Ectoplasm Ghost Poop - Glow in the Dark Soap Project For Kids

Growing up I loved the movie Ghostbusters. Then a few months ago my kids started asking to watch the movie. It was so much fun to see it again as an adult. The special effects may not be what we are used to, but boy it was fun! And the kids, they loved the ectoplasm. So we created a fun glow in the dark soap we are calling Ectoplasm Ghost Poop. I’m sure the ghostbusters would approve. Because who ya gonna call???? GHOSTBUSTERS!

Ectoplasm Ghost Poop – Glow in the Dark Soap Project For Kids

What you will discover in this article!

Movie references aside, soap making is a fantastic crafting project for older kids, tweens and teens. As long as they are old enough to safely use a microwave, they can make these amazing soaps.

Unlike many crafts, we really enjoy making items that have a purpose and function. It teaches kids that they can make something of value, that can be used. And you know what else? As they get older, if they decide they need to save money, they can make their own soaps. Either for themselves or as part of a side hustle business.

Homemade soaps are relatively easy to make and are wonderful kid made gifts for the holiday season.

With this project we are making a glow in the dark soap, which pairs nicely with all our other glow in the dark projects, like glow in the dark bath bombs, glow oobleck, glow in the dark slime and even a glow salt circuit! We love glow in the dark activities and this soap is no exception.

Ectoplasm Ghost Poop Soap Recipe That Glows In The Dark Recipe & Supplies

1 1/2-pounds white melt and pour soap
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon green apple scent
10-20 drops of marjoram essential oil
2 teaspoons glow in the dark washable paint
1-2 tablespoons glow in the dark powder
1 tabalespoon Pearlescent white mica powder
1 tablespoon white cosmetic glitter
Poop soap mold
Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol
Medium sized microwave safe bowl or measuring cup

Notes about DIY Glow in the Dark Soap

This recipe makes 6 glow in the dark soaps if you use this exact mold. Using other molds may give different results. You could use any soap mold to make glow in the dark soap. Let your kids creativity flow and see what they want to make. That’s the fun part about soap making.

Want to make sure you get full use out of your poop soap mold? Check out our glittery black bat poop soap and our poop emoji soap (coming soon!).

When it comes to glitter, there are a few options. The most common is to use cosmetic glitter. This is what you will find in most products at the store. If you would like a more environmentally friendly option, you can use a biodegradeable glitter. Of course, you can also leave out the glitter completely. It serves a cosmetic role only and will not affect the results of this recipe.

When it comes to marjoram essential oil and green apple scent, you can swap these out for whatever scents you prefer.

The glow in the dark effect is created in this soap by two ingredients, paint and a powder. Using two different mediums gives more depth and variation to the glow effect. However, if you only have one of the ingredients on hand, you can leave out the other one.

Glow in the Dark Soap Making Directions

Cut your soap into cubes.

Add 24 cubes (each cube is approx. 1 ounce) of the soap base to a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt in 30 second intervals, stirring after each until it is completely melted.

Add jojoba oil and marjoram essential oil to bowl or measuring cup.

Add the white mica powder, the green glow in the dark powder, the glow in the dark gel paint and whisk ingredients until thoroughly incorporated.

Spray bottom of mold with rubbing alcohol. Sprinkle a bit of the glitter into the mold and allow alcohol to dry a few seconds.

Add green apple scent and mix well. Carefully soap mixture into mold. Spray top of soap to prevent bubbles from forming. Allow to harden at least 2-4 hours. Make sure there are no ripples when you blow on it. Carefully “pop” the soaps from the mold. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

The Science Behind The Glow in Glow in the Dark Soap

Like all of our projects, I like to sneak in some science lessons. In this project we can explore the science behind glow in the dark substances. Both the powders and paints in this recipe glow thanks to a process called luminescence which is caused by chemicals called luminescent phosphors. For this glow to work it needs to charge in the light. You will have the brightest glow when you first turn off the lights, then it will fade. You can “recharge” the glow simply by turning on the lights again for a minute. Using a black light will give a slightly different glow effect.