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Make Your Own Natural Hand Soap
In today’s world, we’re all more aware of the chemicals in our everyday products. Many people are looking for natural alternatives, and hand soap is no exception. Making your own hand soap is easier than you might think, and it allows you to control the ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of olive oil
- 1 pound of coconut oil
- 1 pound of castor oil
- 3.5 ounces of lye (sodium hydroxide)
- 1 cup of distilled water
- Essential oils (optional)
Equipment
- A large heat-resistant bowl
- A digital kitchen scale
- A rubber spatula
- A stick blender
- A mold for your soap (a loaf pan or silicone mold works well)
- Gloves and safety glasses
Instructions
Important: Lye is a caustic substance and should be handled with extreme care. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when working with it.
- Measure your oils. Weigh the olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil using a digital kitchen scale. Combine the oils in a large heat-resistant bowl.
- Prepare your lye solution. Pour the distilled water into a separate heat-resistant bowl. Slowly add the lye to the water, stirring constantly. The mixture will heat up and release fumes, so it’s important to do this in a well-ventilated area.
- Combine the lye solution and oils. Once the lye solution has cooled to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, slowly pour it into the oil mixture, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula. The mixture will become cloudy and thick.
- Blend the mixture. Use a stick blender to blend the mixture until it reaches a light trace. This means that the batter will leave a trail on the surface when you lift the blender. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Add essential oils. If you’re using essential oils, add them now. Be sure to use a scent that is safe for your skin.
- Pour the soap into the mold. Carefully pour the soap batter into your chosen mold. Tap the mold on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
- Let the soap cure. Cover the mold and let the soap sit in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks. During this time, the soap will harden and the lye will neutralize.
- Cut the soap. After the soap has cured, cut it into bars using a sharp knife.
Tips
- Use high-quality oils for best results.
- If you’re new to soapmaking, start with a simple recipe like this one.
- Always wear gloves and safety glasses when working with lye.
- Store your soap in a cool, dry place.
Making your own natural hand soap is a rewarding experience. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your soap and the peace of mind of using a product that’s free of harsh chemicals. Enjoy your homemade soap!