The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch

This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone pursuing the Cold Process soapmaking method. It is a classic and covers ALL core topics. Don't start your first cold processed batch without this book!

Healing with Herbs A-Z by Hanna Kroeger

If you are interested in herbal properties and how to leverage them in your products, this is a great 'starter' book. It is easy to read and arranged in a reference-style alphabetically by herb.

Creating an Herbal Bodycare Business by Sandy Maine

This one is for those of us for whom a healthy addiction turns into a business. Sandy Maine is well respected throughout the industry and offers great insights in this book.

Melt & Mold Soap Crafting by Kaila Westerman

Kaila Westerman is the premier expert on "Melt and Pour" soapmaking and this is a great book to get started with. It has numerous step by step recipes, complete with specific techniques for success. If you want to learn about Melt and Pour soapmaking and purchase only one book, this is the one to buy.

Making Transparent Soap by Catherine Failor

This is sort of a 'niche' book. It teaches you how to make your own transparent soap. Most Melt and Pour soapmakers purchase their transparent (and white) soap bases from a commercial source. However, with proper techniques you can make your own at home. This book teaches you how to do it.

Soap - Making It, Enjoying It - by Ann Bramson

This is sort of an 'oldie'. It was first published in 1972 and is reputed to have sparked the current widespread interest in soapmaking. I enjoy this book because it is simple, down to earth, and explains topics well. This book covers cold process soapmaking only.

Perfumes, Splashes, & Colognes by Nancy M. Booth

So you want to create your own fragrances to use in your skin care products? Then this is the book for you. It explains the categories of fragrances, top, middle, and bottom notes, blending techniques, and much much more. It even has a number of recipes you can make at home to showcase your unique blends.

The Soap Book by Sandy Maine

This is a book of Cold Process soap recipes from Sandy Maine. Sandy has a thriving business and is well respected in the industry. Every recipe in this little book is a winner. In addition to the recipes, there is a how to section for those unfamiliar with the Cold Process method, and there is also an Aromatherapy section. This book also has GREAT pictures.

Soothing Soaps for Healthy Skin by Sandy Maine

If you want to focus on Melt and Pour soapmaking, this is a great reference. Another winner by Sandy Maine, this book is loaded with great Melt and Pour herbal soap recipes and more GREAT pictures.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy by Julia Lawless

This is my 'big book' of Aromatherapy. It's a hefty 224 page hardback and very thorough. It's certainly not a necissity for starting out, but if you (like me) are fascinated by Aromatherapy and want a comprehensive reference, this is a good one.

The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann

This is my 'big book' of Herbs. This is another hefty 256 page hardback and is comprehensive. Again, not a necessity for starting out, but if you want a great source, you can't go wrong with this book.