Making your own soap can be a fun and creative way to care for your family’s hygiene needs. By using natural ingredients and essential oils, you can create a personalized soap that is gentle on your skin and free from harsh chemicals. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 14 oz. coconut oil
- 14 oz. olive oil
- 12 oz. distilled water
- 4.4 oz. lye (sodium hydroxide)
- 1 oz. lavender essential oil
- 1 oz. peppermint essential oil
Equipment:
- Digital kitchen scale
- Mixing bowls
- Stick blender
- Silicone soap mold
- Protective gloves and goggles
Instructions:
- Measure out the coconut oil and olive oil into a mixing bowl. Heat the oils gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until they are completely melted and combined.
- Weigh out the lye and distilled water into separate containers. Wearing protective gloves and goggles, slowly add the lye to the water while stirring constantly. The mixture will become hot and emit fumes, so be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area.
- Once the lye and water have cooled to around 100°F, pour the lye solution into the melted oils. Use a stick blender to blend the mixture until it thickens and reaches a light trace.
- Add the lavender and peppermint essential oils to the mixture and blend for another minute or two.
- Pour the soap mixture into a silicone soap mold and tap the mold gently to release any air bubbles.
- Cover the soap mold with a piece of cardboard and wrap in a towel to insulate. Let the soap cure for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars. Place the bars on a rack or in a well-ventilated area to cure for 4-6 weeks, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying.
- Once the soap has cured, package it in a decorative wrapping or use it right away to enjoy its gentle cleansing properties.
Making your own soap is a rewarding and cost-effective way to care for your family’s hygiene needs. With this recipe and some basic equipment, you can create your own homemade soap that’s free from harsh chemicals and additives. Experiment with different scents and ingredients to create your own personalized soap that is uniquely yours.