size loaves
- - Natural colors vary by batch, so results are less predictable
#3Bare Essentials Living 5lbs cosmetic sodium bentonite clay powder, made in USA, a bulk single-clay supply.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 5lbs bulk bag is great value for heavy bentonite users
- + Sodium bentonite adds slip and helps anchor fragrance in soap
- + Made in USA sourcing appeals to local-ingredient buyers
- - Single clay only, so it will not add color variety
- - Too much bentonite can make bars feel drying or draggy
#4A 21 Pack dried flowers and herbs kit for candle and soap making with lavender, rose petals, rosebuds and lemon.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 21 Pack variety gives many options for decorating soap tops
- + Lavender, rose petals and rosebuds are classic soap toppings
- + 100% natural dried herbs suit handmade natural soap looks
- - Many botanicals turn brown when mixed inside lye soap
- - Small portions of each type limit larger decorating runs
#5Sukh dried calendula petals, natural 3oz bulk, for soap making and candle making.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Calendula petals keep their golden color inside lye soap
- + 3oz bulk bag decorates many soap tops and loaves
- + Single-botanical bag is great for infusing oils too
- - Only one botanical, so variety requires other purchases
- - Petals can shed if soap tops are handled roughly
#6Pifito 5 lb premium olive oil melt and pour base with 100% natural glycerin, a steady choice for olive soap batches.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Olive oil and natural glycerin combine for a soft, mild bar
- + 5 lb block supports frequent batches without constant reordering
- + Pifito's consistent texture helps multiple olive batches match
- - Block needs cutting before melting, which slows spur-of-the-moment projects
- - Olive tint makes very bright colors look slightly muted
#7ClearLee cosmetic grade clay powders 5 Pack with kaolin, bentonite, Dead Sea, Moroccan and rhassoul clay.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Cosmetic grade variety pack covers popular soap clays
- + Dead Sea and rhassoul clays suit spa-style detox bars
- + 5 Pack lets you compare clays before buying in bulk
- - Check each clay's bag size before estimating how many batches it covers
- - Dark clays can dull brighter soap colors
#8Lab Bulks tea tree essential oil, 16 Ounce in a 2 Pack, a bulk supply for tea tree and acne-themed soaps.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 16 Ounce (2 Pack) bulk size is ideal for frequent tea tree soap batches
- + Tea tree essential oil gives a fresh, medicinal soap scent
- + Bulk pricing makes essential oil soaps much more affordable
- - Large amount of one oil is too much for makers wanting variety
- - Tea tree must be kept within safe skin usage rates in soap
#9Plantlife Basic Sampler Set 6-Pack with lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus and more essential oils.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Includes soap staples like lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus
- + 6-Pack sampler is a smart way to learn essential oil blending
- + Plantlife is a known natural aromatherapy brand
- - Sample bottles are too small for anything beyond test batches
- - Peppermint and eucalyptus need careful usage rates in soap
#10Primal Elements 5 Pound moisturizing olive oil glycerin base, for makers wanting a mild olive bar without cold process.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Olive oil glycerin base delivers a gentle bar with a classic feel
- + 5 Pound size is great for regular batches of olive gift soaps
- + Primal Elements has real retail soap experience behind the base
- - Olive bases can have a faint yellow-green tint that shifts colors
- - Premium brand pricing is higher than basic olive melt and pour
#11Saponify 8LB detergent-free olive oil glycerine base, a larger supply for makers focused on simple, mild bars.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Detergent-free olive formula fits gentle, minimal-ingredient soaps
- + 8LB supply is well suited to regular makers or small market stalls
- + Glycerine base melts evenly for smooth pours into loaf molds
- - Detergent-free bars usually give a lighter lather than standard bases
- - Bulk block needs cool, sealed storage to keep it in good condition
#12A 12 Mix Pack of dried herbs and flowers for soap making with rose petals, lavender, jasmine and more.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 Mix Pack gives a broad range of soap toppings
- + Rose petals, lavender and jasmine suit floral soap themes
- + Mixed herbs are nice for bath bombs and salts too
- - Some flowers brown quickly when embedded in soap
- - Small bags per type run out on larger batches
#13A 9 Bags dried flowers herbs kit for soap making, candles and bath, with rose petals, lavender and jasmine.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 9 Bags of popular florals make pretty soap and bath salts
- + Jasmine and rose petals add a romantic look to soap tops
- + Also useful for bath teas, salts and candles
- - Petals inside soap can discolor or feel scratchy
- - Fewer varieties than larger botanical kits
#14Woolzies 100% pure soap making DIY scenting essential oil blend gift set, designed with soap makers in mind.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Blend set is made specifically for soap making and DIY scenting
- + 100% pure essential oils suit natural soap product lines
- + Gift set packaging is a nice present for new soap makers
- - Blends limit your control compared with single essential oils
- - Check how many bottles are included and their size before ordering the set
#15Splendor Santa Barbara rose hips powder, a 4 oz bag of finely ground, water-soluble natural colorant that gives pink to orange hues. The listing says it works in melt and pour, cold process and hot process soap.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Fine, water-soluble powder that produces pink to orange shades from a plant source
- + Listed as suitable for melt and pour, cold process and hot process soap
- + 4 oz of a single colorant goes further than the small portions in a sampler
- - One color only, so it does not replace a multi-color sampler for trying several botanicals
- - The listing warns that results vary with each recipe, and it gives no usage rate
#16Erosom 12 Colors mica powder pigment set, a compact starter range of shimmer colorants for soap.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 Colors cover the basics for swirls, layers and mica lines
- + Mica shimmer adds a professional sparkle to melt and pour bars
- + Compact set is easy to store and good for beginners
- - Not every mica holds color in high pH cold process soap
- - Smaller range than the larger mica sets in this guide
#17A 100% natural clay mask multi pack with bentonite, rhassoul, kaolin and French green clay plus a brush.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Four popular clays in one pack work for both soap and masks
- + French green clay gives a natural green soap tint
- + Included brush is useful for face mask use
- - Included brush adds nothing useful for soap making
- - Mask focus means amounts may be small for soap batches
#18PHATOIL 9PCS premium-quality essential oils set in 10ml bottles for soap making and diffusers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 9PCS range covers popular scents for testing essential oil soaps
- + 10ml bottles are good for small sample batches
- + Also works in diffusers, so leftover oils get used
- - 10ml is not much essential oil for a full cold process loaf
- - Essential oils fade faster in soap than many fragrance oils
#19ClearLee 2lb cosmetic grade natural olive oil melt and pour base, a hobby-size block for gentle olive bars.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Cosmetic grade olive oil base is aimed at skin-friendly bars
- + 2lb is enough to test olive soap across a few different recipes
- + Natural bar style suits unscented or lightly herbal gift soaps
- - Smaller brand, so there is less reference info on its formula
- - Sold only in one size, so there are no bulk discount options for larger batches
#20Splendor Santa Barbara green tea powder, listed as a natural green soap colorant. A single-ingredient botanical option for soap makers who want green tones without synthetic dyes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + The listing names green tea powder as a natural green colorant for soap, which fits a guide about coloring bars without synthetic dyes.
- + Sold as a plain botanical powder, so it is easy to scale from a pinch for pale tints to more for deeper shades in a batch.
- + The same powder is listed for bath teas, bath bombs, scrubs and lotions, so one jar covers several handmade projects.
- - It is a single color, not a sampler, so anyone wanting a range of natural shades will need to buy more powders.
- - The listing gives no net weight or batch usage rates, so you will need to test amounts yourself before a big pour.
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Soap Making Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.