DIY Aloe vera Soap - Cold Process

Author: Balaji Shankar, Jun 19, 2024

Creating your own aloe vera soap at home using the cold process method is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to harness the benefits of aloe vera for your skin. This recipe is suitable for beginners and results in a soothing, moisturizing soap with natural skin-whitening properties. This is for informational purpose only and is not Doodle Aloe Vera Soap's recipe (for obvious reasons!)

Ingredients

• - Aloe Vera Gel: 120 grams (4.2 oz) of fresh aloe vera gel
• - Olive Oil: 680 grams (24 oz) – provides moisturizing properties.
• - Coconut Oil: 340 grams (12 oz) – adds cleansing and lathering properties
• - Palm Oil: 340 grams (12 oz) – contributes to the hardness of the soap
• - Castor Oil: 85 grams (3 oz) – enhances lather
• - Shea Butter: 85 grams (3 oz) – offers moisturizing benefits and hardness
• - Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): 140 grams (4.9 oz) – necessary for the saponification process
• - Distilled Water: 255 grams (9 oz) – used to dissolve the lye.
• - Essential Oils: Optional – for fragrance (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus).
• - Colorants: Optional – natural colorants like spirulina or turmeric for aesthetics.

Equipment

• Safety gear: gloves, goggles, mask, long sleeves, apron. shoes
• Digital scale
• Soap mold
• Mixing bowls (stainless steel or heat-resistant glass)
• Stick blender
• Thermometer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heatproof containers for oils and lye solution
• Spatula
• Knife or soap cutter
• Soap Mold (silicon or wood - with lining)
• Wax paper or plastic wrap
• Old newspaper or towels (for insulation)

Instructions

1. Preparation

Safety First: Wear gloves, goggles, apron and long sleeves to protect yourself from the lye, which is caustic and can cause burns.

Work Area: Cover your work area with old newspapers or towels to protect surfaces from spills.

Ingredients: Measure out all the ingredients accurately using a digital scale

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2. Prepare the Lye Solution

In a well-ventilated area, slowly add the lye to the distilled water (never the other way around). Stir gently until the lye is completely dissolved. Allow the lye solution to cool to around 37-43°C (100-110°F ) . This process generates heat, so handle with care. (It is our experience at Doodle Soap that the best saponification happens when the atmospheric temperature is around 30-32°C. So if you are in a tropical place then you can allow the lye to cool for a few hours and let it reach room temperature)

3. Prepare the Oils

In a large, heat-resistant bowl or pot, combine the olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil, and shea butter. Gently heat the oils until fully melted and combined, then let the mixture cool to around 32°C. Shea butter and Mahua butter are in a solid state even at 30 °C. So you are better off warming the oils with a hot plate. It is enough if the oils are in a liquid state and blendable.

4. Prepare the Aloe Vera Gel

If using fresh aloe vera, extract the gel from the leaf and blend it to a smooth consistency. Do not use store bought aloe vera gel as it may have chemical preservatives. Use a stick blender to blend the aloe vera pulp and liquid. Measure out 120 grams (4.2 oz) for the recipe.

5. Combine Lye Solution and Oils

When both the lye solution and the oil mixture are at a similar temperature , slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix until the mixture reaches a light trace. This is the point where the mixture thickens and leaves a visible trail when drizzled on the surface. (If you are a first timer, please do not start making your soap before watching a lot of youtube videos on the subject!)

6. Add Aloe Vera and Essential Oils

Add the prepared aloe vera gel and any essential oils or colorants to the traced mixture. Blend thoroughly until the additives are fully incorporated.

7. Pour into Mold

Pour the soap mixture into a prepared mold, tapping it gently to remove any air bubbles. If you live in a cold place , you have to cover the mold with wax paper or plastic wrap, then insulate with towels to maintain the heat and ensure proper saponification.

8. Curing Process

Leave the soap in the mold for 24-48 hours to harden. Once solidified, carefully remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars. Place the bars on a curing rack or tray, allowing air to circulate around each bar. Let them cure for 4-6 weeks, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying.

9. Finishing Touches

After curing, your aloe vera soap bars are ready for use. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use or gift them.

Tips and Variations

1. - Superfatting: Consider a 5% superfat to ensure your soap is extra moisturizing
2. - Additives: You can add natural exfoliants like oatmeal or finely ground coffee for additional benefits.
3. - Molds: Silicone molds are ideal as they make the unmolding process easier and come in various shapes.

Conclusion

Making your own aloe vera soap using the cold process method allows you to customize ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals found in commercial soaps.

This gentle, natural soap will leave your skin feeling nourished, moisturized, and brightened. Enjoy the process and the benefits of this homemade, skin-loving soap!

If all this is too much trouble for you we got your back! At Doodle Soapery we make the finest organic, cold process, handmade aloe vera soap at an affordable price of Rs 105 for 100g. Whatsapp : 90256 97739