Classic Shea Oil Soap

January
3
,
2025

Classic Shea Oil Soap

Introduction

Crafting your own soap is a rewarding and satisfying DIY project that allows you to create personalized skincare products tailored to your needs. This simple recipe for Classic Shea Oil Soap is a great starting point, even for beginners. With its gentle formula and nourishing properties, this soap is perfect for all skin types, especially those seeking hydration and protection.

The combination of shea oil, coconut oil, and olive oil in this recipe provides a luxurious and moisturizing lather. Shea oil is known for its intensive moisture, healing properties, and ability to soothe irritation. Coconut oil offers a creamy emollience and helps to improve skin texture. Olive oil provides a rich source of antioxidants and helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.

Shea Oil

  • Rich in vitamins A, E, and essential fatty acids, providing deep moisturization and nourishment.
  • Ideal for dry, sensitive, or aging skin; helps improve elasticity and smoothness while soothing inflammation.

Coconut Oil

  • Contains fatty acids with deep moisturizing and antibacterial properties.
  • Suitable for all skin types, particularly effective for dry or sensitive skin; can aid in conditions like eczema.

Olive Oil

  • Offers antioxidants and vitamins A and E for nourishing and soothing the skin.
  • Great for dry, sensitive, or aging skin; helps maintain skin's natural moisture barrier.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz. shea oil
  • 6 oz. coconut oil
  • 6 oz. olive oil
  • 3 oz. lye
  • 6 oz. distilled water
  • Essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the lye solution: Combine lye and distilled water in a heat-resistant container. Stir until the lye is completely dissolved.
  2. Melt the oils: Melt the shea oil, coconut oil, and olive oil together in a double boiler.
  3. Combine: Carefully pour the lye solution into the melted oils and blend until the mixture reaches trace.
  4. Add essential oils: If desired, add your favorite essential oils to the mixture.
  5. Pour into molds: Pour the soap batter into your chosen molds.
  6. Cure: Allow the soap to cure for at least 4-6 weeks before use.

Lye-Water Calculation

Using the following values from a Lye Calculator:

  • Shea Oil: 0.132 oz NaOH/oz of oil
  • Coconut Oil: 0.183 oz NaOH/oz of oil
  • Olive Oil: 0.135 oz NaOH/oz of oil

Step-by-Step Calculations:

  • Shea Oil (10 oz): 10 oz × 0.132 = 1.320 oz NaOH
  • Coconut Oil (6 oz): 6 oz × 0.183 = 1.098 oz NaOH
  • Olive Oil (6 oz): 6 oz × 0.135 = 0.810 oz NaOH
  • Total Lye Amount: 1.320 oz + 1.098 oz + 0.810 oz = 3.228 oz NaOH 

Water Calculation:

  • Assuming a water-to-lye ratio of 2:1 (a typical range for cold process soap): 3.228 oz NaOH × 2 = 6.456 oz water

Why Make This Soap

Making your own soap is not only a fun and rewarding activity but also a great way to connect with your family and friends. The satisfaction of creating something with your own hands is truly priceless. This Classic Shea Oil Soap recipe is a perfect starting point for your DIY soap-making journey. Enjoy the process of experimenting with different ingredients and fragrances to create your own unique creations. The joy of using a handcrafted soap made with your own hands is truly unparalleled.

Popular Soap Calculators:

There are also many YouTube Videos on how to calculate this.

Remember: Always handle lye with extreme caution. It is a strong chemical and can cause severe burns. Ensure you're following safety guidelines when working with it.

This Recipe was originally published in 16 Shea Oil DIY Soap Recipes (e-recipe book)

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