Olive Oil Soap
Essential Equipment:
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Precision scale
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Stick blender or mixer
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Heat-resistant container
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Stainless steel pot or bowl
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Stainless steel spoon
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Molds or pastry forms
Essential Safety Equipment:
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Plastic gloves
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Safety goggles
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Vinegar
Ingredients:
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1000 g olive oil
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330 g distilled, rain, or spring water
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127 g chemically pure caustic soda (Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH)
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Optional: Herbs, spices, essential oils
Preparation Instructions:
Wear safety equipment and keep children and pets away from the area. Weigh all ingredients. Prepare the lye solution by placing the heat-resistant container under an active extractor hood or, preferably, outdoors. Pour the water first, then gradually add the caustic soda while stirring with a stainless steel spoon until fully dissolved. (Lye is added to the water—never the opposite! Risk of explosion!)
As lye dissolves, it releases steam; stir from a distance with an open window. The solution will reach approximately 90°C (194°F). Allow it to cool.
In a pot, add the olive oil, then gradually mix in the cooled lye solution while stirring. Use a stick blender until trace (the first visible sign of saponification) appears. Optionally, add ground herbs, spices, or essential oils.
Pour the mixture into molds and let it solidify for 24-48 hours. Remove the soap from the molds and store it in a well-ventilated, shaded area until it fully cures.
Curing Time:
8 weeks
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