These Star Anise Melt and Pour Bars are made with natural colorants and a blend of orange and anise essential oils for a fresh scent.
Ingredients
12 Cavity Rectangle Silicone Mold
50 oz. Shea Melt and Pour Base
13 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Base
Green Zeolite Clay
Spirulina Powder
.3 oz. Anise Essential Oil
.2 oz. Orange 10x Essential Oil
Anise Stars
Cinnamon Sticks
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Instructions
FRAGRANCE PREP: Mix together the Anise Essential Oil and Orange 10X Essential Oil in a fragrance safe, glass container. Set aside.
COLORANT PREP: In a small container, mix together 1 tsp. spirulina powder in 1 Tbs. 99% isopropyl alcohol. Use a spoon to mix and remove any clumps. In a separate container, mix together 2 tsp. green zeolite clay and 2 Tbs. 99% isopropyl alcohol and stir to remove any clumps.
Chop and melt 50 oz. of Shea Melt and Pour in the microwave using 30 second bursts. Once completely melted, add the fragrance blend and use a spoon or spatula to stir in thoroughly.
Add all of the dispersed green zoelite and 1 Tbs. of the dispersed spirulina powder. Thoroughly mix in the colorants until there are no clumps.
Check the temperature of the soap. You want the soap to be around 120-130 ° F. If the soap is too hot when it’s poured into the mold, the majority of the clay will sink to the bottom. Pour the melted soap evenly into each mold cavity and spritz the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Set the soap aside to allow to cool and harden.
Once the poured green soap has cooled enough to develop a thick skin, chop and melt 13 oz. of Clear Melt and Pour in the microwave using 20 second bursts. Then, arrange the anise stars and cinnamon sticks on the top of each soap to your preference.
Once the clear soap is completely melted and is no hotter than 130 ° F, spritz the top of each soap with rubbing alcohol, and carefully pour a thin layer of clear soap on the top of each mold. You want the clear soap to just cover the anise stars and cinnamon sticks. Immediately spritz with alcohol to disperse any bubbles. Repeat with all cavities and allow the soap to fully cool and harden.
Once hardened, remove from the mold by pulling on the side of each cavity to break the airlock. Then, flip the mold over and press gently on the back of each cavity with your thumb or the palm of your hand until the soap releases. To prevent glycerin dew, wrap each soap in plastic wrap or another airtight container. Wash carefully with each bar, as the anise stars can be a little poky. =) Because of this, you may prefer to use these as hand soap, or wash with the bottom side.
Recipe by Soap Queen at https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/melt-and-pour-soap/star-anise-melt-pour-bar-tutorial/