Glycerin soap is a type of soap that contains glycerin, a natural humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin. Unlike regular soap, glycerin soap is often translucent and is known for its gentle cleansing properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Glycerin is a byproduct of the soap-making process, and it can be added to both melt-and-pour soaps and cold-process soaps to enhance their moisturizing qualities.

Benefits of Glycerin Soap

Moisturizing Properties: Glycerin attracts moisture from the air to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Gentle on Skin: Glycerin soaps are typically milder than traditional soaps, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Improved Skin Barrier: Regular use of glycerin soap can help restore the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss.
Non-Irritating: Glycerin is less likely to irritate the skin compared to soaps with harsh detergents.

Coconut oil is an excellent choice for soap making due to its ability to create a hard bar with a rich lather. It also has natural antibacterial properties and is known for its cleansing abilities. However, it’s important to balance coconut oil with other oils to prevent the soap from becoming too drying. In this recipe, we will combine coconut oil with other ingredients to ensure a gentle and effective soap.

Ingredients

Coconut Oil: 16 oz (provides cleansing and hardens the soap)
Castor Oil: 4 oz (adds lather and moisturizing properties)
Lye: 6.5 oz (sodium hydroxide, necessary for saponification)
Distilled Water: 16 oz (to dissolve the lye)
Glycerin: 2 oz (to enhance moisturizing properties)
Alcohol: 4 oz (as a solvent for translucency, optional)
Essential Oils: (optional for fragrance)

Equipment Needed

Slow Cooker: For the soap-making process
Safety Gear: Gloves and goggles (when handling lye)
Digital Scale: For accurate measurements
Soap Molds: To shape the soap bars
Stick Blender: For mixing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Ensure your workspace is clean and free from distractions. Wear safety gear to protect yourself from lye.

Step 2: Mix the Lye Solution

Measure the distilled water in a heat-safe container.
Slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around) and stir until fully dissolved. This mixture will heat up quickly. Allow it to cool to around 100°F.

Step 3: Melt the Oils

In your slow cooker, combine the coconut oil and castor oil.
Heat on low until the oils are fully melted and combined.

Step 4: Combine Lye and Oils

Once both the lye solution and oils are around the same temperature (100°F), slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils.
Use a stick blender to mix until you reach "trace," where the mixture thickens and leaves a trail on the surface.

Step 5: Add Glycerin and Alcohol

Stir in the glycerin and alcohol (if using) into the soap mixture.
Blend again until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Pour into Molds

Pour the soap mixture into your molds, smoothing the top as needed.
Cover the molds with a towel or plastic wrap to retain heat.

Step 7: Cure the Soap

Allow the soap to sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours until it hardens. Once solid, remove from the molds and cut into bars.

Step 8: Cure the Bars

Place the bars on a drying rack and allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks. This step is crucial for the soap to fully saponify and harden.

Testing Transparency: If you aim for a translucent soap, experiment with the amount of alcohol used. Higher concentrations may yield better results.
Adjusting Ingredients: Feel free to modify the recipe by adding other oils or essential oils to suit your preferences.

Making glycerin soap with coconut oil is a rewarding and straightforward process that results in a moisturizing, gentle product perfect for all skin types. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the benefits of coconut oil and glycerin in your homemade soap, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and healthy. Whether you use it yourself or gift it to friends and family, this glycerin soap is sure to impress!