Public Recipe

Andy's Shaving Bar Soap

Solid Soap · NaOH · 680 g oil load · 7% superfat · 3 views · 0 saves

Please follow the video for all the detail, but here are the basic steps: Melt oils/fats/wax together in a soap making jug (polypropylene plastic) or gently on the stovetop. Just heat them until melted, about 60°C/140°F will be enough. Prepare the lye solution. Gently pour the sodium hydroxide into the water and dissolve. Make sure you are wearing your PPE! (goggles and gloves minimum). Set aside somewhere safe. Weigh bentonite clay and essential oils (if using, both are optional) into separate containers ready to use. Prepare moulds. If using silicone moulds, make sure you have something rigid (cutting board etc.) underneath to make them easy to move once the soap is poured. When ready, make the soap! Add the clay to the melted fats/oils and whisk until completely incorporated. Add essential oils and mix through. Gently pour the lye solution into the oil mixture and whisk until you reach a light to medium trace. Pour the soap into the mould, cover and move somewhere safe where it can rest for 18-24 hours. I place mine in my insulated cooler but on a table with cardboard and a blanket over the top would also be fine. Unmould the soap when it has set and is nice and hard. Cure the soap somewhere cool and dry for 4 weeks. Make sure you pH test your soap before you test it out or give it to others!