Hello, soap enthusiasts! Welcome to our Soap Recipe Series. Today, we're going to delve into the world of luxurious Castile soap. This soap is a classic, made purely from olive oil, and is known for its gentle and moisturizing properties. It's perfect for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking for a luxurious, creamy lather.
Ingredients:
- Olive Oil - 1000g (100%)
- Distilled Water - 380g
- Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) - 134g
- Essential Oils (Optional, for scent) - 30g
- Sweet Orange - 15g
- Lavender - 10g
- Cedarwood - 5g
Instructions:
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Safety First: Put on your safety gear, including gloves and goggles. Always remember to handle lye with care.
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Prepare Lye Solution: In a well-ventilated area, slowly add lye to the distilled water (never the other way around!) and stir gently until the lye is fully dissolved. The mixture will heat up due to the chemical reaction. Allow it to cool down to about 100°F (38°C).
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Prepare Oils: While the lye solution is cooling, measure out your olive oil and heat it gently to about 100°F (38°C).
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Mix: Once both the lye solution and the oils have reached the desired temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the olive oil. Using a stick blender, mix until you reach trace. This is when the mixture thickens and leaves a trace or 'footprint' on the surface before disappearing.
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Add Essential Oils: Once you've reached trace, add your essential oils and mix well.
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Pour into Mold: Pour the soap batter into your prepared mold, cover it with a towel, and let it sit for 24 hours.
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Unmold and Cure: After 24 hours, unmold the soap and cut it into bars if necessary. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks. Curing is essential for Castile soap as it allows the soap to harden and mellow out.
And there you have it! Your very own luxurious Castile soap. This soap is wonderful for both body and face, and it's gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
Happy soaping!
Annie, Soap Artisan & Blog Writer