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Ingredients
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Main Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- 1
Prepare Your Workspace
Ensure your workspace is clean and organized. Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from lye.
- 2
- 3
Prepare the Lye Solution
In a well-ventilated area, slowly add the lye to the distilled water (never the other way around) while stirring continuously until fully dissolved. Allow to cool.
- 4
Melt Oils
In a mixing bowl, combine coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. Heat gently until melted and combined, then let it cool to around 100°F (38°C).
Mixing and Molding
- 5
Combine Lye and Oils
Once both the lye solution and oils are at approximately the same temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while stirring continuously.
- 6
Blend to Trace
Using a stick blender, blend the mixture until it reaches 'trace' (when the mixture thickens and leaves a trail on the surface).
- 7
Add Essential Oils and Colorant
Add peppermint essential oil and green colorant (if using) to the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.
- 8
Pour into Mold
Carefully pour the soap mixture into the prepared soap mold, smoothing the top if necessary.
Curing
- 9
Let the Soap Set
Cover the mold with a towel and let it sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours until it hardens.
- 10
Unmold and Cut
Once hardened, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars of approximately 35g (1.2oz) each.
- 11
Cure the Soap
Place the soap bars on a drying rack and allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks before use to ensure the lye fully saponifies.
