Things You'll Need:
- 14 ounces lye
- 32 ounces distilled water
- 32 ounces olive oil
- 32 ounces coconut oil
- 32 ounces palm oil
- Essential oils
- Powdered pigment
- Long wooden spoon
- Large stockpot
- Large glass measuring cup
- 2 glass candy thermometers
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Large soap mold, roughly 36 x 4 x 2
-
Step 1
Pour all of the oils into a large stockpot, and heat over medium heat. Place a glass candy thermometer into the pot to gauge the temperature. While the oils are heating, combine the lye and the distilled water into a large glass measuring cup. Place a different glass candy thermometer into the measuring cup. The lye will react chemically with the water to create heat. When the oils and the lye water reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit, they can be combined properly.
-
Step 2
Pour the lye water into the oils slowly to avoid splashing. Use a long wooden spoon to stir the mixture constantly. After approximately 30 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken and "trace," resembling a soft pudding. Stir in any essential oil or powdered pigments after the mixture traces, mixing well.
-
Step 3
Carefully pour the soap mixture into the long soap mold. Try to avoid splashing the mixture, and make sure to pour it in evenly. Gently tap the bottom of the soap mold onto a countertop a couple of times to release any trapped air bubbles. Store the soap mold in a dark room away from any heat sources. Let the mold "cure" for approximately 6-8 weeks, which will allow the lye to become usable on the skin. Once cured, the soap block can be removed from the mold and cut into individual squares. This big-batch soap recipe will make roughly 9 pounds of soap.
