Castile Soap

Forget the cosmetic beauty bars that boast of moisture, essential oils, milk and cream and indulge in the opulence of handmade castile soap and experience a new bathing luxury altogether! There can be no bigger and better feeling than indulging in the rich lather of handmade soap made of natural products. With the big buzz going around the harmful fallouts of most beauty soaps, there is no reason why you shouldn’t indulge into the goodness of natural hand-crafted soaps. While these handmade bars come with a price tag, the idea of making your own natural homemade soap should sound good enough to your ears. If you are one of those ‘green’ people who love to indulge in everything natural, the idea of making your own castile soap shouldn’t be a surprise. Castile soaps are easy to make and unlike the popular myth, it isn’t a trade name for a soap brand but a variety of ‘vegetarian’ soap that is more popular in Spain. Forget the chocolate and peanut butter and indulge into the opulence of castile soap and treat your skin to the lavishness of olive oil. Here is how you can make your own castile soap right within the comforts of your home. Read on to know more on this.

Image: szapucki@flickr

Castile Soap Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs. 100% Pure Olive Oil
2 oz. Beeswax Pearls
4-5 oz. Lye Crystals
10-12 oz. Distilled Water
2 oz. Aromatic Oil
Food Color

You will also need:

Glass Mixing Bowls
Wooden Spoons
Pots
Molds
Safety Glasses

Instructions

In a pot, take beeswax pearls and olive oil together and heat it to 100-120^oC until the wax melts into the oil. Take care to retain the heat as any inconsistency in temperature will only turn your soap into a goopy glob.
In a separate pan, take some distilled water and add lye crystals to it. However before you begin working with lye, don’t forget to don on your safety glasses to protect yourself from its toxic effects. Stir the mixture gently and keep it aside. The lye in water will cause it to heat up and bubble. Wait till the lye mixture cools down and reaches the same temperature level as that of the oil.
Now add the lye mixture to the oil, taking care to pour lye into the mixture and not the other way round. Make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area. Also keep your distance from the lye mixture as any accidental contact with lye can burn your skin.
Add your favorite aromatic essential oil or other pigments to your soap mixture and stir gently. Once the soap begins to trace, pour it into the greased molds and allow it to set.
Cover the mouth of the mold with freezer paper and then place a lid on top of it. Enfold the soap molds in a blanket and leave it undisturbed for 20-24 hours. Remove the blankets and allow it to set for another 12 hours.
Now unmold the soap and shift it on a drying rack. Allow the soap to get cured for two weeks before it is ready for use. Take the soap and slice it into thick bars before indulging into its luxury. This low-on-lather soap is likely to feel like heaven against your skin!

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