Anisha Riggs
Many people enjoy the scent of Lush products, but some find the fragrances overwhelming. Some people are sensitive to the strong scents, and others are concerned about the use of ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in Lush products. As a result, some opt to make their own soap at home, creating copycat recipes of Lush products without fragrance. These DIY recipes allow people to customise their soap-making experience, choosing their preferred colours, scents, and ingredients. This can be a fun and creative process, resulting in luxurious, squishy soaps that are safe and gentle on the skin.
How to make lush soap without fragrance
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, water, potassium hydroxide, sodium stearate, glycerin, and sodium lauryl sulfate |
| Equipment | Slow cooker, apron, gloves, glasses, silicone mold, measuring cup, containers |
| Process | Weigh out oils, melt in the slow cooker or microwave, prepare lye solution, add additives, test pH, add color and fragrance (optional) |
| Tips | Avoid leaving the cooker on overnight, use distilled water to adjust consistency, test on a small amount first, store in a cool, dry place |
| Alternatives | Substitute coconut oil with other oils, use essential oils or fragrance dupes, add activated charcoal for color |
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What You'll Learn
Heat oils in a slow cooker
To make soap in a slow cooker, you'll need to heat your oils in the cooker. First, weigh out your chosen oils and place them in the slow cooker. For a basic soap recipe, you can use 16 ounces of olive oil and 16 ounces of melted coconut oil. Alternatively, you can use 600 grams of olive oil, 105 grams of coconut oil, and 45 grams of castor oil. You can also use canola oil, which helps moisturize, or other natural oils.
Turn the slow cooker on high to heat up the oils, then reduce the heat to low. While the oils are heating, carefully measure out the lye and water separately. Lye is highly alkaline and can be dangerous, so always use caution when handling it. It is created through the electrolysis of sodium chloride (salt) and, when added to water, creates a strong exothermic (heat-creating) reaction.
Once the lye and water are mixed and cooled, it is time to mix them with the oils in the slow cooker. Use a mixer to slowly pour and blend the lye water into the oil. The mixture will go through a process called saponification, where the lye water breaks down the oils. The mixture will slowly thicken, and the soap will be ready when it has thickened and looks waxy, usually after about 2.5 to 3 hours.
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Prepare a lye solution
To prepare a lye solution, you will need to take the necessary safety precautions as lye is a corrosive substance. Make sure you are wearing protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask or respirator. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area or even outdoors if possible.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process:
- Measure out the correct amount of distilled water. The amount of water you need will depend on the size of the batch you are making. For small batches, you might use around 6-8 ounces of water, but for larger batches, you will need more. It is important to use distilled water, as it is free from impurities that could affect the final product.
- Slowly add the lye (sodium hydroxide) to the water. Do not add water to the lye, as this can cause a violent reaction. Stir continuously as you add the lye, being careful to avoid breathing in any fumes that are released.
- Continue stirring the mixture until the lye is completely dissolved. This may take a few minutes. Ensure that there are no undissolved chunks of lye remaining in the solution.
- Allow the lye solution to cool. This is an important step, as you do not want the solution to be too hot when you add it to your other ingredients. The ideal temperature for the lye solution is around 95-110°F (35-43°C).
- Once your lye solution has cooled, it is ready to be used in your soap-making process. Remember that lye is a key ingredient in the saponification process, which turns fats and oils into soap.
Always remember to handle lye with caution and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and successful soap-making experience.
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PH test your soap
PH testing your soap is an important step in the soap-making process, especially if you intend to sell your soaps or give them to friends or family with sensitive skin. There are several methods you can use to test the pH of your soap, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
One common method is to use universal indicator strips, also known as pH strips. These are small rectangles of paper treated with a special solution that changes colour when it comes into contact with a liquid. To use these on a solid bar of soap, simply rub a damp finger onto the surface of the soap and then place the strip over the damp area, checking the resulting colour against the key provided. If you are making liquid soap, you can add a few drops of the liquid soap to a small container and then dip the strip into it. However, it is important to note that pH strips can be inaccurate, especially for bar soap, and may give false readings.
Another method of pH testing soap is the tongue test. This involves touching a bar of soap to your tongue, and if it zaps or tingles, it indicates that the soap is lye-heavy. However, this method is not without risk, as it can result in serious injury if the soap is highly alkaline.
A more accurate way to test the pH of your soap is to use a digital meter, which can be calibrated using fluid standards. This method is more expensive but will provide a more precise reading.
It is worth noting that the pH of your soap will depend on the type of soap you are making. For solid bar soaps, a pH of 7-10 is generally considered safe, with 8 or 9 being ideal for sensitive skin. If your soap has a pH that is too high, you can add a pH modifier to bring it down, such as lactic acid or citric acid. For liquid soap made with natural surfactants, the pH should be slightly acidic, with a range of 4-6.
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Add colour and cosmetic shimmer
To make soap that resembles Lush soap in terms of texture and appearance, but without fragrance, you can follow the steps outlined below, focusing on adding colour and cosmetic shimmer.
Firstly, cut up one row of melt-and-pour jelly soap, which can be purchased at craft stores and boutique soap supply stores. Ensure the amount you cut up measures 3/4 cup of soap. Place the cut-up soap in a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat it in 20-second increments, stirring well between each reheating.
Now, it's time to add colour and cosmetic shimmer. For colour, it is recommended to use liquid soap colourant, as mica powder tends to fade over time. Add the colourant a drop at a time until you achieve your desired shade. If you want to add cosmetic shimmer, you can use mica powder, adding a small amount and adjusting to your preference. You can also add other ingredients like essential oils at this stage.
Stir your mixture well, and then spray your silicone mould with rubbing alcohol to prevent bubbles. Pour the melted soap mixture into the mould until the indentations are just full. The amount needed will depend on the size and shape of your mould.
Your soap is now ready to be left to set. You can speed up this process by placing the mould in the refrigerator. Once the soap has hardened, you can remove it from the mould and enjoy your colourful, shimmering, fragrance-free soap!
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Store in a cool, dry place
When making your own soap, it is important to store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prolong its shelf life and prevent it from spoiling. The ideal storage location should be away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as ovens, stoves, or radiators. A pantry, cupboard, or shelf in a well-ventilated room can be a good option.
To further protect your soap from moisture and contaminants, it is recommended to store it in airtight containers. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or sealed plastic containers can be suitable options. Additionally, you can include moisture-absorbing agents inside the container, such as rice or a dry crust of bread.
If you are making liquid soap, it is advisable to use distilled water to prevent bacterial growth and prolong its shelf life. You can also add a preservative to your liquid soap to increase its longevity. Without a preservative, your liquid soap will typically last around six months.
For solid soaps, allowing them to air dry overnight before use or packaging is essential. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures your soap is ready for long-term storage. Additionally, if you plan to sell or gift your soaps, consider attractive packaging or containers that complement the natural appeal of your handmade soaps.
Lastly, always label your soap with the date it was made and the expected shelf life. This will help you keep track of when it's time to make a fresh batch. With these storage tips, you can ensure your handmade soaps remain in optimal condition and provide a pleasant and effective cleansing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to make soap without fragrance, simply do not add any fragrance or essential oils to your mixture.
To make soap without fragrance, you will need: 600 grams of olive oil, 105 grams of coconut oil, 45 grams of castor oil, water, and potassium hydroxide.
First, weigh out your oils and place them in a slow cooker on low heat to warm them up and melt them. You can speed up this process by melting the coconut oil in the microwave first. Next, prepare your lye solution by weighing the water and potassium hydroxide into separate containers. Then, combine the melted oils and lye solution, and mix well. Finally, pour the mixture into a mold and allow it to cool and harden.
The process of making soap without fragrance can take a few hours, depending on the method you use to melt the oils and the temperature of your work environment. The cooling and hardening process can take several hours or even a few days.
Yes, you can make Lush soap without fragrance by following the same process as above and simply omitting the fragrance or essential oils. However, keep in mind that Lush soaps are known for their strong fragrances, so the final product may not have the same characteristics as traditional Lush soaps.
