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Shaving soap recipe

October 7, 2008 by jessica neaves 1 Comment

Teach Soap has yet another wonderful recipe to share. This shaving soap recipe is for cold process soap makers and is a nice standard recipe to explore making shaving soap.

Ingredients:
12 oz. Coconut oil
12 oz. Palm oil
12 oz. Olive or Canola oil
14 oz. distilled water
1 heaping tablespoon of clay ( I used bentonite clay but any will work – it’s used to provide slip for the razor)
5.25 to 5.4 oz. lye ( depending on your superfat preference)

Instructions:
1. Heat your Palm, Coconut and Canola oil up in the microwave or in a double boiler until they reach a temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. With all your SAFETY GEAR on, pour the pre-measured lye into 14oz. of distilled water.

3. Mix in a glass or unbreakable, heat-friendly Pyrex bowl with a stainless steel mixing spoon. Do NOT breathe the lye fumes. This mixture will heat all the way up to approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Cool this mixture to approximately 115 degrees.

5. When both the oils and the lye water are within 10 degrees of 115 degrees, pour the lye/water mixture into the melted oils.

6. If you have a stick blender, now is the time to use it. If you do not have a stick blender, hand stir with a whisk or stainless steel tool. If you’re using a stick blender, you should see trace (the point where you can see faint soap trailings when you drizzle the mixture over the surface) within 5 minutes. If you’re using a hand propelled mixer (a spoon), this process could take up to a full 3 hours.

7. Once you’ve hit trace, add your clay and mix in well. Wait for a minute to make sure that the soap is fully traced and is not going to separate in the bowl (and thus, in your molds).

8. Pour the thick, white, creamy soap mixture into your molds. Your soap will need to sit out for a full 6 weeks before using.

If you are new to cold process soap making, Teach Soap recommends “The Soapmaker’s Companion”.

See the full post here.

Related Posts:

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  • Cold Process Soap Making For Beginners - A Natural…
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Comments

  1. Amanda says

    June 9, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Just wondering what type of clay exactly. I am a potter and a soap maker and I have clay in a brick in wet form, but I was wondering if you meant that you can use any type of clay in powder form. Thanks for the information!

Have you read?

DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

  • No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative 
  • Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies 
  • Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy 
  • Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support 
  • Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies 

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm) 
  • 2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets 

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil 
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Optional for kids under 5:
Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

  1. Melt the base:
    In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid. 
  2. Cool slightly:
    Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid. 
  3. Add essential oils:
    Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness. 
  4. Pour into tins or jars:
    Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on. 
  5. Label & store:
    Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months. 

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

  • For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season. 
  • For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale. 
  • For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes). 

Mum Tips

  • Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities. 
  • Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles. 
  • For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support. 

 

 

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