Introduction:

Vanilla and Shea Oil Soap is a cold process bar made from shea oil, coconut oil and olive oil, scented with vanilla extract. Baraka's shea oil is made by hand at the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Wa, Ghana, and gives the bar its moisturizing feel.

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 to help with smoothness and to calm inflamed skin.

Coconut Oil

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

Vanilla Extract

• Provides a warm, sweet scent with antioxidant properties.
• Ideal for all skin types; adds a comforting aroma and can help soothe the skin, although its primary benefit is in its pleasant fragrance.

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
• 1/4 cup vanilla extract
• Vanilla beans (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 vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and vanilla beans (if using).
5. Pour into molds: Pour the soap batter into your chosen molds.
6. 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