Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/8 checked
10
servings
11.5 fluid ounces

Mineral Water

4.5 ounces

Lye (sodium hydroxide)

19 ounces

Olive Oil

10.5 ounces

Coconut Oil

3.5 ounces

Sweet Almond Oil

1 tbsp

Rose Essential Oil

0.5 tbsp

Honeysuckle Essential Oil

2 tsp

Ground Paprika

finely ground

Step 1
~224 min

Wear rubber gloves, goggles, and a mask for protection.

Step 2
~224 min

Weigh all base oils (olive, coconut, sweet almond) and place in a stainless steel pan.

Step 3
~224 min

Weigh the mineral or bottled water and pour into a large heatproof jug.

Step 4
~224 min

Gently stir and slowly add the lye to the water until fully dissolved, avoiding splashes and fume inhalation.

Step 5
~224 min

Slowly heat the oil and remove from heat.

Step 6
~224 min

Using thermometers, bring both the lye solution and oils to approximately 115-120°F (46-49°C).

Step 7
~224 min

Carefully pour the cooled lye into the pan with the oils while stirring.

Step 8
~224 min

Continue stirring until the soap reaches 'trace', leaving a visible trail and having a pourable custard consistency. This may take 30 minutes to hours, with breaks as needed.

Step 9
~224 min

At trace, add the rose and honeysuckle essential oils and paprika powder (if using); mix well.

Step 10
~224 min

Pour the soap mixture into a mold, cover, and insulate with towels or a small blanket.

Step 11
~224 min

Leave for 48 hours.

Step 12
~224 min

Wearing gloves, turn the soap out of the mold and cut into bars.

Step 13
~224 min

Cure the soap bars for three weeks in a cool, dark place.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use a high-quality olive oil for a gentler soap.

Ensure proper ventilation when working with lye.

Monitor the temperature of the lye and oils carefully.

The curing process is essential for a mild soap.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

30 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Yes, requires 48 hours + 3 weeks curing

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
May be challenging for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Perfect Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Unknown

Cultural Significance

A traditional recipe

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

DIY
gift idea

Popularity Score

65/100