This pumpkin spice melt-and-pour soap recipe gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin while offering antioxidant-rich pumpkin and warm, comforting spices for a cozy, seasonal skincare treat.
There’s nothing quite like the cozy scent of pumpkin spice to signal the arrival of fall. If you enjoy experimenting with seasonal DIYs that are simple, satisfying, and gift-worthy, you’ll love this pumpkin spice melt and pour soap recipe.
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Made with real pumpkin powder, a comforting blend of autumn-inspired essential oils, and optional orange mica for a festive glow, this easy recipe brings the essence of fall right to your sink or shower.
Because it uses a melt-and-pour soap base, there’s no need to work with lye, making it ideal for beginners or anyone short on time. The result is fabulous soap bars that look beautiful and smell like freshly baked pumpkin treats – without the calories!
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Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Melt and Pour Soap Recipe
This recipe makes 2 round soaps (depending on your mold size). You can easily double or triple the amounts for larger batches.
- 2.5 ounces Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap Base
- 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Powder
- 10–15 drops Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend
- Orange Mica Powder (optional, for a richer color)
- Silicone Soap Mold
- Optional natural colorants (paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, etc.)
- Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle (to remove bubbles)
- Double Boiler Pot or Microwave-Safe Container
Tip: I plan to make a few more batches using this same pumpkin soap recipe but will use these pumpkin-shaped molds for a festive twist. I figure they will make fantastic fall gifts.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Melt and Pour Soap Step By Step
Cut the soap base into small cubes
Chop the melt and pour soap base into small, even-sized cubes. This helps the soap base melt more evenly, reducing the chances of scorching or overheating.
Uneven oe large chunks can cause hot spots, especially if you’re using a double boiler or microwave. Aim for ½-inch pieces or smaller.
Melt the soap base cubes
Place the soap cubes in a heat-safe glass bowl or measuring cup. Melt the chunks slowly using a double boiler method, this gives you more control over the temperature and helps prevent the soap from bubbling or forming a skin. Stir gently as it melts to speed up the process and keep the texture smooth.
Tip: If using a microwave, heat in short 10–15 second bursts, stirring in between until fully melted.
Add the pumpkin powder
Once the soap base is fully melted, stir in the pumpkin powder while the mixture is still warm and fluid.
Pumpkin powder is rich in natural enzymes, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making it a gentle and nourishing ingredient for your skin. It adds a warm autumn color and can offer mild exfoliation, making your soap both festive and functional.
Blend thoroughly to break up any clumps, this gives your soap a natural golden hue and adds gentle exfoliating properties. Alternatively, sift the pumpkin powder before adding it to help avoid clumping.
Add the Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend
Let the melted soap cool slightly (to around 130°F or below) before adding essential oils. This helps preserve the scent, since high heat can cause delicate oils to evaporate. Add 10–15 drops of your chosen blend and stir well to evenly distribute the fragrance.
Essential oil ideas: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, or a pre-made pumpkin spice blend.
Pour into molds
Carefully pour the scented soap mixture into your silicone molds.
Lightly spritz the top with rubbing alcohol to reduce the formation of bubbles on the surface. This step is optional, but helps give your soap a smooth, professional finish.
Let it set overnight
Allow the soap to cool and harden at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Avoid moving or touching the molds while the soap is setting or dents or cracks may form, giving the soap a rough, untidy look. Once fully firm, gently press the soaps out of the molds.
Tip: Store your finished soas in a cool, dry place or wrap them in parchment or shrink wrap if gifting.
Essential Oil Blend Ideas
One of the best parts of this soap is its cozy, inviting scent. If you don’t have a pre-blended pumpkin spice essential oil, you can easily create your own blend using common fall scents.
Aim for warm, spicy notes balanced with a hint of sweetness.
Here are a few fall-inspired combinations:
Classic Pumpkin Spice Blend
- 4 drops Cinnamon Bark
- 3 drops Clove Bud
- 3 drops Nutmeg
- 2 drops Vanilla (in jojoba or oil-soluble base)
Cozy Citrus Spice Blend
- 4 drops Sweet Orange
- 3 drops Cinnamon
- 3 drops Ginger
- 2 drops Vanilla
Gentle Spice for Sensitive Skin
4 drops Ginger
3 drops Copaiba
3 drops Cardamom
2 drops Benzoin
Tip: Always ensure your essential oils are skin-safe and properly diluted for soap making. Avoid using too much cinnamon or clove, as they can be irritating in high amounts.
Natural Color Options
This soap already gets a beautiful warm hue from the pumpkin powder, but you can adjust the final look depending on your desired finish.
Here are a few natural colorant ideas:
Pumpkin Powder – gives a soft golden-orange tone and adds texture
Orange Mica Powder – enhances vibrancy for a rich, saturated pumpkin hue
Cinnamon Powder – adds warm brown specks and complements the scent
Turmeric Powder – gives a golden glow, but can stain in larger amounts
Note: Using a clear or glycerin soap base will give you a soap with deep, vibrant colors while using a white soap base such as one made from goat’s milk, will give you a soap with softer, more pastel hues.
Tips for Success
These helpful tips will ensure your pumpkin spice soap turns out smooth, fragrant, and fall-ready:
- Cut your soap base into small pieces for quicker, even melting.
- Don’t overheat your soap base. High temperatures can scorch the base or weaken the scent. Keep below 140°F if possible.
- Add essential oils after the soap cools slightly (around 130°F) to preserve their aroma.
- Stir thoroughly after adding pumpkin powder or colorants to avoid streaks or clumps.
- Spritz with rubbing alcohol after pouring to pop surface bubbles and give your soap a smooth top.
- Use silicone molds for easy release and better detail (pumpkin or leaf shapes are fun for fall!).
- Allow soap to cool completely before unmolding. Rushing this can cause cracking or indentations.
Wrapping & Gifting Ideas
Homemade pumpkin spice melt and pour soaps are also perfect for seasonal gifting! Whether you’re putting together fall care packages, hosting Thanksgiving, or selling at a craft fair, a little creative packaging goes a long way.
Simple, Beautiful Packaging Ideas:
Wrap in kraft paper or parchment and tie with twine or raffia.
Add a handwritten label or printable tag (e.g., “Pumpkin Spice Soap – handmade with love”).
Use clear cellophane bags and tuck in a cinnamon stick or dried orange slice.
For a rustic look, place in a mini wooden crate or gift box with shredded paper.
Pair with a fall sugar scrub or autumn candle for a seasonal self-care set.
Want more DIY gift ideas? Check out our fall sugar scrub recipes or how to make essential oil candles for autumn.
More Fall Soap, Skincare, & DIY Inspiration
If you loved this Pumpkin Spice Melt and Pour Soap, here are more cozy, fall-themed DIYs to spark your creativity. These make great weekend crafts, handmade gifts, or seasonal self-care treats.
Jack-O’-Lantern Soap Bars: Perfect for Halloween or festive fall displays, these fun DIY melt and pour soap bars are poured into themed silicone soap molds and scented with Halloween essential oil blends.
Cinnamon Soap: Warm, spicy, and energizing, this cinnamon loofah melt and pour soap is perfect for crisp autumn mornings. The loofah gently exfoliates while the cinnamon and essential oils fill your shower with a delicious fall scent.
Fall Foaming Hand Soap: Bring autumn aromas to your everyday routine with this DIY fall-scented foaming hand soap. Made with cozy scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, or vanilla, it gently cleanses hands while leaving behind a warm and inviting fall fragrance. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms all season long.
Fall Scented Soy Candles: Cozy up your space with these easy soy candles scented with fall essential oils and blends. Perfect for autumn evenings or thoughtful handmade gifts.
Cinnamon Soap: Warm, spicy, and energizing, this cinnamon loofah melt and pour soap is perfect for crisp autumn mornings. The loofah gently exfoliates while the cinnamon and essential oils fill your shower with a delicious fall scent.
Autumn Simmer Pot: Create a naturally scented home with this simple stovetop potpourri. Made with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, it’s like bottling the scent of fall in a pot. Try the autumn simmer pot recipe from this collection.
Clove & Ginger Sugar Scrubs: Give your skin a seasonal refresh with these warming scrubs. Clove and ginger help exfoliate while the sugar base leaves skin soft and smooth – great for dry fall weather.
Fall Scented Room Sprays: Freshen your space with just a spritz! These homemade fall room sprays feature cozy blends like orange-clove, cinnamon-vanilla, and spiced apple – no synthetic scents needed.
Fall Potpourri: Bring the outdoors in with this beautiful fall potpourri mix made from dried citrus, spices, herbs, and pinecones. Display it in bowls or sachets for a long-lasting natural fragrance.
Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub: Pair your soap with this indulgent fall-scented body scrub made with sugar, pumpkin powder, and warming essential oils. It smells like dessert and leaves your skin glowing.
Pumpkin Spice Body Butter: After soap and scrub, seal in moisture with this fluffy whipped body butter scented with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Smooth a small amount onto damp skin for a soft, silky finish and a cozy fall aroma that lasts.
DIY Fall-Scented Gift Ideas: From bundled spa sets to mini soap samplers, explore creative ways to turn your fall DIYs into thoughtful fall-scented gifts for friends, teachers, or craft fairs.
If you’re craving a cozy craft to welcome the fall season, this Pumpkin Spice Melt and Pour Soap is just the thing. With its warm scent, skin-loving ingredients, and easy process, it’s a fun project that delivers big seasonal charm without any mess or fuss.
Whether you’re making a small batch for yourself for your fall-inspired spa day or gifting them as part of a fall-themed spa set, these soaps are sure to become an autumn favorite. Don’t forget to explore our other fall DIYs to keep the seasonal inspiration going!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use real pumpkin purée in melt and pour soap?
It’s best to stick with pumpkin powder for melt and pour recipes. Pumpkin purée contains water, which can cause spoilage or shorten the soap’s shelf life.
How long will this soap last?
When stored in a cool, dry place, your melt and pour soap can last up to 12 months. Be sure to wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve scent and texture.
What kind of soap base works best?
You can use any melt and pour base, but clear glycerin soap shows off the orange tones best. Goat milk or shea butter bases give a creamier look and feel.
