Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil is known for its moisturizing properties, making it ideal for dry skin. It contributes to a gentle, creamy lather and is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is famous for its bubbly lather and cleansing properties. It helps create a hard bar of soap and is excellent for removing impurities from the skin. However, it can be drying if used in high amounts, so balancing it with olive oil is essential.

To make approximately 2 lbs (about 8 bars) of soap, you will need the following ingredients:

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

Additional Supplies

Soap-making safety gear (gloves, goggles)
A stainless steel pot
A digital scale
Various containers for measuring ingredients
A heat-proof container for mixing lye
A stick blender
Soap mold (2 lbs. size)

Step 1: Safety First

Before you begin, ensure you have all your safety gear on. Lye can be dangerous if not handled correctly, so take all necessary precautions.

Step 2: Prepare the Lye Solution

Measure out 12 oz. of water into a heat-proof container.
Carefully weigh out 4.5 oz. of lye.
Slowly add the lye to the water while stirring continuously. Never add water to lye, as this can cause a dangerous reaction. The mixture will heat up and become clear as it cools.

Step 3: Melt the Oils

Weigh out 12 oz. of coconut oil and 20 oz. of olive oil.
In a stainless steel pot, gently heat the coconut oil until it melts. Once melted, remove it from the heat and add the olive oil.

Step 4: Combine Lye and Oils

Allow both the lye solution and the oils to cool until they are approximately the same temperature (between 85°F and 110°F).
Slowly pour the lye solution into the pot of oils, stirring gently.

Step 5: Blend to Trace

Using a stick blender, blend the mixture until it reaches a medium trace (the consistency of a thick pancake batter).
If desired, you can add essential oils or other additives at this stage for fragrance or texture.

Step 6: Pour into Mold

Carefully pour the soap batter into your mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Cover the mold and let it sit undisturbed for 48 to 72 hours.

Step 7: Unmold and Cure

After the soap has set, remove it from the mold and cut it into bars.
Place the bars on a drying rack or brown paper sack in a dry place and allow them to cure for at least 30 days before use.

Superfatting: Consider adding a superfat of around 5-10% to ensure the soap remains moisturizing. This involves using slightly more oils than the lye can saponify.
Experiment: Feel free to customize your soap by adding herbs, oatmeal, or essential oils for added benefits and scents.
Patience: Allowing the soap to cure properly is crucial for achieving a hard, long-lasting bar.

Making soap with olive oil and coconut oil is a straightforward and fulfilling project. Not only do you get to create a product tailored to your preferences, but you also gain the benefits of natural ingredients for your skin. With the right safety precautions and instructions, you can enjoy the process of crafting your own beautiful soap bars at home. Happy soaping!