Brewing Bars: How and Why to Use Beer in Soap Making

When you think of beer, your mind probably goes to backyard barbecues, cozy pubs, or a refreshing drink after a long day. But what if I told you that beer can also be a luxurious ingredient in your skincare routine—specifically in soap? Yes, beer soap is a real (and wonderful) thing, and it’s been gaining popularity among natural soap makers and skincare enthusiasts alike.

Let’s dive into the bubbly world of beer soap: what it is, why it’s beneficial, and how to use it in your own soap-making adventures.

 

Why Use Beer in Soap?

Beer is a surprisingly skin-loving ingredient. It’s rich in vitamins, particularly B-complex vitamins, thanks to the yeast. These nutrients help moisturize the skin and maintain its elasticity. But there’s more:

• Hops – The flowers used to flavor beer are packed with skin-soothing amino acids. They help to calm irritated skin and provide anti-inflammatory properties.

• Sugars – The natural sugars in beer boost the lathering properties of soap, giving your bar a creamy, luxurious foam.

• Yeast & Antioxidants – Yeast contains saccharides and antioxidants that can nourish the skin and may help with acne-prone or sensitive complexions.

 

Preparing Beer for Soap Making

You can’t just pour fresh beer into your lye water. Here’s why: beer contains alcohol and carbonation, both of which can cause a dangerous, volcano-like reaction when combined with sodium hydroxide (lye).

Here’s how to prep your beer:

1. Degas it – Pour your beer into a bowl and let it sit out for 24–48 hours. Stir occasionally to help release carbonation.

2. Boil (optional) – For extra safety, gently boil the beer to remove remaining alcohol and carbonation. Let it cool completely.

3. Freeze it – Many soap makers prefer to freeze the beer into ice cubes. This slows the chemical reaction when lye is added, helping avoid overheating or scorching.

 

Scent and Color Tips

Beer adds a natural, warm, caramel tone to soap, which can deepen depending on the beer type and any additional ingredients. A stout or porter gives a rich, dark hue, while a pale ale offers a lighter, golden color.

For scenting, consider earthy and herbal essential oils that complement beer’s natural aroma—like hops, cedarwood, sandalwood, or rosemary.

 

Final Thoughts

Beer soap isn’t just a novelty; it’s a genuinely nourishing, skin-loving bar of sudsy goodness. Whether you’re crafting it as a gift for a craft beer lover or incorporating it into your own skincare regimen, beer adds depth, lather, and personality to homemade soap.

So next time you crack open a cold one, consider saving some for your next soap batch. Your skin just might raise a glass in gratitude.