Acne is a common condition that affects millions of people and can be difficult to treat with chemical products currently on the market. Sulfur has been used for decades to dry up and prevent acne blemishes. Add sulfur to homemade soaps to clear the skin without inflaming it with the unnatural, chemical ingredients found in most soaps.
Heat the oil and lye. Combine the oils and the lye correctly, making sure the ingredients are the same temperature when combined. Combined the lye with water in a glass container, keeping the fumes away from your eyes and nose. The lye will interact with the water and will heat on its own. Place a glass candy thermometer in the container to monitor the temperature. While you are waiting for the lye to heat, slowly heat 48 ounces of oil in a stockpot. Olive, palm and coconut oils work well in soaps. Place a second glass candy thermometer into the stock pot. When both substances reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit, combine them.
Combine the oils and lye. Carefully pour the lye water into the oils. Avoid splashing the lye. Wear rubber gloves while pouring the lye. Keep the lye water and the oils out of the reach of children, as both are hot, and lye is highly caustic.
Use a wooden spoon and stir the mixture constantly until it begins to thicken and trace. When tracing occurs, the mixture will resemble a thin pudding. Once tracing occurs, add ingredients, such as medicated powders, natural pigments or fragrances.
Add sulfur powder to create a great acne-fighting soap. Buy sulfur powder at any soap-making supply store or online. Pour in 1/4 cup of sulfur powder, stirring the mixture well so the sulfur is completely incorporated and smooth.
Pour the soap mixture into soap molds, and store them in a cool, dark area of your home where they will not be disturbed. Leave them for at least six weeks to cure. This allows the soap to harden so it will lather well. After six weeks, use the homemade sulfur soap to treat your acne.
Tips
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To scent the soap, add 1 tsp. of essential oil to the mixture as it is tracing. This will cover the smell of the sulfur.
To add color, add 1/8 tsp. of natural pigment to the mixture during the tracing.
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