Natural soap is the right choice for those of us looking for a gentle product for the skin and friendly to the environment. Making it at home, starting from carefully and responsibly chosen natural ingredients, is simpler than it seems: you just need to have the usual kitchen utensils and a touch of creativity.
Natural soap is obtained from the chemical reaction between vegetable fats and an alkaline substance (caustic soda or potassium hydroxide) diluted in a liquid, most often distilled water, but it can also be milk, fruit juice, or vegetable juice.
From the substances added to create abundant lather to the preservatives necessary for the soap to sit on shelves for years without spoiling, the harsh chemicals found in commercial soaps dry out your skin, irritate it, and can trigger allergies in your body. For example, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a common ingredient in commercial soaps, remains on your skin for several hours after washing and rinsing.
Olive oil soap can have a major impact on your skin when used regularly, providing healthier skin and a radiant complexion.
Hypoallergenic
Olive oil soap is hypoallergenic and, therefore, is much less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin.
Moisturizing
Unlike commercial soaps, which can dry out the skin with high pH levels, olive oil soap maintains the skin’s pH at an optimal level.
Rich in Antioxidants
Historically, women have used olive oil on their skin for millennia because it truly maintains elasticity and health. Olive oil soap also contains vitamins E and A, antioxidants that fight free radicals, and anti-inflammatory compounds that help balance the tone and texture of the skin.
Recipe:
130 g peanut oil
195 g coconut oil
130 g castor oil
65 g olive oil
130 g shea butter
190 ml distilled water
68 g caustic soda
Essential lavender oil
1 teaspoon goji berries
Preparation method:
Pour the caustic soda into the water and dissolve it. Since this releases toxic vapors, we recommend keeping a window open and wearing gloves.
Heat the oils and measure the temperature. Both the soda and the oil should be around 40 degrees.
When both products have reached the same temperature, pour the soda solution over the oil. Using a blender, mix until the composition thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
Add the essential oils and goji berries and gently mix with a wooden spoon to incorporate everything.
Pour the soap into a mold lined with parchment paper and cover it with a towel.
This mixture should sit for 18 to 48 hours. Finally, cut the soap into the desired shapes.
The secret to keeping the soap’s fragrance longer lies in limiting surface evaporation and storing it in a place protected from extreme temperatures and ambient fragrances. You can wrap them individually in paper or cellophane.
