Glycolic acid is a natural acid that is derived from fruit. Natural fruit acids are also called alpha hydroxy acids and they can be tremendously useful in skin care products. This is because natural acids, like glycolic acid, help encourage skin cell turnover by naturally exfoliating the surface layer of dead skin cells, thus revealing new, smoother and softer skin cells. This can be benficial if you have signs of aging, acne, discoloration or scars. Best of all, you can take advantage of these benefits by adding fruit puree or sugar to your homemade soap.

Put 11 oz of melt-and-pour soap base into a microwave safe bowl and loosely cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave the contents of the bowl on 50 percent power for one minute and stir it. Continue to heat and stir for a minute at a time on 50 percent power until the soap is melted entirely.

Add 4 fl oz of vegetable oil. Vegetable oil can be substituted with another oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. You will also add 1/4 tsp of vitamin E oil or 1/4 tsp of pure aloe vera gel. Stir the ingredients together until they are well blended.

Mix in 2 cups of white sugar. Stir continuously while you are adding the sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely incorporated.

Add 1/4 fl. oz. of the essential oil of your choosing. Lavender works well for fragrance and it is calming to irritated skin. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well blended.

Spoon the mixture into your soap molds. Pack each mold and tap the edge of the mold a few times to bump out air bubbles.

Allow the molds to sit overnight so the soap sets. Remove the soap from the molds and either use them or wrap them in plastic wrap for preservation.