How to Make Handmade Soap with Olive Oil, Coconut Oil & Shea Butter

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Homemade Soap with Olive Oil, Coconut Oil & Shea Butter: A Simple, Nourishing Recipe

Making your own soap from scratch brings a quiet kind of joy—whether you're stirring rich oils, breathing in their subtle scents, or knowing exactly what goes onto your skin. It’s more than just a DIY project; it’s a mindful ritual of self-care and creativity. In this guide, I’ll share one of my favorite soap recipes made with a trio of skin-loving ingredients: olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Together, these oils create a silky-smooth bar that’s gentle, moisturizing, and perfect for daily use—even on sensitive skin.

Why Olive Oil, Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Are the Perfect Trio for Soap-Making

Each of these oils offers unique benefits, making them the perfect combination for a nourishing soap:

• Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants and incredibly moisturizing, olive oil is perfect for creating a conditioning bar that’s gentle on sensitive skin.

• Coconut Oil: Known for its ability to add hardness to soap and create a luxurious bubbly lather, coconut oil is essential for a firm, well-lathering bar.
• Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizing, shea butter helps create a creamy, luxurious feel, making the soap perfect for dry or irritated skin.
• Sweet Almond Oil: (Optional): This gentle oil hydrates and soothes, offering extra moisture for dry skin.

 

Soap-Making Safety Guidelines

Before diving into soap-making, safety is a must! Always wear gloves and goggles and work in a well-ventilated areawhen handling lye. Lye is caustic and can cause burns if it comes in contact with your skin. Never pour water into lye—always add lye to water.

Find Information for Lye Safety Here

• Ingredients for a 3 lb Batch of Soap:
• 19.84 oz Olive Oil
• 10.56 oz Coconut Oil
• 1.6 oz Shea Butter
• 3 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil (optional)
• 4.49 oz Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
• 6.73 oz Distilled Water
• Optional: Essential oils for fragrance (lavender, peppermint, etc.)
• Optional: Natural colorants or dried botanicals

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Soap from Scratch

1. Measure and Melt the Oils

In a large pot, gently melt the coconut oil and shea butter. Once melted, add the olive oil and sweet almond oil. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Lye Solution

In a heat-safe container, slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around). Stir until fully dissolved and let it cool to around 100–110°F.

3. Combine the Oils and Lye Solution

When both the oils and lye solution are between 100–110°F, pour the lye solution into the oils. Using a stick blender, mix until the mixture reaches trace (the consistency of pudding).

4. Add Extras (Optional)

At trace, add any essential oils, colorants, or exfoliants you prefer, mixing thoroughly.

5. Pour into Mold

Pour the soap batter into your mold, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the mold gently to release air bubbles.

6. Cure the Soap

Cover and insulate the mold for 24–48 hours. Once set, unmold and cut the soap into bars. Let the soap cure for 4–6 weeks in a cool, dry place before using. For more tips, check out How to Cure Cold Process Soap: Storage Tips for Handmade Soap-makers.

 

Final Thoughts: Personalizing Your Soap Recipe

This simple soap recipe is a perfect starting point for beginners or anyone looking for a gentle, nourishing bar. Once you feel comfortable, feel free to experiment with different essential oils, natural additives, or even swirls and designs to customize your soaps.

By making your own soap with these skin-loving oils, you’ll not only enjoy a luxurious, moisturizing product but also experience the satisfaction of crafting something truly your own. Happy soap-making!

Interested in learning about Cold Process Soap Seizing?

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