Honey and Shea Oil Soap
Honey and Shea Oil Soap
Introduction
Indulge in the sweet and soothing aroma of this luxurious soap, crafted with the finest shea oil and natural honey. This handcrafted recipe combines the moisturizing properties of shea oil with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a gentle and nourishing bar that's perfect for all skin types.
Shea oil, known for its intensive moisture and healing properties, provides a rich and creamy lather. Honey, a natural humectant, helps to draw moisture into the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. The combination of these two ingredients creates a soap that is both gentle and effective.
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.
Honey
- Natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, with antimicrobial properties.
- Ideal for dry or sensitive skin; helps to soothe and hydrate while providing a gentle, natural glow.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. shea oil
- 4 oz. coconut oil
- 4 oz. olive oil
- 2 oz. lye
- 5 oz. distilled water
- 1/4 cup honey
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the lye solution: Combine lye and distilled water in a heat-resistant container. Stir until the lye is completely dissolved.
- Melt the oils: Melt the shea oil, coconut oil, and olive oil together in a double boiler.
- Combine: Carefully pour the lye solution into the melted oils and blend until the mixture reaches trace.
- Add honey: Stir in the honey until evenly distributed.
- Add essential oils: If desired, add your favorite essential oils to the mixture.
- Pour into molds: Pour the soap batter into your chosen molds.
- 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 (8 oz): 8 oz × 0.132 = 1.056 oz NaOH
- Coconut Oil (4 oz): 4 oz × 0.183 = 0.732 oz NaOH
- Olive Oil (4 oz): 4 oz × 0.135 = 0.540 oz NaOH
- Total Lye Amount: 1.056 oz + 0.732 oz + 0.540 oz = 2.328 oz NaOH
Water Calculation:
- Assuming a water-to-lye ratio of 2:1 (a typical range for cold process soap): 2.328 oz NaOH × 2 = 4.656 oz water
Why Make This Soap: Honey is a natural humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin, making this soap ideal for dry and dehydrated skin. The combination of shea oil and honey provides a luxurious and nourishing experience.
This Recipe was originally published in 16 Shea Oil DIY Soap Recipes (e-recipe book)
Popular Soap Calculators:
- SoapCalc.net: A widely used online calculator with a user-friendly interface. SoapCalc: http://www.soapcalc.net/
- Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild (HSCG) Calculator https://www.soapguild.org/tools-and-resources/product-price-calculators/lye
- Lye Calculator: Another popular option with a simple design. https://www.lyecalc.com/
- Soap Recipe Calculator: Offers additional features like fragrance and color calculations. http://thesoapcalculator.com
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.