How To: A Beginner’s Guide to DIY Soap Making

"Soap making is a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity, where science meets art most delightfully” 

(2 mins read)

Is making soap at home easy?

The answer is simple: Yes!

Making soap at home may sound complex, but it’s one of the simplest crafts, with a touch of chemistry, so don't worry about setting your kitchen on fire!

This blog explores the easiest and most efficient ways to make soap from the comfort of your own home, all you need are the right supplies and the right techniques! 

How to Make Soap

The most common soap-making technique involves using a glycerin/goat milk/shea butter soap base, known as the "melt and pour method." This method consists of melting the base and pouring it into molds. 

According to research, most soap companies don’t even use a proper soap base in the manufacturing of their soaps. Alternatively, you can make your own soap base using lye, fat, and water. Any fat or oils such as palm oil or coconut oil can be used in this process. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and steps required, as follows;

Ingredients:

●     Lye (sodium hydroxide)

●     Coconut oil

●     Olive oil

●     Water

●     Essential or fragrance oils

●     Soap-based coloring

●     Dried herbs (e.g lavender, lemongrass)

●     Silicone molds

Step # 1: Preparing the Lye Solution

To prepare the lye solution, simply mix the lye with water. It's important to be cautious while doing this and ensure that no lye comes into contact with your skin. The lye solution will look cloudy at first, but will clear up eventually.

Step # 2: Preparation of Oils 

Measure the amount of coconut and olive oil you will be mixing with the lye solution. It is better to mix both the oils warm or at room temperature. Stir well.

 

Step # 3: Combining the Ingredients

Combine the lye and oils in a pot and blend using a blender at a moderate speed until the mixture starts to look opaque. Keep blending until the soap emulsifies to a trace, which is the point where the chemical reaction completes itself to make soap, even if you stop blending.

 

Step # 4: Beautifying the Soap Batter

Feel free to get creative with your ideas at this stage! Divide the soap mixture into different bowls and experiment with your preferred essential oils (e.g., peppermint and lavender). You can also opt for fragrance oils as they have a longer-lasting scent than normal essential oils. Use soap-based coloring or iron oxide/mica power to color the soaps to your liking. Additionally, you can add dried lavender, dried lemon slices, or any other herbs of your choice. Go crazy!

 

Step # 5: Molding the Soap

Pour the batter into silicone molds of your desired shapes and sizes, avoid metal or tin. Wooden or plastic molds should be lined with parchment paper. Let the soap set in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours. It may take up to two weeks to fully cure.

And voila! There you have it, your very own homemade soap.

 

Tips and Tricks for DIY Soap-Making

1. For ease, use the melt-and-pour method with a pre-made soap base, adding your favorite oils and scents.

2. Always prioritize safety by wearing glasses and gloves, and working in a well-ventilated area.

3. Be cautious with lye; rinse with cold water if it comes into contact with your skin.

4. Use heat-resistant utensils to avoid accidents!

 

Happy soap-making!