Shea Butter and Citrus Soap

Introduction:

Experience the refreshing blend of shea butter and citrus in our DIY soap recipe. This unique combination offers a rejuvenating and energizing treat for your skin, leaving you feeling revitalized. The moisturizing properties of shea butter paired with the uplifting scent of citrus create a perfect soap for awakening dull skin. Join us in creating this luxurious soap for a sensory experience that nourishes your skin. Whether you want a vibrant start to your day or a luxurious escape, this homemade soap brings a touch of luxury to your daily routine.

Instructions:

1. Combine the sodium hydroxide and water in a heat-resistant container. Stir until dissolved.
2. Melt the shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil together.
3. Slowly add the sodium hydroxide solution to the melted oils, stirring continuously.
4. Add the citrus essential oil blend to the mixture before pouring it into the soap mold.
5. Let the soap set for 24-48 hours before cutting and curing.

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.