Making soap at home is a fun process that ensures your soap is free of harsh chemicals and allergens such as artificial colors and fragrances.
Homemade soap can be given as gifts to friends and family. Get your kids in on the action and teach them a fun lesson in chemistry with this soap recipe.
When properly made, lye soap does not contain lye when it is done. The chemical mixture of vegetable oils and the lye turn into glycerin. Also, fewer essential oils are needed than cold process lye soap to scent the soap, since they are added after the glycerin has formed.
Before Getting Started
Work only in a well-ventilated room and wear the proper clothing and safety gear for the job. Open a window or turn on an exhaust fan to avoid exposure to breathing in the lye fumes. You and your helpers need to wear long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants, as well as closed in shoes and aprons to protect your skin from accidental lye burns. Do wear safety goggles and thick industrial rubber gloves when mixing the lye portion of the recipe. Grab a Rubbermaid tote, and store your soap making supplies in it.
Utensils:
- Digital kitchen scale
- Digital food thermometer
- Two 4-cup heat resistant glass measuring cups
- 3 stainless steel or glass 2-quart bowls
- Heatproof silicon spoon
- Metal whisk
- Molds, list below
- Cellophane food wrap
- Freezer paper and butcher paper
- Large knife
- Measuring spoons
- 4-quart or larger slow cooker with ceramic insert
- Bakery cooling racks
- Warm water
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- White food grade vinegar
Ingredients measured by weight, not volume:
- 11 oz distilled water
- 4.9 oz lye
- 18 oz extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz coconut oil
- 6 oz palm oil shortening
- 2 oz shea butter
- 1 oz castor oil
- 2 to 4 oz exfoliant (list at end of article)
- 1 tablespoon essential oils
Page 2 – How to Make Hot Process Lye Soap
I made soap several years ago. It was so satisfying! I need to take it up again.