Moisturizing Shea Butter Soap Recipe

This luxurious shea butter soap is perfect for nourishing and moisturizing your skin. Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin. Below is a simple recipe to create your own moisturizing shea butter soap at home.

Ingredients:

Coconut Oil                                                200 g
Olive Oil                                                      200 g
Shea butter                                                 100 g
Distilled water                                             172 g
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)                              92 g
Essential oil (e.g., Lavender, Tea tree)          10-15 g (optional)

Equipment

• Safety goggles and gloves
• Digital kitchen scale
• Stainless steel pot
• Silicone spatula
• Stick blender
• Soap mold
• Plastic wrap or towel (for insulation)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

   • Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and free of distractions.
   • Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin from lye.
     
     

2. Measure the Lye and Water

   • Carefully measure 92g of lye and 172g of distilled water in separate containers.
   • Slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around) while stirring gently. This mixture will heat up and release fumes, so avoid inhaling directly.
     
     

3. Melt the Oils and Shea Butter

   • In a stainless steel pot, combine 200g of coconut oil, 200g of olive oil, and 100g of shea butter.
   • Heat the mixture on low until fully melted. Remove from heat and let it cool to around 50°C (122°F).
     
     

4. Combine Lye Solution and Oils

   • Once both the lye solution and oils have reached approximately 50°C (122°F), slowly pour the lye solution into the pot containing the oils.
   • Use a stick blender to mix until the mixture reaches "trace" (a pudding-like consistency).
     
     

5. Add Essential Oils (Optional)

   • If desired, add 10-15g of essential oil for fragrance. Stir well to combine.
     
     

6. Pour into the Mold

   • Pour the soap mixture into a soap mold. Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
     
     

7. Insulate and Cure

   • Cover the mold with plastic wrap and insulate it with a towel. Let it sit for 24-48 hours to harden.
   • After unmolding, cut the soap into bars and let them cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks. This allows the soap to harden and the lye to fully saponify.
     
     

Image Description for Visual Reference

The soap should have a creamy, off-white color with a smooth texture. If you add essential oils, the color may vary slightly depending on the oil used. The bars should be firm but slightly soft to the touch, with a rich, moisturizing lather when used.