Homemade Shea Butter Soap Recipe

Shea butter soap is a luxurious and nourishing soap that is perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin. It is made from Shea butter, which is a natural fat that is extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree. Shea butter is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturizer for the skin. In this blog post, we will learn how to make Shea butter soap at home.

Benefits of Shea Butter Soap

• Moisturizes dry and sensitive skin: The fatty acids and antioxidants found in Shea butter help to nourish and moisturize the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry or sensitive skin.

• Helps to reduce inflammation and redness: Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and irritation on the skin.

• Contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from environmental damage: The antioxidants found in Shea butter can help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the environment, such as pollution and UV rays.

• Can help to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks: Shea butter has been shown to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks by helping to reduce their visibility.

Materials Needed

• 4 oz. of Shea butter
• 4 oz. of coconut oil
• 4 oz. of olive oil
• 4 oz. of castor oil
• 4 oz. of lye (sodium hydroxide)
• 10 oz. of distilled water
• Essential oils (optional)
• Soap mold
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Stainless steel pot
• Thermometer
• Hand blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Put on your safety goggles and gloves. Lye can be dangerous to handle and can cause burns, so it is important to take proper precautions.

2. In a well-ventilated area, measure out the lye and distilled water. Slowly add the lye to the water, stirring constantly until it is fully dissolved. It is important to add the lye to the water and not the other way around, as adding water to lye can cause it to splatter and create a dangerous situation. Set the mixture aside to cool.

3. In a separate pot, melt the Shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil over medium heat until they are fully melted. Use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature of the oils is between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Once the lye mixture and the oil mixture have cooled to around 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit, slowly pour the lye mixture into the oil mixture, stirring constantly with the hand blender. It is important to pour the lye mixture into the oil mixture and not the other way around, as this can cause the mixture to become too thick and difficult to blend.

5. Continue to blend the mixture until it reaches "trace," which is when the mixture thickens and leaves a visible trail when you drizzle it across the surface. This process can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes.

6. At this point, you can add in any essential oils that you desire. Popular choices for Shea butter soap include lavender, tea tree, and orange. Essential oils should be added at a rate of approximately 1 oz. per pound of soap.

7. Pour the mixture into the soap mold and allow it to sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can remove the soap from the mold and cut it into individual bars.

8. Allow the soap to cure for 4-6 weeks before using it. This will allow the soap to harden and become longer-lasting. To cure the soap, place the bars in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Turn the bars every few days to ensure that they cure evenly.

Tips for Making Shea Butter Soap

• Make sure to use a digital scale to measure out your ingredients accurately. This is especially important when it comes to lye, as using too much can result in a harsh soap.
• Use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature of the lye mixture and the oil mixture are both between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit before blending them together.
• Take your time when blending the mixture. The more thoroughly you blend it, the smoother and more consistent your soap will be.
• Experiment with different essential oils to find a scent that you love. You can also omit the essential oils altogether if you prefer unscented soap.

Conclusion

Making Shea butter soap at home is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to customize your soap with your favorite essential oils. The resulting soap is nourishing and moisturizing, making it perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin. With these instructions and tips, you can make your own Shea butter soap at home in just a few simple steps.