Beginners Soap Making Workshop

Learn the fundamentals at this ward-winning soap making class in London. One day course



5 hours Class size 1 to 10 guests       £150

Learn all the essentials of how to make luxurious, fragrant soaps, for home, gifts to wow your friends and family, or as an aspiring entrepreneur. Many of our students have gone on to do our Soap and Cosmetics Compliance Course, deepening their knowledge and since have launched their own successful soap business.
Paula, the award-winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co., has over 10 years of experience making the finest of soaps and has been teaching soap making for over 8 years you will be in expert hands. She will take you through the traditional cold process soap, step by step, and you’ll leave with 8 luxury palm-oil free vegan soaps you have made from scratch.
You’ll be in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
You will learn:
  • How to make artisanal soap from scratch with a professional tutor
  • The art of creating your own scent blend from essential oils
  • Colouring soap using clays, micas or activated charcoal
  • How to work safely with lye and create your own recipes using a lye calculator
  • A real understanding of the properties of soap making oils and why we use them
  • The variety of ingredients needed to make natural soaps, how to select them and where to source them
  • The equipment required to make soaps and where to purchase it
  • A crucial introduction to compliance, safety regulations and legalities for the sale of handmade soap in the UK.
  • Best suppliers for your ingredients and equipment
My courses are designed with professionalism and passion at their core. I’m proud to have received recognition for my work, including the Theo Paphitis SBS award. My courses have also been featured in The English Home and Your Home magazines, highlighting their quality and unique approach.
I am also a CPD Member *The CPD Certification Service, an international community where quality is both recognised and assured

Upcoming dates for Beginners Soap Making Workshop

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 7 Oct 2026, 6:19am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 28 Nov 2026 and 28 Nov 2026.

  • Sat 28 Nov 2026, 10am-3pm
What you'll get
The course includes all ingredients, the use of soap making and protective equipment as well as refreshments. You’ll take home a box full of the soap you’ve made yourself, recipes and a comprehensive course handout. Most importantly, you’ll have the confidence to make soap at home on your own!
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Suitable for beginners
Add-ons available for this class
  • Add a reed diffuser (£40)
  • Add a room spray (£30)
You can add these when you book (optional).
Location

The Strand, Instituto Cervantes - 15-19 Devereux Court, London, WC2R 3JJ

Next to Temple Station. Easy access from Blackfriars, Holborn, Charing Cross

Beginners Soap Making Workshop location
Verified reviews


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Recent reviews of Beginners Soap Making Workshop

  • 5/5 from Anne Kerle, attended Jun 2026: Very enjoyable & informative class. The teacher was extremely knowledgable, professional, friendly & helpful. Felt inspired to learn more about soap making & I am looking forward to use the beutiful soaps we made
  • 5/5 from Christine Macpherson, attended Apr 2026: I had a fabulous day at the Old Bexley soap making course. Paula was incredibly patient and took the time to answer all of my many questions. Her depth of knowledge really stood out, and she made learning a completely new skill both enjoyable and fun. We worked through the process at a steady pace, making sure we understood each step and carried everything out safely, which gave me a lot of confidence. I left feeling inspired, energised, and excited to keep going. Thank you for making my first step back into creative hobbies such a positive and rewarding experience.
  • 5/5 from Belinda Makumbi, attended Apr 2026: Paula was very knowledgeable about handmade soaps and the pre- cautions to undertake when making soap. She also explained in detail the different types of essential oils, clays and formulas and how these might impact the final soap bar. Overall this was a well presented class and the best part is we got to make our own soap! Highly recommend it.
  • 5/5 from Naylla Dal, attended Feb 2026: Amazing introductory course to soap making. Paula is a very charismatic and attentive tutor. I can’t wait to use my soaps!!
  • 5/5 from Dana Fisher, attended Feb 2026: This is one of the *best* classes I've attended. The teacher, Paula was very patient - spending reasonable amount of time on how to *safely* make soap, working with lye, the different oils, additives - no question was too big, too small, and her knowledge was really vast. The group was a perfect size - we took turns measuring our oils, and selecting our fragrances/additives, and it never felt rushed, or crowded. Everything was on a screen, and also repeated in our takeaway handouts. The actual soap making was so much fun, and everyone's soap was different. She even touched on processes required if you want to sell it commercially, and took time to explain additives, and different affects on the ingredients. I walked away with *8* soaps (I traded a few with other participants) and can now replicate what I learned.
  • 5/5 from Sarah Bridget Knight, attended Jan 2026: Absolutely brilliant class. I loved it so much. I can't believe how we made cold process soap so easily. Paula taght so wonderfully and made it a simple and wonderful class. If you have ever wanted to try making soap this is the vest class to attend. Make sure you bring a big bag to put your box of soap in otherwisenit can be tricky to take it home.
  • 5/5 from Claudette Williams, attended Oct 2025: Class is well structured. Trainer is knowledgeable on subject and friendly. I came home with some beautifully crafted soap. Happy as a first timer!
  • 5/5 from Amrinder Boyal, attended Jul 2025: Amazing workshop. You learn a lot and have fun making the soap. It's an informative and educational soap making course. Highly recommend all of Paula's courses. Thank you so much!!
  • 5/5 from Niloofar Dowlatabadi, attended Jul 2025: Excellent teacher, well organized, fun and informative. The venue was great. I enjoyed every minute of it. My soap looks great! Thank you Paula and the team.
Your teacher

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co.
Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co.

5.0 (67)
female Women-owned

Hello, I’m Paula Mateo and I'm an artisan soap, skincare and home fragrance maker. I'm passionate about all things natural and nurturing, which is why I started Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co and started selling my lovingly made creations in 2014. Since then, my small business has gone from strength to strength.
I love sharing my passion for soap and candle making with my courses. I experience real joy and a sense of pride when I inspire others to create their own products, designed to care for their body, mind and soul.
I have tutored hundreds of students in both group and bespoke one-to-one courses. Whether you want to come along and learn just for fun or because you are serious about starting your own brand, I can take you by the hand through the process.

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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production london London London GB london