How to Make Milk Castile Soap
Castile soap is a natural soap that has become popular in the generation of environmentalists. Because the soap is made from vegetable oil and lye instead of animal fat it has become known a "green" product. The most common ingredient in castile soap is olive oil, but some soap makers use coconut oil and/or jojoba and hemp oils in their castile soap recipe. The moisturizing properties of castile soap make it appealing. One ingredient that can be used in order to add "extra" moisturizing properties to a basic castile soap recipe is goat milk. Goat milk is rich in lactic acid, which makes it hydrating for the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Stick blender Large pot or double broiler Wooden spoon Soap molds Freezer paper Large blanket Water Olive oil Lye crystals Beeswax pearls Goat milk Coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
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1
Combine 2 lbs. of 100% pure olive oil and 2 oz. of beeswax pearls in a pan and heat it to 100 to 120 degrees. The beeswax will melt into the olive oil. Set the pan aside while keeping the temperature steady. Stir occasionally.
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2
Mix 12 oz. of distilled water, 4 oz. of lye crystals and 2 pints goat milk together in a separate pan. Pour the lye crystals into the water and stir slowly until dissolved. Add the goat milk in small amounts to the mixture while over low heat. Stir constantly. Cool contents until the temperature reaches 100 to 120 degrees---the same temperature as the beeswax/oil mixture.
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3
Combine the lye/goat milk mixture with the beeswax/oil mixture and add essential oil or fragrance if desired. Blend together with a stick mixer until the soap begins to trace or you can see the path of the mixer for a few moments.
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4
Pour the tracing soap mixture into molds, cover with freezer paper and let cool.
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5
Wrap a blanket around the soap molds. Be careful not to disturb the liquid and set them aside in an area where they will not be bothered for 18 to 20 hours. Remove the blanket and let the soap sit for 12 more hours.
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6
Remove soap from molds and place the bars on a cooling rack for about two weeks, which gives the soap time to dry out and cure.
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7
Wrap the soaps individually after they have had time to cure. Store them in a cool, dry area.
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Tips & Warnings
Coconut oil or jojoba oil can be used to add lather and make the soap harder. The longer the soap cures, the more time it has to harden. The beeswax/oil combination will become silkier and more moisturizing. Castile soap is extremely versatile; it can be used as a conditioning shampoo as well as a body soap. Liquid castile soap can be used for household cleaning such as deep cleaning, washing dishes and clothes.
Avoid injury by wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from boiling liquid accidents. Use gloves when handling lye and other chemicals.
