Citrus Shea Butter Soap

December

2024

Citrus Shea Butter Soap

Introduction

DIY soap with citrus and shea butter combines the refreshing zest of citrus oils with the deep nourishment of shea butter. The invigorating citrus scent energizes the senses, while shea butter deeply moisturizes and protects your skin. This recipe is perfect for creating a vibrant, uplifting soap that leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized, making it a delightful addition to your daily skincare routine.

Benefits of DIY Citrus Shea Butter Soap:

Refreshing Scent: Citrus oils provide an invigorating, uplifting aroma.
Deep Moisturization: Shea butter hydrates and softens the skin.
Brightening Effect: Citrus oils can help even out skin tone and brighten the complexion.
Rich in Antioxidants: Both citrus oils and shea butter are packed with antioxidants that protect the skin.
Energizing: The citrus scent can boost your mood and awaken your senses.
Cleansing: Citrus oils offer natural cleansing properties, leaving skin fresh and clean.

Ingredients:

1 pound shea butter
1 pound coconut oil
1/2 pound olive oil
1/2 pound castor oil
7 oz sodium hydroxide distilled water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon essential oil

Steps:

Combine the sodium hydroxide and water in a heat-resistant container. Stir until dissolved.
Melt the shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil together.
Slowly add the sodium hydroxide solution to the melted oils, stirring continuously.
Add the lemon juice and lemon essential oil to the mixture.
Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a trace.
Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it set for 24-48 hours.

Lye and Water Calculations

Using the following values from a Lye Calculator:

Shea butter: 0.128 oz NaOH/oz of oil
Coconut oil: 0.183 oz NaOH/oz of oil
Olive oil: 0.135 oz NaOH/oz of oil
Castor oil: 0.129 oz NaOH/oz of oil

Step-by-Step Calculations:

Shea butter (16 oz): 16 oz × 0.128 = 2.048 oz NaOH
Coconut oil (16 oz): 16 oz × 0.183 = 2.928 oz NaOH
Olive oil (8 oz): 8 oz × 0.135 = 1.08 oz NaOH
Castor oil (8 oz): 8 oz × 0.129 = 1.032 oz NaOH
Total Lye Amount: 2.048 oz + 2.928 oz + 1.08 oz + 1.032 oz = 7.088 oz NaOH
Water Calculation: Assuming a water-to-lye ratio of 2:1 (a typical range for cold process soap): 7.088 oz NaOH × 2 = 14.176 oz water

This Recipe was originally published in DIY Shea Butter Soap Making Recipes

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.

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