Using loofah soap is an excellent way to exfoliate and remove dry skin. Instead of buying pre-made loofah soaps, you can easily make your own in less than an hour.

What are Loofahs?
Loofahs are vegetables from the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceous). When young, they are edible, but once fully ripened, they become an excellent natural exfoliant and effective household sponge.

After removing the skin and seeds from a ripe loofah, you’re left with a skeleton of xylem fibers. These fibers become spongy when soaked in water, making them ideal for scrubbing and cleansing the skin. You can create custom loofah soaps using a melt-and-pour soap base and essential oils.

Supplies Needed:
– Clear melt-and-pour soap base
– 12-inch piece of clean, dry loofah
– Yellow soap color (optional)
– Glass measuring cup
– Bamboo skewer for mixing
– Knife
– Silicone cupcake muffin pan
– Essential oil of your choice (recommended: Plant Therapy)
– Microwave

Preparing the Loofahs:
Cut the loofah into 1-inch thick sections and place them into the silicone cupcake pan.

Melting the Soap:
Cut the required amount of clear melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes. Place the cubes in a glass measuring cup and microwave in 1 to 2-minute intervals until fully melted. Allow the soap base to cool slightly, then add 20-30 drops of your chosen essential oil. Stir the essential oils into the soap base using the bamboo skewer.

Pouring the Soap:
Pour the soap base into the loofah-filled cupcake tins, filling just below the top edge. If the loofahs float, place a weighted cookie sheet on top to keep them submerged until fully cooled.

Loofah soaps make wonderful gifts, so consider making a few extra to share with friends and family.