Making Soap with Only 3 Ingredients!

Learning how to confidently make cold process soap was a game changer for me and our homestead.  Not only was I able to reduce the cost of our family's expenses by buying organic soap but I also now had a product to sell and also a skill to teach. 

Firstly don't be put off by the fear of using caustic soda (also known as lye). Yes it's corrosive and can be dangerous to use but only if you're not following simple safety techniques. 

List of equipment (I didn't use all of this in my video but most of it comes in use when you start soapmaking).
2 food thermometers
2 pyrex or heatproof jugs (not metal)
2 spatulas and spoons for stirring
Empty jam jar with lid 
Rubber gloves
Face mask
Protective eye goggles
Silicone molds 
Stick blender

Ingredients
234g Water
115g Caustic Soda (sodium hydroxide) 
900g Extra Virgin Olive Oil*

*Needs to be measured by weight and not measured in milliliters.  Also do not try to use 'light' olive oil or substitute with any other oil as this will alter the soap and likely ruin the results. 

If this recipe is too big and you don't have a large enough pyrex jug you can halve the recipe. 

The reason I add the caustic soda to a jam jar first is so that I never accidentally pour the water into the lye (you must always pour the lye into the water).  

When you mix the caustic soda with the water try not to inhale the gases as they are very unpleasant (wearing a face mask is essential). 

Cover your benchtops with paper if you are worried about spilling the corrosive lye onto it (mine is a stone benchtop and is quite resistant to damage if I clean up splashes immediately). 

The soaps at the start of the video are all variations on this recipe.  Some have Himalayan soap in them, others have dried herbs and flowers.  Once you're confident in making this recipe you can play around with additives & essential oils to make interesting colours and lovely smells. 

Once your soaps have cured for 4 weeks they can be used and stored as you would a store bought soap.  They last for years and make great presents for friends and family.

***Safety tips (please read carefully before attempting to make cold process soap)***

This is not safe for children to make, adult supervision is essential.

Never ever touch lye solution with your bare hands, it will burn. If you do get some on your skin, run under cold water for at least 10 minutes.

Seek medical attention immediately if you get any lye solution in your eyes.

Do not leave your lye solution to cool where a child or pet could access it. 

#coldprocesssoap #soapmaking #soapmakingforbeginners #oliveoil #soap #homediy #toxicfree #soaptutorial #homesteading #smallbusinessideas

[bjdefilippo]

The soap looks lovely. The only comment I have is that you don't need the added expense of extra virgin olive oil. I started making soap 40 years ago, and mostly used pomace olive oil. Since you aren't eating it, (I hope!) you don't have to worry about the taste difference, and there's no difference in the soap quality. There's a slight color difference, but unless you particularly want a bit greener soap, I'd do the switch. Cheers!

[florenceguard]

I was so scared of trying soap making cos everyone said it's a chemical mixture but your video definitely convinced me. Thanks ❤

[navaldmello]

Now I know lyn is sodium hydroxide which is called caustic soda, thank you for get information now I can make soap and all credits goes to you

[j.m]

I will try this, it's the most simplest way of making soap I have seen. Thank you

[user_]

Thank you for your great recipe. I made 34 pieces of soap. I am very satisfied with soap

[asboukcomfortable]

I love soap and candle making videos, sooo relaxing! UK 🇬🇧

[yazzyjazzyreborns]

Hi, I am inspired to make my own soap after watching this 😊
Can you add essential oils to fragrance the soap before you pour it into the moulds?
Many thanks

[cutemagreth]

I have worch one hundred videos of make soap and I never understand 😊😊but fainaly I do understand from your video 😅😅

[antonovkouakouthoussin]

Impressive video thanks for sharing your skill

[apr]

I wished you had included a piece of video washing your hands with this soap if it’s really working!

[nadiarobb]

This simple video inspired me to try soap making for the first time! I found it super helpful and my first ever batch of soap turned out perfect. Will definitely be experimenting more!!

[machuneteffo]

I'm sorry I can't see clearly the names of your ingredients as you seem to be very fast and to tell the truth I'm so impressed ❤and would like to know more ❤❤❤.

[davidl]

Thanks for the tutorial! One question: is caustic soda actually safe for saponifying? I know it is not safe when in contact with the skin as plain material, but is it as part of a soap? I've looked for studies on this, but can't find any. Maybe you know some that you can cite. Thanks! :)

[harindervirk]

Hi .just wanted to ask you which colors you use for pink and green soap and how do you do it .pls reply. i mean clay or mica and how do you mix it .

[MrSarojkc]

Just wondering if we can use this in face plz?

[CampingGuy]

I want to do this. Thanks for sharing my friend

[michaelafowler]

At what point would I add my oats, honey, and calendula pedals?

[hluzual]

I have a question, can we add (for example) lemon extract while the soap is still in the mixing process?

[budgetwithkate]

After this process, am i able to add other ingredients to make my unique soap?

[constanceloiseleur]

Am i the only one concerned that there's literally written POISON on the caustic soda 😅