If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting a soap that not only looks amazing but gives your skin that baby-soft glow – exfoliants are your new best friends! 

Adding a natural exfoliant to your melt and pour soaps is one of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to level up your DIY creations. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose?

We’ve rounded up our favorite natural exfoliants, what they’re good for, and how to use them – so your soaps can go from simply pretty to skincare superheroes.

First things first… Why exfoliate?

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave your skin feeling smoother, fresher, and healthier. Adding exfoliants to your soaps can turn your daily cleanse into a mini spa moment – yes please! 

And the best part? Nature has all the good stuff you need – no plastic beads, no harsh scrubs, just skin-loving magic from the earth.

Our top natural exfoliants for soap making

1. Ground Oats

• Best for: Sensitive skin, dry skin
• Why we love it: Soothing, gentle, and moisturizing. Oats exfoliate without irritation – perfect for face or baby-friendly soaps.
• Pro tip: Use colloidal oatmeal (super-fine) for a creamy texture, or go rustic with coarsely ground oats.

2. Poppy Seeds

• Best for: Normal to oily skin, hand soaps
• Why we love it: Tiny, round, and effective! They add a satisfying scrubby texture and a cool speckled look to your soap.
• Use sparingly! A little goes a long way – try 1 tsp per 100g soap base.

3. Coffee Grounds

• Best for: Cellulite-prone areas, tired skin
• Why we love it: Invigorating and energizing. Coffee stimulates circulation and helps buff away dullness.
• Bonus: It smells amazing in combination with vanilla or cinnamon essential oil!

4. Activated Charcoal Powder

• Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin
• Why we love it: Technically not an exfoliant, but we had to include it! Charcoal detoxifies and gives soaps a dramatic black color.
• Pair it with: Tea tree or peppermint essential oil for a fresh, clarifying bar.

5. Ground Loofah

• Best for: Feet, elbows, rough patches
• Why we love it: A powerful scrubber made from dried loofah plants. It’s 100% natural and gives your soap a gritty texture ideal for deep exfoliation.
• Caution: Too rough for the face – reserve it for body bars only!

6. Dried Lavender Buds

• Best for: Normal to dry skin, relaxing night-time soaps
• Why we love it: They’re gorgeous and gently exfoliating. Plus, they smell divine!
• Tip: Blend them with a lavender oil soap base for a dreamy purple creation.

7. Pumice Powder

• Best for: Calluses, hardworking hands
• Why we love it: This ultra-fine volcanic powder is amazing for smoothing thick, rough skin. Ideal for gardener’s or mechanic’s soap!
• Less is more: Too much can feel gritty – experiment with small amounts.

Tips for using exfoliants in melt and pour soap

• Add after melting but before pouring into the mold
• Stir evenly to avoid clumping or sinking
• Use a suspending soap base if your exfoliant tends to sink
• Don’t overdo it – start with ½ to 1 tsp per 100g of soap base and adjust from there

Natural exfoliants are the perfect way to personalize your soap bars and create something truly your own. Whether you’re going for a gentle polish or a deep scrub, there’s a nature-powered ingredient that’s just right for you.

So go on – mix, match, and experiment with textures, scents, and benefits… and let your soaps glow as much as your skin will! And of course, don’t forget to share it with us!

Grab your soap base here

Happy soap making! Be a Soaperstar!