Prepare Your Workspace:

Work in a well-ventilated area with easy access to water.

Cover your workspace with newspaper or a plastic sheet.

Mix the Lye Solution:

Slowly add lye to your chosen liquid (never the other way around - picture it snowing on a lake) and stir until dissolved. It can release some fumes for a minute or so, so do it outside or in a well-ventilated area away from kids and pets.

Let the solution cool to around 100-110°F.

Heat and Combine Oils:

Melt your solid oils and mix with liquid oils. Allow the mixture to cool to the same temperature as the lye solution. The temperatures do not have to be exact, but within 10°F of each other is recommended.

Blend and Emulsify:

Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix until the batter reaches "trace" (a pudding-like consistency). If you can drizzle the soap batter across the top of the batter and it sit on top for a second, you're reached trace.

Add Fragrance and Color:

Stir in essential oils, natural colorants, or other additives.

Pour into Molds:

Transfer the batter into your soap molds, tapping gently to remove air bubbles.

Cure the Soap:

Allow the soap to set for 24-48 hours before unmolding.

Cure the bars in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks to ensure they harden and develop a mild pH. There is no lye present at this point. This is strictly to allow excess water to evaporate for milder, longer-lasting bars.