What you put on your body is as important as what you put in it. Siphon Draw Apothecary makes clean skincare products by hand in the Superstition Mountains. Each product is made in a small batch with fresh, wild-harvested botanicals gathered on 65 acres of the surrounding desert.
Learn more: siphondraw.com/
How to make soap: • How to Make Your Own B...
Full Interview: • Interview with a Soap ...
LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, & SHARE
Purchases made through any links may earn us an affiliate commission which helps support the channel.
BEHIND THE SCENES: / paragraphic
PRODUCTS & SERVICES: paragraphic.io/
AMAZON STOREFRONT: www.amazon.com/shop/paragraphic
BOKEH SUPPLEMENTS: bokehrola.com/
JOIN THE MULTITUDE: www.multitude.io
FOLLOW US @theparagraphic / theparagraphic
• • • • • • • •
ABOUT PARAGRAPHIC:
Handcrafted documentaries featuring artisans of all trades. We are filmmakers who tell the stories of creators, makers, entrepreneurs, and artists. The ones who have committed everything to their craft. From garage bakeries and mushroom farms to backyard aquaponics and innovative fabricators, these stories will take you behind the brand and show an inside look at the people who make it happen.
-Of the earth, from the plough
#soapmaking #skincare #saponification
Crafting Artisanal Bar Soap: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- Base oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, etc.)
- Lye (sodium hydroxide)
- Distilled water or other liquid (milk, herbal tea, etc.)
- Essential oils or fragrance oils
- Additives (clays, herbs, exfoliants, etc.)
Equipment:
- Safety gear (goggles, gloves, long-sleeved clothing)
- Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic containers
- Stick blender
- Thermometer
- Scale
- Soap molds
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step 2: Safety First
Soap making involves working with lye, which is a caustic substance. Safety is paramount, so ensure you're wearing protective gear such as goggles and gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Step 3: Calculate Your Recipe
Calculate the quantities of oils, lye, and liquid you'll need using a soap calculator. This ensures that your soap will have the correct balance of oils and lye for saponification, the chemical reaction that turns fats and lye into soap.
Step 4: Measure and Prepare Oils
Measure your chosen base oils using a scale. Heat the oils gently on a stovetop or microwave until they're melted, if necessary. Let the oils cool to around 100-110°F (38-43°C).
Step 5: Prepare the Lye Solution
Carefully measure the lye by weight, wearing protective gear. Add the lye to your chosen liquid (distilled water, milk, etc.) while stirring gently. The mixture will heat up and release fumes, so be cautious. Allow the lye solution to cool to around 100-110°F (38-43°C).
Step 6: Combine Oils and Lye Solution
Pour the lye solution into the melted oils. Use a stick blender to mix them together until you achieve "trace." Trace is the point at which the mixture thickens to a consistency resembling thin pudding. This indicates that saponification has begun.
Step 7: Add Essential Oils and Additives
Once you've reached trace, add your chosen essential oils or fragrance oils for scent. You can also incorporate additives like herbs, clays, or exfoliants at this stage for added benefits and texture.
Step 8: Pour Into Molds
Pour the soap mixture into your chosen molds. Silicone molds are popular for soap making due to their flexibility, which makes it easier to remove the soap once it's set. Gently tap the molds on a flat surface to remove any air bubbles.
Step 9: Cure the Soap
After pouring the soap, cover the molds with plastic wrap or a towel to insulate them. This helps to promote a gradual and even cooling process, which reduces the risk of cracking. Let the soap sit in the molds for about 24-48 hours.
Step 10: Unmold and Cut
Carefully remove the soap from the molds after the initial curing period. Cut the soap into bars using a sharp knife or a soap cutter. It's normal for the soap to still be a bit soft at this stage.
Step 11: Cure for Several Weeks
Place the cut bars on a curing rack or a well-ventilated area. Allow the soap to cure for 4-6 weeks. During this time, excess moisture evaporates, and the soap becomes harder, milder, and longer-lasting.
Step 12: Enjoy Your Handcrafted Soap
Once the curing period is over, your soap is ready to be used and enjoyed! The result is a beautiful, handcrafted bar of soap that's gentle on your skin and tailored to your preferences.