Buying guide
The Melt-and-Pour Starter Kit
Updated How we research
Everything a first-timer needs to pour a bar today. The page is split into five sections (Pick Your Easy Base; Add a Clear Glycerin Option; Choose a Beginner Mold; Scent Your First Batch; Add Simple Color), 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 6.3 to 8.8 out of 10.
- Best overall:velona 25 LB White Melt and Pour Soap Base Bulk, SLS/SLES Free. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.8/10.
- Also great value:velona 5 LB Ultra Clear Glycerin Soap Base Melt and Pour, Transparent. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Walfos Silicone Soap Molds Set of 3, 6 Cavities Rectangle Silicone Soap Molds for Homemade Craft. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:TECHAROOZ Mica Powder Set - 24 Cosmetic Grade Pigment Colors (10g Each) for Soap Making. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Pick Your Easy Base
- velona 25 LB White Melt and Pour Soap Base Bulk, SLS/SLES FreeOur score8.8/10
- Primal Elements Stephenson Suspending Soap Base, Unscented, Moisturizing Melt and Pour for Crafting- 2 LbsOur score8.0/10
- ALEXES Organic Melt and Pour Soap Base for Soap Making, Unscented, 2 lbOur score7.6/10
- Saponify 4Lb Aloe Melt and Pour Soap Base, Glycerin Soap Base for Soap MakingOur score7.6/10
Add a Clear Glycerin Option
- velona 5 LB Ultra Clear Glycerin Soap Base Melt and Pour, TransparentOur score8.6/10
- EDSRDRUS 2 LB Glycerin Soap Base Pre-Cut Moisturizing Natural Base Melt and Pour DIY Handmade for Crafting Soap MakingOur score6.9/10
- Clear Organic Glycerin Soap-Base 14.8oz Pre-Cut Melt-and-PourOur score6.6/10
- MAQIHAN Soap Base Natural 14.8oz Clear Glycerin Base Melt and PourOur score6.6/10
Choose a Beginner Mold
- Walfos Silicone Soap Molds Set of 3, 6 Cavities Rectangle Silicone Soap Molds for Homemade CraftOur score8.6/10
- Silicone Soap Molds, 6 Cavity Rectangle Molds for Craft Soap, Cake, Chocolate & Ice Cube Trays - Set of 3Our score8.0/10
- Hedume 4 Pack Silicone Soap Molds, 9 Cavities Square Soap Mold DIY HandmadeOur score8.0/10
- Bangp 4 Pack Silicone Soap Molds, Rectangle Soap Mold, 6 CavitiesOur score8.0/10
Scent Your First Batch
- Lagunamoon Fragrance Oil Set - Premium Grade 10 Pcs Scented Oils for Candle & Soap MakingOur score7.8/10
- HIQILI Nature Fragrance Oil 6x10ml, Scented Oil for Candle Scents Soap Making & DiffuserOur score6.8/10
- Holamay Fruity Fragrance Oil, Premium Fruit Oils for Candle Soap Making Scents, 10x5mlOur score6.8/10
- Essential Oils Set, 24 Scents Fragrance Oil for Soap Making, Long LastingOur score6.3/10
Add Simple Color
- TECHAROOZ Mica Powder Set - 24 Cosmetic Grade Pigment Colors (10g Each) for Soap MakingOur score8.6/10
- Mica Powder for Resin Coloring 24 Colors Set - Cosmetic Grade Pigment Powder for SoapOur score7.8/10
- Cosmetic Grade Mica Powder 24x0.15 Oz Color Set Assortment for Soap Making, Resin, Bath BombOur score7.8/10
- Erosom 12 Colors Mica Powder Pigments Soap Dye for Soap Coloring - Making Colorants SetOur score7.6/10
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.
#1velona 25 LB white SLS/SLES free melt and pour base in bulk, built for small soap businesses and heavy batch makers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 10/10
- + 25 LB bulk supply drops the cost per bar far below small craft blocks
- + SLS/SLES free formula helps with label claims that customers look for
- + White opaque base gives pastel colors and layered looks a clean backdrop
- - Huge block needs a sturdy knife and storage space before it is usable
- - Overkill for casual hobbyists who make only a few bars a month
#2velona 5 LB ultra clear glycerin base for makers who want crystal-clear bars in larger batches at a lower cost per ounce.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Ultra clear formula keeps color and suspended embeds looking sharp
- + A 5 LB supply covers many batches, so it suits regular or gift-season making
- + velona is a widely used craft base brand with consistent melt behavior
- - Large block has to be cut down before melting, which takes some effort
- - Transparent bars show every bubble, so a spritz of alcohol is needed
#3Walfos Set of 3 rectangle silicone soap molds with 6 cavities each, a popular pick for homemade craft bars.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Walfos silicone is thick enough to hold shape when filled
- + 6 cavities per mold makes quick, even bars without cutting
- + Set of 3 lets you pour different scents at the same time
- - Flexible molds need a tray underneath when moving filled cavities
- - Simple bar shape may feel plain for decorative gift soaps
#4TECHAROOZ Mica Powder Set of 24 cosmetic grade pigment colors, 10g each, labeled for soap making.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 10g each is a generous amount of mica per color for a set
- + 24 cosmetic grade colors are marketed directly for soap making
- + Plenty of mica for dusting tops and drawing mica lines
- - Bright neon-type shades may fade in cold process soap
- - Bags can spill fine powder unless opened carefully
#5Primal Elements Stephenson suspending base, an unscented 2 lb melt and pour block made to hold exfoliants and other particles in suspension and to give controlled swirls.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Suspending formula is meant for exfoliating bars with particles held in place, and for controlled swirl designs
- + Unscented, so fragrance or essential oil choices are left entirely to you
- + Clear melting directions in the listing: small chunks in a microwave-safe glass container, heated in 10 to 15 second bursts
- - 2 lb is a small amount for the price next to the bulk white and clear bases in this guide
- - The listing does not say whether the base is clear or opaque, and gives no full ingredient list
#6Set of 3 silicone molds with 6 rectangle cavities each, made for soap but also usable for cakes and ice cubes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Set of 3 gives many bar cavities for one melt and pour session
- + Individual cavities mean no cutting, so bars come out uniform
- + Multi-use silicone doubles as trays for chocolate or ice
- - Once used for soap, the molds should not go back to food use
- - Plain rectangles offer no decorative detail on the bars
#7Hedume 4 Pack square silicone soap molds with 9 cavities each, great for smaller square bars in quantity.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 4 Pack with 9 cavities each produces lots of bars per session
- + Square cavities make neat small bars for favors or samples
- + Silicone releases melt and pour soap cleanly after setting
- - Smaller square bars run out faster than full-size bars
- - Thin silicone may flex a lot when moving a full mold
#8Bangp 4 Pack rectangle silicone soap molds with 6 cavities, a budget-friendly way to pour many standard bars.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 4 Pack of 6-cavity molds covers bigger melt and pour sessions
- + Rectangle cavities give familiar bar shapes that wrap easily
- + Flexible silicone pops bars out without greasing the mold
- - Lesser-known brand, so silicone thickness may be thinner
- - No lids or tray included for carrying filled molds
#9Lagunamoon premium grade 10 Pcs fragrance oil set of scented oils for candle and soap making.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 10 Pcs set lets you sample several scents before buying large bottles
- + Premium grade oils from a popular aromatherapy brand
- + Works for candles and soap, so scents can match across products
- - Small bottles run out quickly in full soap batches
- - Not all scents are guaranteed skin safe, so check usage rates
#10A 24 Colors cosmetic grade mica powder set sold for resin coloring and also usable for soap.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 24 Colors give a strong range for swirls, layers and mica lines
- + Cosmetic grade pigment is suitable for skin-contact soap use
- + Doubles as a resin colorant for makers with multiple crafts
- - Resin-first marketing means soap stability of each shade is unclear
- - Some micas can bleed or morph in cold process soap
#11A 24x0.15 Oz cosmetic grade mica powder assortment for soap making, resin and bath bombs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 24 color assortment covers a wide palette in one purchase
- + Cosmetic grade mica works in soap, resin and bath bombs
- + 0.15 Oz of each color is fine for trial swirls and accents
- - 0.15 Oz per color runs out quickly for colored loaves
- - Colors can shift slightly by batch, so test a small swirl before a full pour
#12ALEXES organic unscented 2 lb melt and pour base, a versatile all-rounder for beginners making their first bars.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Unscented organic base lets you control fragrance strength from scratch
- + 2 lb block is a sensible starter amount for learning pouring and layering
- + ALEXES offers both clear and other bases, so results are easy to match later
- - Listing does not say whether it is clear or white, so check before buying
- - Smaller than bulk bases, so cost per bar is higher for frequent makers
#13Saponify 4Lb aloe melt and pour glycerin base for soothing-themed bars in a mid-size batch quantity.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Aloe base fits calming or after-sun gift bars without extra additives
- + 4Lb supply is enough for several loaves before needing to reorder
- + Glycerin base melts smoothly in a microwave or double boiler
- - Aloe tint can shift pale colors, so test colorants on a small piece first
- - Less common brand, so replacement stock may be harder to find quickly
#14Erosom 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
#15EDSRDRUS 2 lb glycerin melt and pour base, pre-cut into 20 grooved cubes for easy portioning. It is described as an organic glycerin base that blends with soap colorants and essential oils.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 6/10
- + 20 cubes with grooves per 2 lb pack make it simple to break off and weigh the amount a mold needs
- + The listing describes a mild organic glycerin base with a pH close to the skin's natural balance
- + Made to take soap colorants and essential oils, and 2 lb is a manageable size for small projects
- - The title and bullets do not state how transparent the base is, so check the photos if you need crystal clear bars
- - Costs more per pound than the 5 lb glycerin bases in this guide, and no certification is named for the organic claim
#16HIQILI nature fragrance oil set of 6x10ml scented oils for candle scents, soap making and diffusers.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 6x10ml bottles let you try nature scents in small test batches
- + Useful for diffusers and candles as well as soap
- + Nature theme gives fresh, outdoorsy scent options
- - 10ml bottles are too small for a full loaf at typical rates
- - Scent strength after cure is uncertain in cold process soap
#17Holamay fruity fragrance oil set of 10x5ml premium fruit scents for candles and soap making.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 10 fruit scents give lots of variety for fun, bright soaps
- + Small bottles are good for testing scent combinations
- + Fruity scents are popular for kids' and summer soap lines
- - 5ml bottles hold very little for anything beyond a tiny test
- - Fruity fragrances can fade or discolor in cold process soap
#18A 14.8oz pre-cut organic clear glycerin base, sized for a first try at melt and pour or a single small batch.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Pre-cut pieces melt quickly and skip the chore of chopping a solid block
- + Small 14.8oz size lets beginners test clear soap without a big commitment
- + Organic clear glycerin keeps ingredient lists short for simple gift bars
- - Check the ingredient list closely, since formulation details are brief
- - Small quantity runs out after only a handful of standard bars
#19MAQIHAN 14.8oz natural clear glycerin base, an entry-level block for kids' crafts and trial runs of clear bars.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Modest size is handy for a classroom project or one afternoon of crafting
- + Clear glycerin takes liquid dyes and mica well for bright test bars
- + Natural glycerin base needs only a microwave or double boiler to melt
- - Lesser-known brand, so clarity and hardness can vary from batch to batch
- - Too little base for anyone planning to make soap to sell or gift widely
#20A 24 Scents set labeled as both essential oils and fragrance oil for soap making, claimed long lasting.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 5/10 · Value 7/10
- + 24 Scents give a wide sampler for exploring soap fragrance ideas
- + Long lasting claim suits makers wanting scent that survives cure
- + Large variety set is a fun gift for new soap makers
- - Mixing essential and fragrance oil labels makes contents unclear
- - Many tiny bottles make it hard to scent a full batch consistently
Popular right now
- Best Melt and Pour Soap BaseBuying guide
- Best Shea Butter for Soap MakingBuying guide
- Choosing Fragrance Oils for SoapArticle
- Embedding Objects in SoapArticle
- Best Natural Soap Colorants From Clays and BotanicalsBuying guide
- How to Use a Soap MoldArticle
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.