Ingredients:
400g vegetable oil blend (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc.)
170g distilled water
62g sodium hydroxide (lye)
Essential oils for fragrance (e.g., sweet orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, etc.)
Equipment:
Soap mold
Safety goggles
Heat-resistant containers
Silicone spatula
Kitchen scale
Thermometer
Stick blender or whisk
Instructions:
1. Safety Precautions:
Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and wearing protective goggles and gloves throughout the process.
Keep children and pets away from the workspace.
2. Prepare the Lye Solution:
Measure the distilled water in a heat-resistant container.
Carefully add the sodium hydroxide (lye) to the water, stirring gently until dissolved. Avoid inhaling the fumes produced.
Allow the lye solution to cool down to around 100°F (38°C) using a thermometer.
3. Prepare the Oils:
Measure the vegetable oil blend in a separate heat-resistant container.
Warm the oils by placing the container in a water bath or using short bursts in the microwave until the oils reach around 100°F (38°C).
4. Mixing the Lye and Oils:
Slowly and carefully pour the lye solution into the warmed vegetable oil blend, stirring gently with a silicone spatula.
Use a stick blender or whisk to blend the mixture until it reaches trace. Trace is the point when the mixture thickens and resembles a thin custard consistency.
5. Adding Essential Oils:
Add your desired blend of essential oils to the soap mixture. For a citrus scent, you can try a combination of 15-20 drops each of sweet orange, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot essential oils. Adjust the amount based on your preference, keeping in mind the strength of the oils.
Stir the essential oils into the soap mixture until well incorporated.
6. Pouring and Curing:
Pour the soap mixture into a soap mold. Tap the mold gently on a flat surface to release any air bubbles.
Cover the soap mold with a lid or plastic wrap to insulate the soap.
Allow the soap to cure in the mold for 24-48 hours. During this time, the soap will go through the saponification process, transforming the oils and lye into solid soap.
After the initial curing period, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into individual bars, if desired.
Place the soap bars on a drying rack or parchment paper and let them cure for an additional 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place. This curing time allows the soap to harden and mellow, resulting in a longer-lasting bar with a better lather.
Note: It's essential to carefully follow safety precautions and accurately measure ingredients for successful soap making.
Adjust the fragrance oils and essential oil quantities to achieve the desired strength of the citrus scent. Perform a small test batch and adjust the fragrance accordingly before making a larger batch. By following this detailed recipe, you can create your own vegan soap bars with a delightful citrus scent. Enjoy the process of soap making and the rewarding results of your homemade soaps!
