Making your own soap at home is easy, frugal, creative, and fulfilling. The process can be as simple or as detailed as you’d like, and it’s the only guaranteed way to control what ingredients go into your soap, onto your skin, and into your body. Whether you’re looking for a more natural alternative to chemical-heavy commercial soap or just want a new creative project, making soap is a fun and rewarding option.

Ingredients

One of the best parts of making your own soap is controlling both the scent and its intensity. Whether you prefer a subtle hint of rose or a strong lavender aroma, you can customize it through experimentation.

Most ingredients are easy to find:

• 24 ounces of coconut oil
• 38 ounces of vegetable shortening
• 24 ounces of olive oil
• 12 ounces sodium hydroxide (lye)
• 32 ounces spring or distilled water
• 4 ounces essential oil (peppermint, lemon, rose, or lavender)
• Wooden or heat-resistant spoon
• Two-cup measuring cup
• Stainless steel pot or glass bowl
• Kitchen scale
• Thermometer
• Soap mold, shoebox, or wooden box

You can adjust the amount of essential oil to suit your preference, but it’s best to follow the base recipe the first time before experimenting.

Note: Always read safety warnings when working with lye. Wear safety goggles, avoid skin contact, and handle with care.

Mix the Ingredients

Measure 12 ounces of lye and place it in a measuring cup. Measure 32 ounces of cold water and pour it into a non-aluminum container such as a stainless steel pot or glass bowl. Slowly add the lye to the water, stirring gently until fully dissolved. Ensure proper ventilation, as fumes can be strong. Set aside to cool.

Next, measure your oils using a kitchen scale:

• 24 ounces coconut oil
• 38 ounces vegetable shortening
• 24 ounces olive oil

Combine the oils in a pot over low to medium heat until melted and blended, then remove from heat.

When both the lye mixture and oils reach about 95–98°F (or the oils are slightly cooler), slowly pour the lye into the oils while stirring. Continue mixing for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and leaves a visible trace. Add the essential oil, stir, and pour into your mold.

Pour & Cure the Soap

If you don’t have a soap mold, use a shoebox lined with parchment paper. Cover the soap and let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours in a draft-free area. Afterward, uncover and allow it to sit for another 12 hours.

If done correctly, a light white ash layer may form on top—this is harmless and can be removed. However, if the soap has oily film or unusual pockets, discard it.

Once firm, remove the soap from the mold and cut into bars. Place the bars on parchment paper and let them dry for two weeks, then flip and dry for another two weeks. After curing for about one month, the soap is ready to use or gift.