Here’s a simple cold process soap recipe incorporating turmeric and honey. This recipe makes about 2 pounds of soap (approximately 6-8 bars, depending on mold size). Always follow cold process soap safety guidelines, including wearing gloves, goggles, and working in a well-ventilated area.
Ingredients
- Oils/Fats:
- Olive oil: 12 oz (340 g, 40%)
- Coconut oil: 9 oz (255 g, 30%)
- Shea butter: 3 oz (85 g, 10%)
- Castor oil: 3 oz (85 g, 10%)
- Sweet almond oil: 3 oz (85 g, 10%)
- Lye Solution:
- Sodium hydroxide (lye): 4.3 oz (122 g)
- Distilled water: 10 oz (283 g)
- Additives:
- Turmeric powder: 1 tsp (for color and skin benefits; mix with 1 tbsp warm water to avoid clumping)
- Honey: 1 tbsp (for moisturizing and lather; mix with 1 tbsp warm water)
- Optional: Essential oils (e.g., lavender or tea tree) 0.5-1 oz (14-28 g) for fragrance
Equipment
- Digital scale
- Stainless steel or heat-safe plastic mixing bowls
- Stick blender
- Silicone spatula
- Soap mold (2 lb capacity)
- Thermometer
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, long sleeves)
Instructions
- Safety First: Put on gloves, goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area. Lye is caustic; handle with care.
- Prepare Lye Solution:
- Slowly add lye to distilled water (never water to lye) in a heat-safe container. Stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool to 100-110°F (38-43°C).
- Melt Oils:
- In a stainless steel pot, melt coconut oil and shea butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add olive, castor, and sweet almond oils. Cool to 100-110°F (38-43°C).
- Prepare Additives:
- Mix turmeric powder with 1 tbsp warm water to form a smooth paste.
- Mix honey with 1 tbsp warm water to dilute.
- Combine Lye and Oils:
- When both lye solution and oils are within 100-110°F, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Stir gently with a stick blender.
- Blend to Trace:
- Blend with the stick blender until the mixture reaches a light trace (pudding-like consistency). This usually takes 1-3 minutes.
- Add Turmeric and Honey:
- Add the turmeric paste, honey mixture, and optional essential oils. Blend briefly to incorporate evenly.
- Pour into Mold:
- Pour the soap batter into the mold. Tap the mold gently to remove air bubbles.
- Insulate and Cure:
- Cover the mold with a lid or cardboard, wrap in a towel, and let it sit for 24-48 hours to saponify.
- Unmold and Cut:
- After 24-48 hours, remove the soap from the mold. If it’s too soft, wait another day. Cut into bars.
- Cure Soap:
- Place bars in a well-ventilated area for 4-6 weeks to fully cure, turning occasionally for even drying.
Notes
- Turmeric: Adds a natural golden color and anti-inflammatory properties. Too much can stain skin or washcloths; 1 tsp is sufficient for this batch.
- Honey: Enhances lather and moisturizes but can accelerate trace or cause overheating. Diluting prevents scorching.
- Essential Oils: Adjust based on preference, but ensure they’re skin-safe. Check usage rates (typically 0.5-1 oz per pound of soap).
- Superfat: This recipe has a 5% superfat (excess oils for moisturizing). Adjust oils/lye using a soap calculator if you modify the recipe.
- Storage: Store cured bars in a cool, dry place. Use within 1-2 years for best quality.
Safety Tips
- Never leave lye or soap batter unattended.
- If lye splashes on skin, rinse with cold water immediately.
- Use a soap calculator (e.g., SoapCalc) if you adjust ingredients to ensure accurate lye amounts.
This recipe balances cleansing, moisturizing, and skin-soothing properties, with turmeric and honey adding natural benefits. If you’d like a visual guide or have specific preferences (e.g., vegan, fragrance-free), let me know!