When it comes to creating handmade soap, the foundation you start with matters. And for thousands of soap makers around the world, that foundation is the Stephenson soap base. Whether you're a weekend hobbyist, a skincare entrepreneur, or simply passionate about clean beauty, Stephenson’s melt and pour soap bases offer unmatched quality, creativity, and peace of mind.
So, what makes Stephenson soap base the go to choice for DIY skincare enthusiasts and small batch producers alike? Let’s explore everything that makes this British born brand a global favorite and why you should consider making it part of your soap making journey.
A Legacy of Soap Craftsmanship Since 1856
Founded in the UK over 165 years ago, Stephenson Personal Care has evolved from a traditional soap manufacturer into one of the world’s leading suppliers of melt and pour soap bases, liquid soap bases, and cosmetic bases. What sets them apart is their commitment to clean chemistry, sustainability, and easy to use formulations.
Stephenson's products are used by:
- Indie skincare brands
- Artisan soap crafters
- Cosmetic labs and formulators
- DIY creators and Etsy sellers
With a focus on transparent sourcing, eco friendly ingredients, and formulation innovation, Stephenson continues to redefine what it means to create high quality, customizable skincare products right from your own kitchen or studio.
What Is a Soap Base & Why Use Melt and Pour?
A soap base is a ready made blend of saponified oils (like coconut oil, palm oil, or olive oil) that’s been processed into a solid, neutral form ready for melting and customization.
This process, known as melt and pour soap making, is ideal for beginners and experienced crafters alike. It eliminates the need to handle lye (sodium hydroxide), which can be hazardous, while still offering plenty of room for personalization.
Benefits of Using Melt and Pour Soap Base:
- No lye handling required
- Quick and beginner friendly
- Customizable with essential oils, herbs, and colorants
- Consistent, professional results
- Safe for kids, workshops, and home crafters
Customizing Your Soap: Endless Creative Possibilities
One of the biggest appeals of using Stephenson soap bases is the freedom to tailor each bar to your liking. With just a few added ingredients, you can turn a basic soap block into a luxurious, boutique style product.
Here’s what you can add to Stephenson’s melt and pour bases:
Essential oils – Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or citrus blends
Botanicals – Calendula petals, chamomile, oats, dried rose
Colorants – Mica powders, natural clays, herbal infusions
Skin-loving ingredients – Shea butter, cocoa butter, activated charcoal
Exfoliants – Coffee grounds, poppy seeds, jojoba beads
Whether you're crafting for sensitive skin, dry skin, or pure aesthetics, Stephenson’s soap base gives you the perfect starting point.
Popular Stephenson Soap Bases You’ll Love
Here’s a closer look at the most popular Stephenson soap bases available on the market:
1. Crystal Clear Melt & Pour
This translucent base is perfect for showcasing embedded ingredients like dried flowers, loofahs, or color swirls. It has a smooth finish and allows your creativity to shine.
Best for: Decorative soaps, embeds, layering designs
2. Crystal Goat’s Milk Soap Base
Formulated with natural goat’s milk, this base is creamy and gentle, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types. It offers a soothing lather and moisturizing properties.
Best for: Baby soaps, eczema-friendly bars, winter skincare
3. Crystal Honey Soap Base
Infused with real honey, this base is naturally hydrating and leaves skin soft and nourished. It has a warm golden tone and sweet aroma.
Best for: Nourishing soaps, gift sets, natural skincare
4. Crystal Suspending Soap Base
Designed to hold particles in suspension, this base is great if you want to add exfoliants, herbs, or glitter without them sinking to the bottom.
Best for: Exfoliating bars, novelty soaps, spa style products
Clean Beauty with a Conscience
As consumers become more aware of the ingredients in their skincare, brands like Stephenson are leading the way in ethical, sustainable soap base production.
Here’s what sets their formulas apart:
✅ RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil
✅ Vegan and cruelty-free
✅ Free from SLS, SLES, and parabens
✅ GMO-free and gluten-free
✅ Biodegradable and eco-friendly
This makes Stephenson soap bases an excellent option for creators who want to align with clean beauty values without compromising on performance or creativity.
Why Soap Makers Love Stephenson
Still wondering why so many soap makers choose Stephenson?
Let’s break it down:
Consistency & Quality
Their bases are lab tested and manufactured under strict ISO 9001 standards. You can expect a high quality finish every time.
Creative Flexibility
Whether you’re making decorative bars, facial cleansers, or exfoliating soaps, there’s a Stephenson base that fits your need.
Global Reputation
Used by makers in over 40 countries, Stephenson has become a name trusted by both indie brands and contract manufacturers.
Easy to Work With
No complicated steps. No guesswork. Just melt, mix, pour, and cure. Perfect for both personal projects and scalable production.
Where to Buy Stephenson Soap Base
Stephenson products are available through major cosmetic supply retailers, both online and offline.
In Malaysia, for example, stores like Craftiviti stock a wide selection of Stephenson bases, including:
- Crystal Clear Soap Base
- Goat’s Milk Soap Base
- Suspending and Honey Soap Base
- Liquid Soap Base in bulk sizes (up to 11.5 kg)
You can also find Stephenson soap bases on international platforms such as:
- Amazon
New Directions Aromatics
- Aussie Soap Supplies
- Bramble Berry
- Lotion Crafter
Pro tip: Buy in bulk to save costs if you’re producing regularly!
Starting Your Own Soap Brand? Start with Stephenson
Many soap entrepreneurs start small with just a few bars for friends or a weekend market booth. But with a reliable and professional grade soap base like Stephenson, scaling up is much more manageable.
They even offer starter kits and business friendly packaging sizes to help you test, iterate, and refine your products before committing to full-scale production.
Paired with your unique branding and formulations, Stephenson soap bases provide a solid foundation for:
- Private label skincare
- Corporate gifts and event favors
- Artisan markets and pop ups
- Subscription box products