- Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment
- Mix the lye and water
- Combine oils and heat them
- Mix lye solution with oils
- Add essential oils and other additives
- Pour the mixture into molds and let it set
- Unmold and cut the soap
- Cure the soap for 4-6 weeks
Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment
Collect oils, lye, water, essential oils, and any other additives. Also, gather safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a well-ventilated area to work in.
Mix the lye and water
Carefully mix the lye into the water, ensuring it dissolves completely. This step should be done with caution and in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Combine oils and heat them
Combine the oils in a large pot and heat them to the desired temperature, following the recipe's instructions.
Mix lye solution with oils
Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while stirring continuously. This will cause the mixture to thicken and begin the saponification process.
Add essential oils and other additives
Once the mixture reaches trace, add essential oils and any other desired additives, such as herbs or exfoliants.
Pour the mixture into molds and let it set
Pour the soap mixture into molds and allow it to set for 24-48 hours, or until it's firm enough to unmold.
Unmold and cut the soap
Once the soap has set, carefully remove it from the molds and cut it into bars or desired shapes.
Cure the soap for 4-6 weeks
Place the cut soap on a rack in a well-ventilated area and allow it to cure for 4-6 weeks. This will ensure a harder, longer-lasting bar of soap.