Making homemade soap can be a fun and rewarding craft. Here is a basic recipe for making cold process soap at home. Please note that making soap involves the use of caustic materials, so it’s important to follow safety precautions and wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and goggles.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (227 grams) of sodium hydroxide (lye)
- 16 oz (454 grams) of water
- 16 oz (454 grams) of coconut oil
- 32 oz (907 grams) of olive oil
- A few drops of your choice of essential oil for fragrance (e.g., lavender, lemon, peppermint)
- Optional: additives like dried herbs, colorants, or exfoliants
Equipment:
- Heat-resistant containers (for lye and oils)
- Stainless steel or plastic stirring utensils
- Thermometer
- Soap molds (plastic or silicone)
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Stick blender
- Scale
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area.
- Cover your workspace with newspaper or disposable plastic.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves throughout the process.
- Mix Lye Solution:
- Carefully measure 8 oz (227 grams) of sodium hydroxide (lye).
- Measure 16 oz (454 grams) of water.
- In a well-ventilated area, add the lye to the water while stirring continuously. Do not add water to lye. This step can release fumes, so be cautious.
- Stir until the lye is completely dissolved. The mixture will become hot. Allow it to cool to around 100-110°F (38-43°C).
- Melt Oils:
- Measure 16 oz (454 grams) of coconut oil and 32 oz (907 grams) of olive oil.
- Heat the oils in a heat-resistant container until they are around 100-110°F (38-43°C). You can use a microwave or a stovetop.
- Combine Lye Solution and Oils:
- Carefully pour the lye solution into the melted oils.
- Use a stick blender to mix the ingredients until they reach “trace,” which is a thickened consistency similar to pudding.
- Add Fragrance and Additives:
- Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil for fragrance and any optional additives like dried herbs, colorants, or exfoliants. Stir to combine.
- Pour into Molds:
- Pour the soap mixture into your soap molds.
- Cure the Soap:
- Cover the molds with plastic wrap or a towel.
- Let the soap sit in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours to allow it to harden and set.
- Unmold and Cut:
- Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the molds and cut it into bars.
- Curing:
- Place the cut bars on a rack or tray in a cool, dry place to cure for 4-6 weeks. This allows the soap to fully harden and any excess water to evaporate.
- Enjoy: After curing, your homemade soap is ready to use!
Remember that making soap involves working with lye, which can be dangerous if mishandled. Always follow safety guidelines and take precautions to ensure your safety throughout the soap-making process.