Nourishing Olive Oil Castile Soap Recipe: Gentle Skincare Delight

Basic Castile Soap Recipe 🛁

Description: This soap is exceptionally mild and gentle, crafted from nourishing vegetable products. It’s perfect for those who prefer natural skincare. This recipe is shared from the delightful book: “Natural Beauty At Home” by Janice Cox.

Key Information:

• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Prep Time: 384 hours
• Total Time: 384 hours and 15 minutes
• Servings: Makes approximately 12 bars of 2 oz. each

Ingredients:

• 2 parts olive oil 🫒
• 1/2 part water 💧
• 2 parts lye (caution: handle with care)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

1. Heat the olive oil over a low flame until it reaches a temperature of approximately 80-85°F (27-29°C).

Step 2: Dissolve the Lye

2. In a separate container, dissolve the lye thoroughly in water. Be cautious while handling lye and ensure proper safety measures.

Step 3: Cool the Solutions

3. Allow both the oil and lye solution to cool. Aim for a temperature range of about 70-75°F (21-24°C).

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

4. Once cooled, pour the lye solution slowly and steadily into the oil while stirring gently. It’s crucial to maintain a consistent temperature and stirring pace throughout this process.

Step 5: Achieve Desired Consistency

5. Continue stirring the mixture until it reaches a thick, honey-like texture. This may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.

6. Note: If the mixture fails to thicken within 30 minutes and develops a greasy layer on top, it may be too warm. In such cases, place the container in cool water and continue stirring to encourage thickening.

7. Conversely, if the mixture appears lumpy, it may be too cold. In this scenario, place the container in a pan of warm water and stir until the lumps dissolve.

Step 6: Mold the Soap

8. Once the desired consistency is achieved, pour the thickened soap mixture into your chosen molds. Ensure the molds are clean and ready for use.

9. Cover the molds securely to retain warmth. It’s recommended to maintain a warm environment for a minimum of 24 hours. This gradual process aids in saponification and prevents separation.

10. Optionally, you can wrap the soap molds in an old blanket to insulate them further during the setting process.

Step 7: Unmold and Cut

11. After the specified setting time, carefully remove the soap from the molds. Cut it into individual bars using a sharp knife or soap cutter.

Step 8: Aging Process

12. Place the cut bars of soap in a dry location and allow them to age for at least 2 weeks. This aging period enhances the soap’s quality and durability.

13. Note: If the soap appears crumbly or exhibits streaks of grease, it can be salvaged. Follow these steps:

    • Cut the soap into fine pieces.
    • Place the pieces in a pot and add 2 cups of water.
    • Dissolve the soap over low heat, stirring occasionally.
    • Once the lumps have disappeared, increase the heat and boil the mixture until it thickens.
    • Pour the reconstituted soap into molds and proceed with the aging process as mentioned above.

Enjoy Your Homemade Castile Soap! 🌿

Creating your own castile soap is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. With careful attention to detail and patience, you’ll produce bars of soap that are not only gentle on the skin but also environmentally friendly. Embrace the process and indulge in the luxury of handmade skincare products.