Sunflower oil is derived from sunflower seeds and is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly oleic acid. There are several types of sunflower oil, including high oleic, mid-oleic, and high linoleic. For soap making, high oleic sunflower oil is often preferred due to its stability and moisturizing properties. It contains a minimum of 80% oleic acid, making it a great choice for creating a creamy lather and soft skin feel (Soaping With Style).

Benefits of Sunflower Oil in Soap Making

Moisturizing Properties: Sunflower oil is known for its ability to retain moisture in the skin, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin types. It forms a protective barrier that helps to lock in hydration.

Rich in Vitamin E: This oil is packed with Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage and promotes skin healing.

Cost-Effective: Compared to other oils like olive oil, sunflower oil is much more affordable, allowing you to create high-quality soap without breaking the bank (Soaping With Style).

Stable Lather: Sunflower oil contributes to a stable and conditioning lather, enhancing the overall quality of your soap.

Ingredients

Sunflower Oil: 400g (approximately 47% of the total oils)
Coconut Oil: 200g (approximately 23% of the total oils)
Olive Oil: 200g (approximately 23% of the total oils)
Castor Oil: 50g (approximately 7% of the total oils)
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): Calculate based on the total oils using a lye calculator
Distilled Water: Twice the weight of lye
Essential Oils (optional): For fragrance, such as lavender or eucalyptus

Equipment Needed

Digital scale
Mixing bowls
Stick blender
Soap mold
Safety goggles and gloves
Lye container
Thermometer

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure your workspace is clean and free from distractions. Wear safety goggles and gloves when handling lye.

Measure Ingredients: Accurately weigh all oils and lye. Use a lye calculator to determine the exact amount of lye needed for your oil mixture.

Mix Lye and Water: Slowly add the lye to the distilled water in a well-ventilated area, stirring until dissolved. Allow the lye solution to cool.

Heat Oils: In a separate pot, gently heat the sunflower, coconut, olive, and castor oils until they reach around 100°F (38°C).

Combine Lye and Oils: Once both the lye solution and oils are at similar temperatures, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while stirring continuously.

Blend to Trace: Use a stick blender to mix the soap until it reaches "trace," which is when the mixture thickens enough to leave a trail on the surface when drizzled.

Add Essential Oils: If desired, add essential oils for fragrance and mix well.

Pour into Mold: Carefully pour the soap mixture into your mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Insulate and Cure: Cover the mold with a towel to insulate it and allow it to sit for 24-48 hours. After this time, unmold the soap and cut it into bars.

Cure the Soap: Place the bars on a drying rack and allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks before using. This curing process allows the soap to harden and the lye to fully saponify.

Sunflower oil is a fantastic choice for cold process soap making due to its numerous skin benefits and cost-effectiveness. By following this simple recipe, you can create a luxurious soap that hydrates and nourishes your skin. Experiment with different essential oils and additives to customize your soap to your liking. Happy soaping!

For more detailed guidance, you can refer to resources like Soaping With Style and Lovin Soap.