Grapefruit Calendula Bentonite Clay Soap Recipe

This is a step-by-step guide on how to make a natural grapefruit calendula bentonite clay soap. You can use this recipe to make your own homemade soap for personal use or as a gift. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can customize it to your liking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) castor oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) shea butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) grapefruit seed oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) calendula infused oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) bentonite clay
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) lye (sodium hydroxide)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

Equipment

• A heat-resistant glass or stainless steel container
• A whisk
• A digital scale
• A thermometer
• A mold for soap
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• A respirator

Instructions

Prepare the Lye Solution

1. Carefully measure out the lye and water.
2. Add the lye slowly to the water, stirring constantly.
3. The mixture will heat up and release fumes. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear safety glasses and gloves.
4. Allow the lye solution to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Oils

1. Heat the olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and shea butter in a heat-resistant glass or stainless steel container over low heat.
2. Stir the oils until they are melted and combined.
3. Remove the oils from heat and allow them to cool to room temperature.

Combine the Oils and Lye

1. Once the lye solution and oils have cooled to room temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils, stirring constantly.
2. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a trace, which is a point where the mixture thickens and leaves a trail on the surface when you lift the whisk.
3. Add the grapefruit seed oil, calendula infused oil, and bentonite clay to the mixture and stir until combined.

Pour the Soap into the Mold

1. Pour the soap mixture into the mold.
2. Cover the mold with plastic wrap and let the soap cure for 4-6 weeks.

Safety Precautions

• Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with lye.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep lye and water separate until you are ready to mix them.
• Do not breathe in the fumes from the lye solution.
• If you get lye on your skin, immediately wash it off with plenty of water.
• If you get lye in your eyes, immediately flush them with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Tips

• You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different essential oils, herbs, or clays.
• If you are new to soap making, it is a good idea to start with a small batch.
• Be patient and allow the soap to cure for at least 4 weeks before using it.

This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own unique grapefruit calendula bentonite clay soap.