Soap mold – This is where your soap will set. You can use a silicone mold, wooden mold, or even an empty cardboard box.

Protective gear – Rubber gloves and goggles to ensure safety while handling lye.

Make sure to carefully measure each ingredient, as the balance of oils to lye is crucial for creating a safe and effective soap.

Step 1: Prepare the Lye Solution

Safety first! When working with lye, always wear gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes.

Weigh the lye and water: Measure 85g of lye and 200g of distilled water using a digital scale.

Dissolve the lye: In a heat-resistant container (preferably glass), slowly add the lye to the water, NOT the other way around. Stir gently until the lye is completely dissolved. Be careful – the solution will get very hot and produce fumes, so make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area.

Cool the lye mixture: Set the lye solution aside to cool. It needs to be at about 110°F (43°C) before mixing it with the oils.

Step 2: Melt and Prepare the Oils

While your lye solution is cooling, it’s time to prepare the oils.

Weigh the oils: Measure 300g of olive oil, 150g of coconut oil, and 100g of shea butter.

Melt the oils: Combine all the oils in a large, heat-resistant container. You can melt them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally until everything is fully melted and combined.

Cool the oils: Let the oils cool down to around 110°F (43°C), the same temperature as the lye solution.

Step 3: Mix the Lye and Oils

Once both the lye solution and oils are at the right temperature, you’re ready to mix them together.

Combine the lye and oils: Slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils while stirring gently.

Blend the mixture: Use an immersion blender (stick blender) to blend the mixture. Alternate between blending for a few seconds and stirring to prevent air bubbles. Continue blending until the mixture thickens to a consistency called "trace." Trace is when the soap mixture leaves a visible trace or line when dripped from a spoon or blender.

Step 4: Add Essential Oils and Colorants (Optional)

Once your soap has reached trace, it’s time to add any fragrance and color.

Essential oils: Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils. Stir well to evenly distribute the fragrance throughout the soap.

Colorants: If you want to add a touch of color, you can mix in natural colorants like spirulina powder (for green) or pink clay (for a soft pink hue). Mix thoroughly to ensure the color is evenly spread.

Step 5: Pour the Soap into the Mold

Now that your soap mixture is ready, it’s time to pour it into your mold.

Prepare your mold: If you’re using a silicone mold, simply make sure it’s clean and ready. For wooden molds, line it with parchment paper to make removing the soap easier.

Pour the soap mixture: Carefully pour the soap mixture into the mold, scraping the sides of the bowl to get all of it.

Tap the mold: Lightly tap the mold on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the soap.

Step 6: Let the Soap Set and Cure

After pouring the soap into the mold, it’s time to let it harden.

Cover and insulate: Cover the soap with a towel or blanket to keep it warm, which helps the saponification process continue.

Wait 24-48 hours: Let the soap sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours until it hardens. The soap should feel firm to the touch but not too soft.

Unmold the soap:Once the soap has hardened, carefully remove it from the mold.

Step 7: Cut and Cure the Soap Blocks

Once the soap is removed from the mold, it’s time to cut it into blocks and let it cure.

Cut the soap: Use a sharp blade or soap cutter to slice the soap into even blocks.

Cure the soap: Place the blocks on a cooling rack or tray in a cool, dry place. Allow the soap to cure for 4-6 weeks. During this time, the soap will harden further and the lye will fully neutralize, making it safe for use.

Enjoy Your Handmade Soap!

After weeks of waiting, your homemade soap will be ready to use! Not only have you created a product that’s gentle on your skin, but you’ve also crafted something entirely unique. Every bar tells the story of your effort, creativity, and dedication to natural skincare.

We hope this step-by-step guide inspires you to make your own soap at home. Whether it’s for personal use or as a thoughtful gift, your handmade soap is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process, and don't forget to experiment with different oils, scents, and colors to create your perfect bar!

Note to Lykkers: Have you tried making soap at home? What scents or colors would you add to your own batch? Let’s share some soap-making tips and ideas!