I have been meaning to list a simple handmade soap base recipe, but without using Palm oil. Say No To Palm Oil
Any of my recipes can be edited to suit the needs of the crafter. Just always remember to run it back through a lye calculator whenever you make any changes to the oils or size of the batch.
I loved experimenting with different oils, but my two favorite recipes were just so simple. No special label appeal with shea or cocoa butters.. just a basic, creamy good soap.
A 3 base oil Soap recipe
Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Palm Kernel Oil
1 pound
70% Olive Oil 11.2 ounces
15% Coconut Oil 2.4 ounces
15% Palm Kernel Oil 2.4 ounces
5% superfat – Lye 2.2 ounces
4 pounds
70% Olive Oil 44.8 ounces
15% Coconut Oil 9.6 ounces
15% Palm Kernel Oil 9.6 ounces
5% superfat – Lye 8.99 ounces
…………
For even more basic, Olive Oil and Palm Kernel Oil
Olive Oil and Palm Kernel Oil
1 pound
80% Olive Oil 12.8 ounces
20% Palm Kernel Oil 3.2 ounces
5% superfat – Lye 2.16 ounces
4 pounds
80% Olive Oil 51.2 ounces
20% Palm Kernel Oil 12.8 ounces
5% superfat – Lye 8.65 ounces
Either of these basic recipes will be a good base for a plain bar of soap, or to add additives and fragrances or essential oils.
You can use either of these bases for just about any recipe on MommaMuse – you can change your liquid (distilled water, teas, milks (read up on using goat milk before trying), cucumber, use your imagination), your fragrances or essential oils, colorants, additives (powders, clays, teas).
How much Liquid should I add?
To figure your liquid, you want 2.2 times the lye amount. Lye X 2.2 = Liquid in ounces
What does ‘superfat’ mean?
When you make soap, the oil molecules bind with the lye molecules. To make a gentle soap, you want to have a little bit more oil molecules than you do lye.. But at the same time, not too much more – or you’ll have a soft oily mess of nothing.
Cold Process or Hot Process Soap?
Some people have their favorites, I like both ways of making soap. I have tutorials on how I do each, but mine aren’t the only way to make soap.. there are other variations. For Cold Process, read Rosemary Mint Cold Process Soap Tutorial with Recipe. For Hot Process, my favorite way is in the crock pot. I recommend getting a crock pot you can use specifically for soap making (check thrift stores, garage sales or ask friends – someone is bound to have one they never use). Instructions for Making Crock Pot Handmade Soap – a ‘how to’ with pictures.
Notes:
– Be sure to use a soap calculator specifically used to calculator amounts, particularly making sure you have the correct amount of sodium hydroxide.
– If you need to make substitutions within your recipe, be sure to recalculate, as the lye amount may change. Don’t just double your recipe, run it through the calculator again. and again. and again.
– Remember your safety and for those around your soap making area. Label items appropriately, wear appropriate safety gear.
