Things You'll Need
Sharp knife
Double boiler
Glycerin soap base
Metal spoons
2 tsp. hemp oil
2 tsp. essential oil of your choice (optional)
Soap fragrance (optional)
Soap molds
Rubbing alcohol
Spray bottle
Bowl
Liquid castile soap
Plastic bottles
Recognized as one of the most versatile plants on earth, hemp is grown and harvested for its fiber, seeds and oil. It is used to make clothing, food, paper, coffee, vitamin supplements, soaps and creams. And because of the extraordinary balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6 and gamma linolenic acid, hemp is believed to offer healing, soothing and strengthening benefits to skin and hair. Try these recipes for hemp oil soap and shampoo and begin to reap the benefits.
Step 1
Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler halfway with water. Place it on the stove top and set it so that it will heat to a low simmer. While it warms up, you can prepare the soap.
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Step 2
Place your glycerin soap base on the counter. With a sharp knife, chop enough small pieces to fill four cups.
Step 3
Place the chopped soap pieces in the top pot of the double boiler. Place the top pot on the bottom pot and allow the pieces to melt slowly. Stir very gently and only occasionally. Stirring too much or too fast will leave bubbles in your soap.
Step 4
When the soap is almost melted, remove the top pot and place it on the counter. Stir the mixture slowly until it is completely melted.
Step 5
Add 2 tsp. of hemp oil and blend it into the soap mixture. If you choose to add fragrance, add it a few drops at a time until the desired scent is achieved. Typically, you will only need about 3 to 4 drops to create a light, fresh scent. Stir gently until your soap is well blended.
Step 6
Pour the soap into the soap molds, filling them to the top. With a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol, lightly spritz the tops of the poured soaps. This will hinder bubble development.
Step 7
Set the soap molds aside and allow the soap to set for 24 hours. Once the soap is hard, turn over the molds and pop the soaps out. If they don't pop out easily, place the molds in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This will cause the edges of the soap bars to shrink and make them easier to pop out of the molds.
Step 8
Pour 2 cups of liquid castile soap into a bowl.
Step 9
Add 2 tsp. of hemp oil and blend well. If you choose to add other essential oils, add 2 tsp. of each and blend well. You can add more if more fragrance, if desired.
Step 10
Pour the shampoo into your bottles and seal the caps tight. Shake well and let them sit for 24 hours before use. Shake gently before each use to blend the oils through the shampoo.
Tip
If you wish to add other essential oils to your soap or shampoo, green tea and lemongrass are both nice complements to hemp oil. If you're not going to use your soap immediately, wrap it securely in plastic to preserve its scent and color. Homemade shampoo has a shelf life of about one year.
Warning
Do not allow your soap to reach a boiling point on the stove. Extreme heat will destroy the glycerin and moisturizing elements. Use only scents specifically made for soap-making. Other types of scents could irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.
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