Instructions Preview

Step 1

Weigh your liquid and sodium hydroxide

In a plastic / stainless steel container, weigh 139.3 g of distilled water. In a separate small cup, weigh 68.6 g of sodium hydroxide.

Step 2

Prepare the lye solution

Take the distilled water and the sodium hydroxide to a well-ventilated spot. Add the sodium hydroxide carefully to the distilled water. Stir the solution until all of the sodium hydroxide has dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

Weigh your oils

Using a digital scale, measure all your oils into a bowl: • Olive Oil: 175 g • Coconut Oil: 125 g • Shea Butter: 100 g • Castor Oil: 50 g • Sunflower Oil: 50 g

Step 4

Melt and warm your oils

Heat the oils in a water bath to melt the hard oils. Set aside to cool.

Step 5

Add the lye solution to the oils

Check the temperature of the lye solution and the oils. When they are both around 30–40°C (86–104°F), carefully add the lye solution to the oils.

Step 6

Bring the soap batter to an emulsion

Begin incorporating the lye solution into the oils by stirring with a spatula, then switch to a stick blender. Burp the stick blender before you start blending by moving it around in the soap batter until there are no bubbles appearing at the surface. Stick blend in short bursts until you see an emulsion starting to form. The batter is ready when you have a thin pudding type consistency. There should be no oil streaks and a raised mark or 'trace' should be visible on the surface of the soap batter when it is drizzled over the mixture.

Step 7

Pour into the mold

Pour the batter into your mold against a spatula to prevent air bubbles.

Step 8

Force gel phase or prevent it

Keep the soap warm to force gel phase. You can do this by placing the soap in your oven on the lowest heat for about 15-30 minutes, after which you turn the oven off and leave the soap in the oven over night. To prevent gel phase, place the soap in the fridge.

Step 9

Unmold and cut

Unmold the soap after 24–48 hours and cut into bars. Bevel the edges with a vegetable peeler.

Step 10

Cure for 4–6 weeks

It's important to let the soap cure for 4–6 weeks before you use it. Store the soap in a cool & dry area during this time. During the cure the lather of the soap will improve & the soap will get harder and milder to the skin.

Step 11

Enjoy the fruits of your labor

Enjoy the soap that you made with your own hands♥ Remember to use a draining soap dish to keep the soap dry between uses.