Lisbon: Natural Soap and Shampoo Bar Making Workshops

Imagine spending a relaxed, creative 2.5 hours in Lisbon learning how to make your own natural, eco-friendly soap and shampoo bars. This workshop, offered by Les Savonnettes, promises not only a chance to create personalized skincare products but also a deeper appreciation for natural ingredients and sustainability. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity, a meaningful souvenir, or an introduction to eco-conscious living, this experience offers a delightful blend of education and hands-on fun.

What we love about this experience is its focus on using Portuguese olive oil and other vegetable oils—an authentic touch that connects the activity directly to Portugal’s rich agricultural landscape. Plus, the small group size (limited to 8 participants) makes for an intimate, personalized setting where questions are encouraged. One potential consideration is that this activity is not suitable for children under 7 years old, so if you’re traveling with young kids, you might want to consider other options.

This workshop is ideal for travelers who enjoy DIY projects, are curious about natural skincare, or want a meaningful, eco-friendly souvenir to take home. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed, social environment and a break from typical sightseeing.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience making natural soap and shampoo bars from scratch.
• Personalized creations you can take home, weighing about half a kilo.
• Focus on natural ingredients like Portuguese olive oil, essential oils, and infusions.
• Educational component about the benefits of natural skincare and sustainable ingredients.
• Small group size for better interaction and personalized guidance.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Workshop

When you arrive at the meeting point in Lisbon, the instructor, speaking in English, French, or Norwegian, will welcome you into a cozy, relaxing environment—perfect for a creative escape. The starting point is simple: as you arrive, you’ll ring the bell for entry, and the workshop begins from there.

Over 2.5 hours, you’ll learn the cold process technique—also called cold saponification—used to make glycerin-rich soaps. This method is gentle and preserves the natural benefits of ingredients, making your soap moisturizing and cleansing. The instructor will guide you through every step: from mixing oils and infusions to adding essential oils for fragrance.

A major highlight is the use of Portuguese olive oil, renowned for its quality and health benefits. You’ll also incorporate other vegetable oils and infusions, learning about their role in skincare. The process involves a lot of hands-on work, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes—you’ll be mixing, pouring, and shaping your soap.

Throughout the workshop, unlimited tea or infusions are provided, helping you stay hydrated and focused. Since the activity is alcohol-free, it’s suitable for all ages (except very young children), and the environment encourages a relaxed, social atmosphere.

At the end, you’ll leave with approximately half a kilo of your own soap batch—a tangible, eco-friendly souvenir of your Lisbon trip. Many reviewers mention how satisfying it is to create something unique and natural with your own hands, and how the process is both fun and educational.

The Value of the Experience

For $77, this workshop offers a well-rounded experience that combines education, creativity, and a taste of Portugal’s natural ingredients. The price includes all materials needed—no hidden costs—and you get to take home your finished product. Considering the personalized nature of what you produce, this is an excellent value, especially when you factor in the knowledge gained and the unique souvenir.

The small group setting (limited to 8 participants) enhances the experience, allowing for personalized guidance and questions. The flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds convenience, fitting easily into varied travel plans.

While not a tour in the traditional sightseeing sense, this activity provides a memorable, hands-on break from typical city wandering. It’s especially suited for eco-conscious travelers, DIY enthusiasts, or anyone interested in learning about natural skincare.

A Breakdown of the Experience

Meeting and Introduction

The workshop begins at a designated spot in Lisbon, where you’ll ring the doorbell to be welcomed into a friendly, inviting space. The instructor, fluent in English, French, and Norwegian, quickly makes everyone comfortable. The small group size ensures a personalized experience—ideal for asking questions and getting hands-on help.

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Learning the Process

The core of the workshop revolves around making glycerin soap via the cold process method. This process involves combining oils, infusions, and essential oils, then carefully heating and mixing them to create soap. You’ll see how natural ingredients like Portuguese olive oil contribute to the soap’s moisturizing properties and overall quality.

The instructor explains the benefits of each ingredient, emphasizing the health and environmental advantages of using natural products. For example, Portuguese olive oil is not only a local staple but also a key ingredient known for nourishing skin.

Creating Your Custom Soap and Shampoo Bars

Once you’ve grasped the basics, it’s your turn to craft. You’ll select your preferred oils and infusions, add essential oils for fragrance, and pour your mixture into molds. The process is tactile and engaging—think of it as a mini science experiment with a fragrant, satisfying payoff.

You’ll learn how to incorporate herbs, infusions, and essential oils to personalize your soap—perhaps lavender for calming or citrus for invigorating scents. The instructor offers tips on how to create moisturizing or cleansing bars tailored to your preferences.

Finishing Touches and Taking Your Creation Home

After your soap sets, you’ll get a half kilo of your freshly made batch as a take-home souvenir. Many reviewers mention how satisfying it is to leave with a product they crafted themselves—something you can proudly gift or keep.

The entire process is geared toward making a product that is both functional and natural, free of harmful chemicals, and rich in the benefits of local ingredients.

Authentic Perspectives from Participants

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable instructor and the relaxed, welcoming environment. One said, “I loved the way the instructor explained everything while allowing us to get our hands dirty,” highlighting the interactive nature of the activity.

Many appreciate the quality of ingredients—notably the Portuguese olive oil—which elevates the final product beyond typical DIY soaps. Some note that the workshop is a perfect blend of education and activity, providing insights into natural skincare that can be applied beyond this experience.

A few mention that the unlimited tea is a thoughtful touch, helping create a cozy atmosphere amid the work. The small group size received praise for fostering conversation and personalized help, making the experience feel intimate rather than rushed.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Wear comfortable, old clothes; expect to get a bit messy during the mixing process.
• Arrive on time—promptness ensures you don’t miss any steps.
• Consider bringing a notebook if you want to jot down tips or recipes.
• Since it’s a physical activity, ensure you’re in good health—no restrictions are noted, but heavy physical limitations might make the process less enjoyable.
• Book in advance; the small group size fills quickly.

The Sum Up

For travelers in Lisbon looking to do something different, this Natural Soap and Shampoo Bar Workshop offers a meaningful, engaging experience that combines creativity with sustainability. It’s especially suited for those interested in eco-friendly products, DIY activities, or simply wanting a relaxing break from sightseeing.

The use of Portuguese ingredients like olive oil connects your experience directly to Portugal’s culinary and agricultural culture, making it more than just a craft class—it’s a taste of local authenticity. The opportunity to learn a practical skill, create a personalized product, and take home a natural souvenir makes this tour stand out as a worthwhile addition to your Lisbon itinerary.

If you enjoy hands-on activities, value natural living, or want a memorable, educational experience, this workshop is well worth considering. It’s a chance to make something beautiful and useful, in a friendly setting, while gaining insights into the benefits of natural skincare.

Is this workshop suitable for children?
Children under 7 are not suitable, and the activity is generally not recommended for very young kids due to the hands-on nature and safety considerations.

Do I need to bring anything?
Nope—everything you need, including all materials and ingredients, are provided. Just come as you are and wear comfortable clothing.

What languages are spoken during the workshop?
The instructor speaks English, French, and Norwegian, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, providing enough time for learning, practicing, and creating your products.

What do I take home?
You’ll leave with about half a kilo of your own handmade soap or shampoo bars, plus knowledge about natural skincare.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travel plans.

Is this activity environmentally friendly?
Absolutely—using natural ingredients like Portuguese olive oil and avoiding harmful chemicals aligns with eco-conscious values.

What’s the cost?
The cost is $77 per person, which covers all materials, instruction, and your finished product.

Is the activity family-friendly?
Yes, but keep in mind it’s best suited for children over 7 years old due to the nature of the activity.

Where does the workshop take place?
The meeting point is conveniently located in Lisbon, where you’ll ring the door to start the experience.

Are there any restrictions on alcohol or drugs?
Yes, alcohol and drugs are not permitted during the workshop to ensure a safe, focused environment.

This natural soap workshop in Lisbon offers a genuinely rewarding, hands-on experience for those curious about eco-friendly living, natural skincare, or just looking for a creative way to connect with Portugal’s local ingredients. It’s a memorable activity, perfect for adding a personal touch to your Lisbon trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: