Citrus and Shea Oil Soap
Citrus and Shea Oil Soap
Introduction:
This bright and refreshing soap features a blend of citrus essential oils and the moisturizing benefits of shea oil.
Shea Oil
- Rich in vitamins A, E, and essential fatty acids, providing deep moisturization and nourishment.
- Ideal for dry, sensitive, or aging skin; helps improve elasticity and smoothness while soothing inflammation.
Coconut Oil
- Contains fatty acids with deep moisturizing and antibacterial properties.
- Suitable for all skin types, particularly effective for dry or sensitive skin; can aid in conditions like eczema.
Olive Oil
- Offers antioxidants and vitamins A and E for nourishing and soothing the skin.
- Great for dry, sensitive, or aging skin; helps maintain skin's natural moisture barrier.
Orange Essential Oil
- Provides a refreshing, citrusy scent with uplifting and mood-enhancing properties.
- Ideal for all skin types; helps brighten the skin and promote a feeling of freshness and energy.
Lemon Essential Oil
- Known for its astringent and antibacterial properties, with a bright, clean scent.
- Best for oily or acne-prone skin; helps to cleanse and tighten pores while providing a refreshing aroma.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
- Offers a revitalizing citrus scent with detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Ideal for oily or combination skin; helps balance oil production and invigorate the skin.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. shea oil
- 4 oz. coconut oil
- 4 oz. olive oil
- 2 oz. lye
- 5 oz. distilled water
- 1/4 cup orange essential oil
- 1/4 cup lemon essential oil
- 1/4 cup grapefruit essential oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the lye solution: Combine lye and distilled water in a heat-resistant container. Stir until the lye is completely dissolved.
- Melt the oils: Melt the shea oil, coconut oil, and olive oil together in a double boiler.
- Combine: Carefully pour the lye solution into the melted oils and blend until the mixture reaches trace.
- Add citrus oils: Stir in the orange, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils.
- Pour into molds: Pour the soap batter into your chosen molds.
- Cure: Allow the soap to cure for at least 4-6 weeks before use.
Lye-Water Calculation
Using the following values from a Lye Calculator:
- Shea Oil: 0.132 oz NaOH/oz of oil
- Coconut Oil: 0.183 oz NaOH/oz of oil
- Olive Oil: 0.135 oz NaOH/oz of oil
Step-by-Step Calculations:
- Shea Oil (8 oz): 8 oz × 0.132 = 1.056 oz NaOH
- Coconut Oil (4 oz): 4 oz × 0.183 = 0.732 oz NaOH
- Olive Oil (4 oz): 4 oz × 0.135 = 0.540 oz NaOH
- Total Lye Amount: 1.056 oz + 0.732 oz + 0.540 oz = 2.328 oz NaOH
Water Calculation: Assuming a water-to-lye ratio of 2:1 (a typical range for cold process soap): 2.328 oz NaOH × 2 = 4.656 oz water
Why Make This Soap: Citrus essential oils are known for their uplifting and refreshing properties, making this soap ideal for a revitalizing shower. The shea oil provides moisture and nourishment, while the citrus scents create a bright and invigorating experience.
Popular Soap Calculators:
- SoapCalc.net: A widely used online calculator with a user-friendly interface. SoapCalc: http://www.soapcalc.net/
- Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild (HSCG) Calculator https://www.soapguild.org/tools-and-resources/product-price-calculators/lye
- Lye Calculator: Another popular option with a simple design. https://www.lyecalc.com/
- Soap Recipe Calculator: Offers additional features like fragrance and color calculations. http://thesoapcalculator.com
There are also many YouTube Videos on how to calculate this.
Remember: Always handle lye with extreme caution. It is a strong chemical and can cause severe burns. Ensure you're following safety guidelines when working with it.
This Recipe was originally published in 16 Shea Oil DIY Soap Recipes (e-recipe book)