How To Make Your Own Soap at Home

Before you start making soap, gather all the necessary supplies. You'll need oils (like olive oil, coconut oil, or palm oil), lye (sodium hydroxide), water, and any additives or scents you desire, like essential oils or natural colorants. Don't forget safety gear such as gloves and goggles!

Choose a clean, well-ventilated area to work in. Lay down newspapers or an old sheet to catch spills. Make sure all your tools and ingredients are within reach. This is also the time to put on your safety gear.

Use a digital scale to measure your oils and lye. It's crucial to be precise, as the wrong measurements can lead to a failed batch or unsafe soap. Consult a reliable soap-making calculator to determine the right lye and water amounts for your desired oils.

In a heat-resistant container, slowly add the measured lye to the water (never the other way around!). This reaction generates heat and fumes, so do this step in a well-ventilated area and wear your safety gear. Stir until the lye is completely dissolved and set it aside to cool.

Combine all your oils in a heat-safe container and melt them down gently using a double boiler or microwave. Monitor the temperature, with the goal of having the oils and lye at similar temperatures (around 95-105°F) before combining.

Once both the lye solution and melted oils have cooled to the right temperature, slowly pour the lye into the oils while stirring gently. Use a stick blender to mix until you reach 'trace,' which means the mixture has thickened and leaves a trail on the surface when drizzled.

At trace, add your desired scents, colors, or botanical ingredients into the mixture. Stir well to ensure even distribution.

Carefully pour the soap mixture into your molds. Tap the molds gently to release any air bubbles. Cover the molds with plastic wrap and then with towels to insulate them while they saponify.

After 24-48 hours, check the soap. Once it’s firm, remove it from the mold and cut it into bars. Allow the soap to cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks to fully saponify and become safe for use.

After the curing period, you can test your soap. Use a pH strip to ensure the soap is safe for use. If the pH is below 10, it is safe. Now you can enjoy your homemade soap!