Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in soap making due to its numerous benefits:

Moisturizing: It helps to hydrate the skin and can leave it feeling soft and smooth.
Lathering: Coconut oil produces a fluffy, rich lather, making your soap more enjoyable to use.
Antibacterial Properties: It has natural antibacterial properties that can help cleanse the skin.

Shea butter is another fantastic ingredient that offers several advantages:

Deeply Nourishing: Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Healing Properties: It can help soothe irritated skin and may assist in healing minor cuts and burns.
Conditioning: Shea butter adds a creamy texture to soap, enhancing its moisturizing qualities.

To make your coconut oil and shea butter soap, gather the following ingredients:

12 oz. Coconut Oil (37.5%)
12 oz. Shea Butter (37.5%)
8 oz. Olive Oil (25%)
4.5 oz. Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
10.2 oz. Distilled Water
Essential Oils (optional for fragrance)

Before you start, ensure you have the following equipment:

Digital kitchen scale
Immersion blender
Soap mold (you can use plastic containers)
Gloves and goggles for safety
Glass bowls or measuring cups
Rubber spatula
Thermometer

Clear your area of any distractions and gather all your ingredients and equipment. Safety is paramount, so wear gloves and goggles.

Weigh out your oils and lye. It’s crucial to be precise with measurements to ensure the chemical reaction works correctly.

In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the sodium hydroxide (lye) to the distilled water (never the other way around). Stir until fully dissolved and set aside to cool.

In a separate bowl, combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil. Heat gently until melted. Allow the oils to cool to a temperature between 90°F and 110°F (32°C - 43°C).

Once both the lye solution and oils have cooled to the desired temperature, slowly pour the lye into the oils while stirring gently.

Using your immersion blender, mix until you reach "trace." This is the point where the mixture thickens and leaves a trail on the surface when drizzled.

If you want to add fragrance, now is the time to mix in your essential oils. Stir gently to combine.

Pour the soap mixture into your molds. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.

Cover the molds with a towel to insulate them, allowing the soap to saponify. After 24 hours, remove the soap from the molds and cut into bars.

Place the bars in a well-ventilated area to cure for at least 4-6 weeks. This allows the soap to harden and become milder for use.

Making coconut oil and shea butter soap at home is not only fun but also allows you to create a product tailored to your skin’s needs. With its moisturizing properties and delightful lather, this soap will surely become a staple in your skincare routine. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of using a product you made yourself! If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to explore additional resources or reach out for help. Happy soap making!