How to Layer and Swirl Handmade Lye Soap

Using different colors and scents in soap-making allows for endless possibilities.

Making soap at home is an ancient art that is increasing in popularity. Methods are getting more technical and varied. Recipes use different colors, scents and molds to create customized products. Layering soap is a process of pouring the soap in a way that creates layers of color in the finished soap. Swirling the soap adds swirls of color.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mold
• Heavy-duty plastic
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• 2 stainless-steel bowls
• 2.35 oz. lye
• 6.4 oz. water
• Wooden spoon
• Glass cooking thermometer
• 6 oz. coconut oil
• 3 oz. palm oil
• 7 oz. olive oil
• Pot
• Stick blender
• Food coloring
• Towel
• Isopropyl in a spray bottle

1. Line the mold with heavy-duty plastic. Wear long sleeves and put on safety glasses and gloves. Add lye to water slowly while mixing with a wooden spoon. A chemical reaction will cause the mixture to heat up. Set aside and let it cool to about 110 degrees F.

2. Combine the coconut oil, palm oil and olive oil in a pot. Heat the mixture to 110 degrees F or within five degrees of the lye water. Remove from heat.

3. Mix the lye water into the oil slowly and carefully. Use a stick blender to stir until the mixture reaches the consistency of pudding.

4. Pour one third of the mixture into a separate bowl. Mix a few drops of food coloring into it and set it aside. Pour the uncolored mix into the mold. Pour the colored mix over the mix in the mold in a grid pattern of lines. Run the end of a wooden spoon through a few times to "swirl" the color through. Don't overmix or you will ruin the effect. Cover with a towel to prevent it from cooling too fast. Remove from mold after three to five days and cut into bars. Cure the bars for four to six weeks and they are ready to use.

5. Mix a batch of lye soap. Pour half into a separate bowl. Add a different color of your choice to each half. Pour one color into a prepared mold. Wait 15 minutes. Spray isopropyl over the first color; then pour the second color very gently into the mold. Be careful not to destroy the first layer when you do this. Cover with a towel and let it set for three to five days before you cut it into bars. Cure the bars for four to six weeks before you use them.

References

• Teachsoap.com: Pouring Layered Soap
• Complete Guide to Soap Making: Free Soap Recipes
• Soap Center: Swirling Cold Process Soap