Have you ever been curious about how to make your own soap at home? Feeling confident in the products you’re using to clean your hands and body can be extremely rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Ingredients:
- Base Oils: Coconut, olive, or palm oil.
- Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
- Water
- Essential Oils: For fragrance
- Gloves, goggles, and a mask for handling lye.
- Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic containers, a thermometer, and a stick blender.
Instructions
- Weigh out the oils and heat them together in a stainless steel pot.
- In another heatproof container, add water. While wearing protective gear, slowly add the lye to the water, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to cool to around 100°F.
- Ensure both the oils and lye solution are around the same temperature (ideally between 95°F to 105°F).
- Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while stirring continuously. Mix the solution until it resembles a thin pudding. Add essential oils. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the soap mixture into molds. Silicone molds work best.
- Cover the molds with a towel or blanket to insulate and keep the soap warm. Allow the soap to cure for 4-6 weeks in a well-ventilated area, turning it occasionally for even drying. And, finally, enjoy!
