Step by Step Guide to Soap Making

By: Christie Ontko Duffy

Step 1: Gather Your Materials 

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. You will need:

- Oils & butters - like olive, coconut, Shea Butter. (I personally stay away from palm oils, because we can't be certain - right now - that it can be sustainably sourced.)

- Lye (sodium hydroxide)

- Water

- Essential Oils (optional)

- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask)

- A digital scale

- Measuring cups and spoons

- A stick blender

- Soap molds

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. I like an open window. Ensure that all surfaces are clean and organized. I keep a spray bottle of 99% pure alcohol and use it to sanitize my space and equipment before use. Put on your safety gear, as lye can be dangerous if it comes into contact with skin or is inhaled. BE SUPER CAREFUL HERE. The lye can burn and can also cause blindness!!!

Step 3: Measure Ingredients (An exact recipe can be found online, I can't divulge ALL my secrets.)

Using the digital scale, carefully measure out the oils, lye, and water according to your recipe. Remember that lye must always be handled with caution. YIKES, I am always floored when I see people on social media NOT using safety equipment.

Step 4: Mix the Lye Solution

In a heat-safe container, slowly add lye to the water (never the other way around, as it can cause a dangerous reaction). Stir gently until the lye is fully dissolved. The mixture will heat up.

Step 5: Heat the Oils

In a separate pot, gently heat your oils until they’re melted and reach about 100-110°F. Add essential oils when the temperature is lowest.

*NOW....here is a trick. When you get good at this and make larger batches, all you need to do is pour the lye mixture in quickly, without worrying about heating up the oils.

Step 6: Combine Lye and Oils

Once both the lye solution and oils are within the right temperature range*, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix them together until you reach "trace." This is when the mixture thickens and leaves a trail when drizzled over the surface.

Step 7: Pour into your molds and then cover or put into an unheated oven. It must stay warm and untouched for 24 - 48 hours. 

Step 8: Now your soap is ready to un-mold or cut. Make sure to allow your bars to cure for at least 4-6 weeks. ENJOY!