Making olive oil soap at home is a fun and satisfying project. This soap is gentle on the skin and great for moisturizing.

In this guide, we will show you how to make olive oil soap using two simple methods: cold and hot.

What You Need

Ingredients

For Both Methods, You Will Need:

• Olive Oil: 32 ounces

• Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): 4.16 ounces for the cold process

• Water: 7.91 ounces for the cold process

Optional Additives:

• Fragrances such as lemon or lavender essential oils

• Colorants (like mica powder) for color

Equipment

Gather these tools before you start:

• Digital kitchen scale

• Heat-resistant glass container

• Mixing bowls

• Immersion blender (or stick blender)

• Soap molds (silicone or wooden)

• Safety goggles and gloves

• Thermometer

Cold Process Method

1. Prepare the Lye Solution:

• Measure the water in a heat-safe container.

• Stir the lye into the water gradually. Be careful, as this creates fumes. Always do this in a well-ventilated area. Let it cool to about 120°F.

2. Mix the Oils:

• Measure and heat the olive oil until it’s about 100°F.

• In a large bowl, combine the cooled lye solution with the olive oil.

3. Blend to Trace:

• Mix with an immersion blender until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, known as "trace." This usually takes a few minutes.

4. Add Optional Ingredients:

• If you want, add essential oils and colorants, mixing well.

5. Pour into Molds:

• If you are using wooden molds, prepare them with parchment paper.

• To eliminate air bubbles, carefully tap the soap liquid after pouring it into the molds.

6. Unmold and Cure:

• Let it sit in a warm place for 24-48 hours.

• Once firm, remove the soap from the mold.

• Cut the soap into rectangular or circular shapes and place them on a rack to cure for 4-6 weeks.

Hot Process Method

1. Prepare the Lye Solution: Mix the lye with water as described above, letting it cool.

2. Heat Olive Oil: In a slow cooker, heat the olive oil until it’s between 120°F and 140°F.

3. Combine Lye and Oil: Slowly add the lye solution to the heated olive oil in the slow cooker.

4. Blend and Cook: Blend until you reach trace, then cook without stirring for about 30-60 minutes until it looks like a thick paste.

5. Mold and Cure: Pour into molds, let sit for 24-48 hours, then cut into pieces and allow them to cure for 2-3 months before using.

Final Tips

• When handling lye, always wear protective clothing.

• Measure everything carefully.

• Clean your tools before starting to avoid any contamination.

Making your olive oil soap is not only enjoyable but also gives you a lovely product that is perfect for your skin! Enjoy your soap-making adventure!

The Olive Tree Handmade Soap - Clean Beauty, Clean Packaging

Video by The Olive Tree