In recent years, people have started to pay more attention to the ingredients in their skincare and beauty products. This has led to an increased interest in natural and homemade alternatives, such as homemade bar soap. Making your own soap at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it allows you to control the ingredients that go into your soap. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making homemade bar soap.
Materials:
- Lye (sodium hydroxide)
- Distilled water
- Carrier oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil)
- Essential oils (for fragrance, if desired)
- Kitchen scale
- Heat-resistant container (such as a glass bowl)
- Stainless steel or plastic spoon
- Soap mold (such as a silicone loaf pan or muffin tin)
- Protective gear (such as goggles, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt)
Note: Lye is a caustic substance and can cause burns or other injuries if not handled properly. Be sure to read and follow all safety precautions and instructions carefully.
Step 1: Weigh the Ingredients
Before you begin, you’ll need to weigh the ingredients for your soap. You can use an online soap calculator to determine the correct amounts of lye and water based on the amount of soap you want to make and the oils you’ll be using. Once you have these measurements, weigh out the lye and water separately.
Next, weigh out your carrier oils and combine them in a heat-resistant container. You can use any combination of oils you like, but some popular options include olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and castor oil.
Step 2: Mix the Lye and Water
In a separate container, carefully pour the lye into the distilled water. Stir the mixture gently until the lye is fully dissolved. This mixture will get very hot, so be sure to use protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area.
Step 3: Combine the Lye Mixture and Carrier Oils
Once the lye mixture has cooled to around 100-110°F, pour it into the container with the carrier oils. Use a stainless steel or plastic spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are fully blended.
Step 4: Add Essential Oils (if desired)
If you’d like to add fragrance to your soap, now is the time to do so. Add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture and stir well.
Step 5: Pour the Mixture into a Soap Mold
Carefully pour the soap mixture into your soap mold. Silicone loaf pans and muffin tins work well for this purpose. Tap the mold gently on a flat surface to release any air bubbles.
Step 6: Let the Soap Cure
Cover the soap with a towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for 24-48 hours. During this time, the soap will harden and continue to react. After 24-48 hours, check the soap for firmness. If it’s still too soft, let it sit for a few more hours.
Once the soap is firm, remove it from the mold and cut it into bars using a sharp knife. Let the bars cure for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place. During this time, the soap will continue to harden and any remaining lye will neutralize.
Congratulations, you’ve made your own homemade bar soap! With a little practice, you can experiment with different oils and fragrances to create a soap that’s uniquely yours. Remember to always follow proper safety precautions when working with lye, and have fun!