How to Make French Soap

:Materials:

- Oils: Olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or other desired oils

- Water

- Sodium hydroxide (lye) safety goggles and gloves

- Thermometer

- Glass or stainless steel containers

- Wooden spoon

- Soap mold

- Parchment paper

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment

Gather all the oils, lye, water, safety gear, and equipment needed for soap-making. Ensure that you have a well-ventilated space and take safety precautions when handling lye.

Step 2: Calculate the Lye and Water Amounts

Use a lye calculator to determine the exact amounts of lye and water required based on the weight of the oils you are using. Safety first: always add lye to water, never the other way around.

Step 3: Prepare the Lye Solution

In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the calculated amount of lye to the water in a heat-resistant glass or stainless steel container. This process generates heat and fumes, so wear protective gear. Stir until the lye is fully dissolved. Set the lye solution aside to cool.

Step 4: Heat the Oils

In another heat-resistant container, gently melt the oils using low heat. Avoid boiling the oils.

Step 5: Mix Lye Solution and Oils

Once both the lye solution and oils have cooled to around the same temperature (ideally between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit), carefully pour the lye solution into the container with the oils.

Step 6: Blend the Mixture

Using a wooden spoon or immersion blender, slowly mix the lye solution and oils together. This process is known as "stirring" or "tracing." Continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, leaving a trail when dripped from the spoon. This can take several minutes to several hours, depending on the oils used.

Step 7: Add Fragrance or Essential Oils

(optional) At this stage, you can add fragrance or essential oils of your choice. Be sure to use soap-making safe scents and add them sparingly to avoid overpowering the soap.

Step 8: Pour into Soap Mold

Line a soap mold with parchment paper. Pour the soap batter into the mold, gently tap the mold to remove air bubbles, and smooth out the surface.

Step 9: Cover and Insulate

Cover the soap mold with parchment paper and a towel or blanket to insulate it. This helps maintain the heat generated by the soap-making process.

Step 10: Curing

Let the soap sit in the mold, undisturbed, for at least 24 to 48 hours. This allows the soap to harden and complete the saponification process.

Step 11: Unmold and Cut

Once the soap has hardened, carefully remove it from the mold and slice it into bars using a sharp knife.

Step 12: Curing and Aging

Place the soap bars on a wire rack or drying tray and let them cure for 4 to 6 weeks. This allows the soap to further harden, release excess moisture, and develop milder, longer-lasting bars.

:Tip:

French soap is often characterized by its gentle touch. To achieve this, you can use superfatted proportions - meaning using a slight excess of oils compared to what's required for saponification. This helps retain some of the beneficial properties of the oils in the final soap.

Before using the soap, allow it to mature and reach its full potential by letting it sit for several weeks. French soap is known for its luxurious and high-quality attributes. Enjoy your homemade French soap!

Remember, soap-making involves handling lye, which can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Always exercise caution, follow safety guidelines, and work in a well-ventilated area when making French soap or any other type of soap.