Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the invigorating scent of citrus to wake up your senses. Combined with the gentle exfoliation of poppy seeds, this Refreshing Citrus Poppy Seed Soap is perfect for brightening your day and pampering your skin. The blend of orange, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils creates a lively aroma, while poppy seeds add a touch of natural exfoliation. This soap is not only a treat for your skin but also a beautiful addition to your bathroom decor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of 4-5 bars:
| Ingredient | Amount (g) |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 200 |
| Coconut oil | 150 |
| Shea butter | 50 |
| Castor oil | 30 |
| Distilled water | 120 |
| Lye (sodium hydroxide) | 72 |
| Poppy seeds | 15 |
| Orange essential oil | 10 |
| Lemon essential oil | 5 |
| Grapefruit essential oil | 5 |
| Dried orange peel (optional) | 5 |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Safety First
- Wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves when handling lye.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
2. Prepare Your Lye Solution
- Weigh 120g of distilled water in a heat-resistant container.
- Slowly add 72g of lye to the water (never the other way around). Stir gently until dissolved.
- Set aside to cool to about 40-45°C (104-113°F).
3. Melt Your Oils
- In a separate pot, melt 50g of shea butter on low heat.
- Add 200g of olive oil, 150g of coconut oil, and 30g of castor oil. Stir until fully melted and combined.
- Let the oil mixture cool to 40-45°C (104-113°F).
4. Mix Lye and Oils
- Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while stirring.
- Use a stick blender to mix until you reach trace (the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency).
5. Add Exfoliants and Essential Oils
- Stir in 15g of poppy seeds and 5g of dried orange peel (if using).
- Add 10g of orange essential oil, 5g of lemon essential oil, and 5g of grapefruit essential oil. Mix well.
6. Pour into Molds
- Pour the soap batter into your chosen molds.
- Tap the molds gently to remove air bubbles.
7. Cure the Soap
- Cover the molds with a towel and let them sit for 24-48 hours.
- Unmold the soap and cut it into bars.
- Allow the bars to cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks. This ensures a harder, longer-lasting bar.
Tips for Success
- Superfat: This recipe has a 5% superfat, which is gentle on the skin.
- Color: The soap will naturally be a creamy color, but you can add a pinch of turmeric or orange mica for a vibrant hue.
- Storage: Store your cured soap in a dry, airy place.
Why You’ll Love This Soap
- Exfoliating: Poppy seeds gently buff away dead skin cells.
- Uplifting: The citrus essential oils are known for their mood-boosting properties.
- Moisturizing: Shea butter and olive oil keep your skin soft and hydrated.