Coconut oil is well-known for its excellent lathering properties and cleansing abilities, while olive oil is celebrated for its moisturizing qualities. Together, they create a balanced soap that cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Additionally, both oils are easily accessible and affordable, making them ideal for home soap crafting.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Lathering: Coconut oil generates a rich, bubbly lather.
Cleaning: It has strong cleansing properties that effectively remove dirt and impurities.
Antimicrobial: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

Benefits of Olive Oil

Moisturizing: Olive oil is rich in fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturizer.
Gentle on Skin: It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Nourishing: Packed with antioxidants, olive oil helps nourish and protect the skin.

Cold Process Recipe

For a basic cold process soap, you will need:

12 oz. Coconut Oil
20 oz. Olive Oil
4.5 oz. Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
12 oz. Water

Hot Process Recipe

For a hot process soap, the ingredients are slightly different:

125 grams Coconut Oil
325 grams Olive Oil
165.78 grams Distilled Water
66.31 grams Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)

Safety Equipment

Regardless of the method you choose, safety is paramount. Ensure you have:

Gloves
Safety goggles or glasses
A well-ventilated area for mixing lye

Cold Process Method

Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure your area is clean and well-ventilated. Gather all your materials.
Measure Ingredients: Weigh out the coconut oil, olive oil, lye, and water using a digital scale.
Mix Lye and Water: Carefully pour the lye into the water (never the other way around) in a heat-proof container. Stir until dissolved and let it cool.
Melt Oils: In a separate pot, gently heat the coconut oil until melted, then add the olive oil.
Combine Mixtures: Once both the lye solution and oils are around the same temperature (85-110°F), slowly pour the lye mixture into the oils while stirring.
Blend: Use an immersion blender to mix until you reach "trace" (the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency).
Add Optional Ingredients: If you want to add fragrance or herbs, do so now.
Pour into Molds: Transfer the soap batter into your molds and cover them.
Cure: Allow the soap to sit undisturbed for 48-72 hours, then unmold and cut into bars. Cure the bars for at least 4 weeks before use.

Hot Process Method

Prepare Your Workspace: As with the cold process, ensure your area is clean and well-ventilated.
Measure Ingredients: Weigh out your coconut oil, olive oil, lye, and water.
Heat Oils: Turn on your crockpot and add the coconut and olive oils.
Mix Lye and Water: In a well-ventilated area, slowly add the lye to the water, stirring until dissolved. Let it cool slightly.
Combine Mixtures: Once the oils are warm, add the lye mixture to the crockpot.
Blend: Use an immersion blender to mix until you reach trace.
Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour into Molds: Once the soap is done cooking, pour it into molds and allow it to set.
Cure: Unlike cold process soap, hot process soap can be used after a few days but benefits from a curing period of 4-6 weeks.

Making coconut and olive oil soap at home is not only enjoyable but also allows you to create a product tailored to your preferences. Whether you choose the cold process or hot process method, you will end up with a luxurious soap that cleanses and moisturizes your skin. With practice, you can experiment by adding various scents, colors, or exfoliants to create unique bars of soap that reflect your personal style. Happy soap making!