Cold Process Lavender Soap Recipe
Pamper yourself or a friend with the relaxing aroma of this homemade lavender soap. This soap bar gently soothes and moisturizes while promoting a calming effect with its subtle notes of lavender essential oil.
Servings: 18 soap bars
Equipment
- saucepan or double boiler
- soap molds I use these molds and love them!
Ingredients
- 12 oz mango butter
- 14 oz coconut oil
- 3 oz sweet almond oil
- 2 oz olive oil
- 0.3 oz yellow beeswax
- 10.28 oz water
- 4.6 oz lye
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops soap dye optional, adjust amount as needed
Instructions
- Use a digital scale to weigh out the oils and fats. Melt them on low heat in a small saucepan or double boiler, then transfer to a metal mixing bowl to cool.
- Put on your rubber gloves and safety goggles, then in small increments, slowly add the lye to the water in a heat-resistant jar (never pour water into the lye). Gently stir until dissolved. Be cautious, as the reaction will cause it to heat up and release toxic fumes. Set aside in a safe location to cool.
- Allow both the lye solution and the oil mixture to cool to approximately 100-110°F. Then, carefully pour the lye solution into the oil mixture a little at a time and mix it with an immersion blender. Continue until all the lye is added and you reach a light trace.
- Add in the lavender essential oil and dye and mix thoroughly with the immersion blender until it comes to a medium trace. (If the mixture becomes too thick, stir it with a spoon.)
- Sprinkle the dried lavender buds into the bottom of the soap mold if desired for decoration. Then, pour the soap batter over the top, filling the mold.
- Using a flat scraping utensil, level off any excess batter and smooth the surface.
- Allow the bars to harden for 24 hours. Unmold the soap bars and allow them to cure on their ends for 5-6 weeks before using.
Notes
This recipe is made with a 5% superfat. If you want to modify any of the ingredients, you will need to recalculate the measurements using a soap calculator.
Scroll up for detailed Step-by-step pictures.
Always wear gloves and protective eyewear like safety goggles.
Mix lye in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Use heat-resistant and non-reactive equipment and containers.
Keep children and pets far from the crafting area.
Gently pour the lye into the water; do not pour water into the lye, as this can cause the lye to erupt out of the container.
Neutralize spills with vinegar, then rinse with water.