Summer Freshness: Cooling Soaps for Hot Weather Skincare

When the summer heat rolls in, your skin needs a little extra care to stay refreshed and comfortable. A thoughtfully crafted summer soap can work wonders, offering cooling relief and gentle cleansing without drying out your skin. As an experienced artisan soap maker, I’ve honed the art of creating soaps that feel like a refreshing breeze on a scorching day. Let’s explore the best natural ingredients and formulations to keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated all summer long.

1. Peppermint Essential Oil for Instant Cooling

Peppermint essential oil is a star ingredient when it comes to creating cooling soap. Its natural menthol content delivers a delightful cooling sensation, perfect for hot weather skincare. I’ve often used peppermint oil in my summer soap formulations for its invigorating aroma and refreshing effect. It’s ideal for morning showers, waking you up and leaving your skin feeling revitalised.

However, peppermint oil must be used with care. I always follow IFRA guidelines to ensure safe dilution levels in handmade soap. Patch testing is recommended, especially for sensitive skin, as the oil can be potent. Pair it with nourishing base oils like olive or sunflower to balance its intensity and prevent dryness.

2. Aloe Vera: Hydrating and Soothing

Aloe vera is a summer skincare staple, and incorporating it into soap recipes brings its hydrating and soothing qualities to your daily routine. In my experience, aloe vera gel or juice works wonderfully in cold-process soap, adding moisture and a silky texture to the lather. It’s especially beneficial for sun-exposed or irritated skin, helping to calm redness and provide a gentle cleanse.

For those with sensitive skin, aloe vera-based soaps offer a mild alternative to harsher cleansers. Combine it with coconut oil for a bubbly lather or shea butter for added softness. If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate natural skincare into your lifestyle, check out our guide to eco-friendly bath products in the UK.

3. Refreshing Citrus Oils: Uplifting Summer Scents

Citrus oils like sweet orange, lemon, and lime are perfect for summer soap, offering zesty fragrances that energise your senses. While these oils don’t have the cooling effect of peppermint, their bright, cheerful aromas can make your shower feel like a tropical escape. I recommend using them in moderation due to their phototoxicity—avoid sun exposure for 12–24 hours after use if the soap contains cold-pressed citrus oils.

To balance their uplifting scent, I often pair citrus oils with gentle base oils like almond or apricot kernel. These combinations create a soap that cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural oils, leaving it soft and refreshed. For more ideas on keeping skin comfortable in warmer weather, see our guide to choosing the best moisturising bar soap.

4. Cooling Clays: Kaolin and Bentonite

Clays like kaolin and bentonite are a fantastic addition to summer soap recipes. They help draw out impurities and excess oil while providing a cooling, soothing sensation. I’ve found kaolin to be especially gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Bentonite, on the other hand, offers stronger detoxifying properties, making it ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin. You might also enjoy reading about Is Pears Soap Vegan? The Review & Top Alternatives.

If you’re prone to redness or irritation, you may also find our guide to discovering the best soap bars for sensitive skin helpful when choosing a clay-based summer bar.

To enhance the cooling effect, I often blend clays with peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils. The result is a soap that feels like a spa treatment every time you use it. Ensure proper mixing during the trace stage to achieve an even dispersion of the clay throughout the soap.

5. Cucumber Extract: Nature’s Cooling Agent

Cucumber extract is another brilliant ingredient for summer soap. Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, cucumber extract can help calm overheated skin whilst adding a subtle freshness to your soap. I often incorporate finely blended cucumber pulp into my cold-process soap recipes for its natural cooling effect and mild fragrance.

This ingredient works beautifully with moisturising oils like avocado or jojoba, creating a soap that nourishes and refreshes at the same time. It’s ideal for post-sun care, helping to relieve the discomfort of sunburn or dryness.

6. Menthol Crystals for Extra Coolness

For those seeking an intense cooling sensation, menthol crystals are a game-changer. Derived from peppermint oil, menthol crystals amplify the cooling effect in refreshing soap formulations. I’ve used them sparingly in summer soaps to create a truly invigorating experience—perfect for hot, humid days.

Menthol crystals must be handled with care, as overuse can lead to skin irritation. Always ensure they’re evenly distributed during soap mixing, and pair them with hydrating ingredients like cocoa butter or glycerin to balance the formulation.

Safety Tips for Summer Soap Ingredients

Whilst natural ingredients are a wonderful choice for hot weather skincare, it’s important to use them responsibly. Here are my top safety tips:

• Patch testing: Always test new soaps on a small area of skin to ensure compatibility. Patch testing can help you spot any potential reaction before using a bar all over your body.

• Phototoxicity: Avoid sun exposure after using soaps with cold-pressed citrus oils.

• Proper dilution: Follow recognised guidelines for essential oils to prevent irritation. Proper dilution is essential for both safety and comfort.

• Ingredient sensitivity: Menthol crystals and potent oils like peppermint should be used sparingly.

• Storage: Keep soaps in a dry, cool place to maintain their quality during summer.

Want a simple place to start? Explore all our handmade soap bars to find a cooling option that suits your skin type and scent preferences.

Conclusion: Embrace Summer Freshness

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine with natural, cooling soaps. From the energising effect of peppermint to the soothing properties of aloe vera, there’s a summer soap to suit every preference. Whether you’re drawn to zesty citrus scents or calming cucumber blends, these artisan-crafted bars are designed to keep your skin feeling refreshed and nourished.

If you’re curious about wider chemical-free options, take a look at our roundup of eco-friendly and chemical-free soap brands in the UK. You can also browse more natural skincare insights and seasonal routines on The Humble Shepherd soap blog.

If you’re unsure which soap is best for your skin type, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to guide you towards the perfect bar for your summer skincare needs.