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In researching for a CBD soap recipe, I found a plethora of information on CBD soap benefits, as well. While I can make no claims for the applications and efficacy of CBD oil soap beyond what we already know about hemp oil soap, many people seem to find CBD oil useful, and delivery by soap is an attractive option, particularly to those who dislike creams or salves. I tend to think that more CBD oil is delivered by cream or salve, but it is true that a well-superfatted soap leaves a sheer layer of oil on the skin after washing.  

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is absorbed into the top layers of the skin, although topical applications of CBD never reach the bloodstream unless delivered by specially-made transdermal patches. Therefore, it stands to reason that CBD oil has the potential to have an effect on the skin locally when directly applied. On the skin, CBD oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and as such, it is useful for acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin inflammations. Simply apply to the affected areas as often as needed. There are no known side effects at this time for topical application.  

For other uses that demand bloodstream contact, you would have to eat the oil or use the patch. Some reported side effects of CBD include dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, light-headedness, and drowsiness. If you have liver disease, you should discuss it with your doctor before introducing CBD into your bloodstream. 

Because CBD soap needs to be emollient to the skin, mild, and most of all, effective, I recommend using a melt-and-pour soap base. Detergent-free melt-and-pour soap bases are widely available now, and they offer an option for making CBD soap without the risk of lye altering any of the valuable CBD oil. To add CBD oil or other soap ingredients to melt and pour soap, simply add the CBD oil to the melted soap, mix well, and pour it into molds. It is ready to use as soon as it has cooled and hardened. Store in an airtight container to avoid sweating due to the high natural glycerin content.   

If you have experience with hot process soap making, this is another way to use CBD oil in soap without having the lye take away from the additive. If adding CBD oil to a hot process soap recipe, add to the slightly cooled, fully-saponified soap batter just before pouring into the mold. Soap will be safe to use as soon as it is cooled and hardened but will be much better quality if you let it cure for six weeks. The added benefit of using CBD oil in hot process soap instead of melt-and-pour is that you have more control over what oils are used in your soap formula. You can choose additional hemp oil for superfat, for instance. In melt-and-pour soap, there is a very small limit to how much you can add without ruining the lather of the soap. In hot process soap making, you can add more of your favorite enrichments, making a more luxuriant bar overall. For ideas on which oils to use to supplement your hot process soap, check out the soap making oils chart in this article.  You can even customize your soap for facial or body use, simply according to the oils you use to supplement the base formula. See the best oils for face for more ideas on enrichments you can use in your soap making.   

Detergent-Free Melt and Pour CBD Soap Recipe 

• 1 pound of detergent-free soap base of your choice — goat milk, aloe, honey, beer, and many other options are available in the marketplace. Any variety is fine.  (www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com is a good source.) 
• 1 tablespoon CBD oil. (I used HempWorx purchased here.)
• .25-.5 oz. cosmetic-grade fragrance oil concentrate of choice, optional. 
• Soap-safe colorants and herbal additives such as calendula petals are also an optional idea to decorate your soaps. 

Chop up the soap base into one- to two-inch cubes and heat gently in the microwave in short bursts until mostly melted, stirring frequently. This can also be done at the top of a double boiler if you prefer. Make sure the heat level is not too high. Continue stirring by hand to fully melt the soap batter. Stir in the CBD oil and mix thoroughly. Add fragrances, colors, and herbs, if using. Pour into soap molds and allow to harden completely. Store in an airtight container to prevent sweating due to the natural glycerin content of the soap.  

In this article, we have covered the benefits of CBD oil as well as considering some possible side effects. When using a high-value additive in soap making, it is a good idea to expose the ingredients to the lye as little as possible to prevent alteration. For this reason, I recommend a detergent-free melt-and-pour base or a hot processed soap base formula for using CBD oil in a wash-off product base. It’s also a good idea to consider creams and salves, as the CBD oil may be able to better penetrate the skin in these forms.  

Have you used CBD oil in a CBD soap recipe? What are your tips and tricks for success? We would love to hear from you!