How to Make Shea Butter Soap

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the fruit of the shea tree, native to Africa. It's become a popular skin product. Many people tout its properties to soften and moisturize the skin. Some also say it helps skin issues such as burns and scarring, and works as a treatment and preventative measure for stretch marks. Take advantage of these properties by making your own shea butter soap at home.

Things You'll Need

• Opaque pour and mold soap base
• 8 oz. castile soap (optional)
• 2 tbsp. distilled water (optional)
• 1/2 tbsp. shea butter
• Double boiler
• Knife or grater
• Other additives (optional)
• Two 4 oz. soap molds or small plastic food containers
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Grate or cube the soap base or castile soap into the bowl of the double boiler. If you're using castile soap, add the distilled water. Stir over medium heat in the double boiler until it melts completely.

2. Take the soap base off the heat and add the shea butter and other additives if desired. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well blended.

3. Pour the soap mixture into the molds. Once the soap is cool and hardened, unmold. You can quicken the cooling process by refrigerating the molds, but the soap may crack.

4. Allow the soap to dry. Depending on your preference, you can allow your soap to dry for anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Once your soap dries to your preference, wrap it in plastic wrap until you're ready to use it.