Making Liquid Soap

Find out here what you need to know about liquid soap making.

Making liquid soap is becoming increasingly popular and the possibilities are endless.

liquid soap making has endless possibilities

When potassium hydroxide (type of lye) is added to fats, oils and butters it will produce soap in liquid form other ingredients will add to the benefits. The soap mixture will need to be heated.

Gather your supplies and equipment.

What you will need

  • Rubber gloves.
  • Goggles
  • Scale
  • Metal whisks or wooden spoons
  • Thermometer
  • Heat safe container with spout
  • Glass mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Stick blender
  • Large enamel or stainless steel saucepan
  • Canning pot to make like a double-boiler(or pot large enough for your saucepan to fit into)
  • Bottles and jars

liquid soap instructions

It is best to have all your equipment and ingredients ready.

Your workspace should be covered.

Mold(s) are prepared and set out.

Print out a copy of the your recipe for a quick reference.

Remember you need to wear a pair of goggles and gloves when you handle lye. NEVER pour water into lye – ALWAYS pour lye into water.

These are meant as general directions, please refer to recipes for specific instructions.

  1. Measure and set aside your essential oils, fragrances and any additives you will be adding to your recipe.
  2. Place your potassium hydroxide flakes – water solution in a roasting pan of in the sink. This way there is no danger if it bubbles over.
  3. Dissolve the potassium hydroxide (lye) by pouring the lye into distilled water. Make sure that you do this in a well ventilated room or even outside. Take your time to make sure that it is completely dissolved.
  4. Weigh out your oils and butters using a digital kitchen scale.
  5. Place all of your oils and butter in saucepan and heat them on low-medium heat.
  6. Turn down the heat to low once the fats are melted.
  7. Add the lye solution when it is about 140 F / 60 C to melted oils which are still being heated.
  8. Use a stick hand blender to mix the soap solution. You should be still wearing your goggles and gloves. Be careful not to splash. Continue to mix until the mixture reaches a very heavy trace it really looks thick like pudding. This might take up to 30 minutes.
  9. Cook the soap mixture on the double-boiler for about 3 hours. Stir every 30 minutes.
  10. Test for clouding or your recipe may suggest that you cover your solution.
  11. Dilute the soap paste with water.
  12. Add neutralizers, dyes and fragrances.
  13. Pour into bottles and allow to settle for 1 or 2 weeks.