Introduction

Oatmeal and shea oil soap is a cold process soap made from shea oil, coconut oil, olive oil, lye and rolled oats, which add gentle exfoliation. Baraka shea oil is made by hand at the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Wa, Ghana.

Shea oil, known for its intensive moisture and traditionally used to look after dry skin, provides a rich and creamy lather. Oatmeal, a natural exfoliant, helps to gently remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion. The combination of these two ingredients creates a soap that is both gentle and effective, suitable for all skin types.

Crafting your own soap is a rewarding and satisfying DIY project that allows you to create personalized skincare products tailored to your needs. This recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible to beginners and experienced soap makers alike.

Shea Oil

• Rich in vitamins A, E, and essential fatty acids, providing deep moisturization and nourishment.
• Ideal for dry, sensitive, or aging skin; traditionally used for smoothness and reported to calm inflamed skin.

Coconut Oil

• Contains fatty acids with deep moisturizing properties, and traditional use suggests an antibacterial effect.
• Suitable for all skin types, particularly effective for dry or sensitive skin; many people report it eases dry, itchy patches such as 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.

Rolled Oats

• Acts as a gentle exfoliant and is traditionally used to soothe irritated or itchy skin; research suggests oats have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ideal for sensitive or dry skin; helps to calm and hydrate while providing a mild scrubbing action.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. shea oil
• 4 oz. coconut oil
• 4 oz. olive oil
• 2.19 oz (62 g) sodium hydroxide (lye)
• 5 oz. distilled water
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lye solution: Combine lye and distilled water in a heat-resistant container. Stir until the lye is completely dissolved.
2. Melt the oils: Melt the shea oil, coconut oil, and olive oil together in a double boiler.
3. Combine: Carefully pour the lye solution into the melted oils and blend until the mixture reaches trace.
4. Add oatmeal: Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
5. Add essential oils: If desired, add your favorite essential oils to the mixture.
6. Pour into molds: Pour the soap batter into your chosen molds.
7. Cure: Allow the soap to cure for at least 4-6 weeks before use.

Lye-Water Calculation

 Using the following saponification values (how much lye is needed to turn each oil into soap) 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