How To Make Soap From Scratch: Simple 2-Oil Cold Process Soap Recipe
Pulling this one from the archives because the recipe is so simple but makes an ah-maz-ing bar of soap. This recipe has it all—lovely lather, long lasting bar, well moisturizing.
If you're brand new to cold process soap making, this is a good one to try. If you're more experienced, this is a nice recipe because you probably have these oils on hand all the time. And you can jazz it up however you wish.
I just finished up a wonderful cold process soap making class at Gavilan College in Gilroy, California, with a great group of ladies.
Collectively we made over 40 pounds of soap! What a blast! I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.
Since we had a fairly large group, and the vast majority were brand-spankin' new to soap making, I wanted a simple and straightforward recipe.
And, since we were making 40 pounds of soap and the 40 pounds of ingredients needed to be carried, by me, to the classroom (not to mention all of the pots, hotplates, bowls, and molds needed to make that much soap) I wanted as few ingredients as possible.
So, as a class we made a basic two-oil soap with just coconut and olive oils. Let me tell you, I really liked the results.
It created a nice hard bar with plenty of lather and moisturizing properties. The best part is you can get all of the oils at your grocery store.
Since I liked it so much, I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Try it and please let me know what you think.
You can dress it up any way you like, with oatmeal, herbs, or fragrance of your choosing. Or, just leave it naked because it's lovely that way too.
If you're new to cold process soap, make sure you read the posts listed below FIRST. They'll run you through the step-by-step processes of cold process soap making, plus give you all the safety info you need to know before getting started.
Because you can hurt yourself making soap if you're not following all of the safety rules. I don't want you to get hurt. I love you.
Read them, friend.
Did you read all the posts above? Do you have your goggles and gloves? Good. Now let's make some soap!
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Simple 2-Oil Cold Process Soap Recipe
This recipe makes about 2 lbs. finished soap, at approximately 6.5% superfat and a slight water discount. You'll get about 8 average-sized (4 oz.) bars.
What you'll need:
12 oz. coconut oil
20 oz. olive oil
4.5 oz. 100% lye
STEP 1: Don your goggles and gloves and weigh out the water into a plastic heat-proof pitcher. Set aside.
NOTE: I like to set my water pitcher into the sink, and do all the mixing of the lye here. This way, if there is an accidental spill, the lye water simply goes down the drain rather than all over your countertops and floor.
STEP 2: Into a separate container, weigh out lye. Carefully pour lye into container of water, stir to dissolve. Take care as this mixture will get hot. Let stand to cool down.
STEP 3: Weigh your oils and put them into a pot. Warm on low heat to just melt the coconut oil. Remove from heat.
STEP 4: Let the water and oils cool considerably until they are approximately the same temperature (anywhere between 85 and 110 is what I typically shoot for).
While you're waiting, use this time to prepare your mold.
STEP 5: Pour the lye water mixture into the pot of oils. (You're still wearing your gloves and goggles, right?)
Place your stick blender into the mixture and blend until medium trace (a thick pancake batter consistency).
STEP 6: Are you adding in any herbs or fragrance? Stir them in now.
Some ideas:
- 2 tablespoons oatmeal
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs like chamomile, peppermint, or dried flower petals
- 1 ounce soap fragrance oil or essential oil of your choice
STEP 7: Pour the soap batter into the mold. Let set undisturbed for 48 to 72 hours.
STEP 8: After the soap has set for two to three days, it's time for the unmolding! Put your gloves back on, remove from the mold and cut into bars.
The soap will be slightly sticky, that's OK. It will harden as it cures.
STEP 9: Place your soap bars on a drying rack or brown paper sack in a dry place and let cure for at least 30 days. Turn occasionally to expose all sides to air.
Now your soap is ready to use. Enjoy your handcrafted creation!
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