Directions: |
Directions:Put gloves and other protective clothing on. Measure your water and put in a stainless steel bowl. Measure lye exactly and slowly pour into water, stirring continuously, Stand back to avoid the fumes.When the water starts to clear, move onto the next step while it cools.
Add your 3 oils together and heat in a double boiler or microwave - it should be around 120 degrees F (49 C). Wait for both your lye and oil to cool to between 95 - 105 degrees F (35-40 C) This is critical to soap making
When they are both at the right temperature, pour the lye into the oil, mixing by hand for 5 mins, then take a stick blender and keep stirring . The soap will lighten up in colour and become thick. When it looks like vanilla pudding it's at "Trace" and good to go.
Add your essential oils and herbs or other additions, stir thoroughly to combine. Pour mixture into moulds and cover with plastic wrap. Wrap in an out towel. This will keep the residual heat in and start the saponification process. This si the process when it becomes soap.
After 24 hours, check the soap, if it is still warm and soft wait another 12 - 24 hrs. When it is cool and firm, turn out onto a piece of parchment paper or baking rack. Cut into bars at this point. Allow soap to cure for 4 weeks or so. Turn daily if on parchment paper.
When your soap is fully cured, wrap it in wax paper or keep it in an air tight container. Hand made soap will make it's own glycerin, by pulling moisture from the air. It should be in an air tight container to keep it from attracting dust and moisture. |
This recipe for Hand and Body Soap (Cold Process) is from