- Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment
- Mix the lye and water
- Melt the oils and mix with lye solution
- Add essential oils and other desired ingredients
- Pour the mixture into molds and let it set
- Unmold and cut the soap
- Cure the soap for 4-6 weeks
Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment
Gather oils, lye, water, essential oils, and any other desired ingredients. Also, prepare molds, a stainless steel pot, a digital scale, and safety equipment such as gloves and goggles.
Mix the lye and water
Carefully mix lye into water in a well-ventilated area, following safety precautions. Allow the mixture to cool while proceeding to the next step.
Melt the oils and mix with lye solution
Melt the oils in a pot over low heat, then mix them with the lye solution. Stir until the mixture reaches trace, a stage where it thickens.
Add essential oils and other desired ingredients
Add essential oils and any other desired ingredients such as herbs or exfoliants. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
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
Carefully remove the soap from the molds and cut it into bars or desired shapes using a sharp knife or soap cutter.
Cure the soap for 4-6 weeks
Place the cut soap on a rack in a cool, dry place to cure for 4-6 weeks. This allows the soap to harden and the lye to fully react with the oils, creating a milder and longer-lasting bar.