Cold process soap making

The following formulas have been tried and tested

Please read all instructions prior to commencing.  

Note:  Caustic Soda is hazardous ...treat it with respect.  Always keep white vinegar handy incase of spillage on yourself or countertops.  The vinegar neutralises the caustic soda.

Equipment needed:

Either two thermometers that can reach temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius or an infrared thermometer.

Digital Scale

Electric blender (I much prefer the blenders with the two prongs .. some stick blenders are very difficult to handle.

A container dedicated for measuring caustic soda. 

1 litre glass jug (used to mix the caustic soda and water together.)

1 deep bowl (microwavable) For  the oils and butters.

1 sillicone spatula to stir the caustic soda

1 sillicone spatula to stir the oils/butters

1 sillicone loaf mould

Safety equipment

Sillicone gloves or rubber (don't use the general household gloves they are too thin)

Safety goggles

Mask

Wear long sleeved over-all jacket, long pants & closed shoes

Note:  Caustic Soda + water = Lye 

Basic Soap making Instructions

While wearing safety goggles and  gloves combine the caustic soda and the water in the glass 1 litre jug.  Make sure you add the caustic soda to the water and not the water to the caustic soda. Set aside and allow to cool (43 degrees Celsius)

In the bowl combine oils and heat gently. Once the fats and oils are melted allow the temperature to drop to 43 degrees Celsius.

The trick is this...if you see the oils are cooling faster than the lye heat the oils back up slightly for a few seconds in the microwave.  If the oil is too hot then place it in a basin of ice cold water to bring the temperature down faster.

Once the lye and the oils are at the same temperature add the lye to the oils.  Start blending immediately. (without splashing) 

Blending can take up to 2-3 hours. (so have a cup of tea handy) Blend for 10-15 minutes and give the blender a rest for approximately 15 minutes.  Blend until the mixture is as thick as very thick custard.When you lift the blender out of the bowl droplets should not fall straight into the mixture and disappear it should leave a trace of the droplets.

Now only add leaves, fragrance oils, essential oils, dyes and your favourite goodies. And mix for a few minutes until well incorporated. 

Pour the mixture into the mould.  Allow to rest for 3 days.  I usually cover the mould with wax wrapping.   Cut the soap with a soap cutter into blocks, if you don't have one, use a non serrated knife.  Leave the soap to cure for 3-4 weeks.  The longer you leave the soap to cure the harder and better the soap will be. 

You will notice after a few hours how the mixture changes colour.

NOTE:  It is important that you measure  your ingredients as accurately as possible. 

Take regular temperature checks to ensure the lye and oils are at the same temperature. (you can have a difference of no more than 5 degrees)

Macadamia Nut oil Soap

500g Macadamia nut oil
400g Sweet Almond Oil
100g beeswax beads

350 ml water

120g Caustic soda

Makes 1kg

Info about Macadamia nut oil http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macadamia_oil

Muesli & Tea Soap

220ml brewed tea, cooled to room temperature e.g. lavender tea.  Made the usual way with 220ml water.

3 Tablespoons crushed muesli  ..you can chop the muesli up in the blender. 

200g Sweet Almond Oil
100g Ikuve Iuk
100g Shea butter
100g stearic acid
100g Beeswax beads

70g Caustic soda pearls

Follow basic instructions

Water                                                                                    350ml
Grape Fragrance optional
Purple soap dye optional.  Remember to add fragrances and dyes near the end of the blending.