The properties of extra virgin olive oil can help take care of you both inside and out. If our beloved liquid gold allows you to look after your health while enjoying its flavor, imagine incorporating its benefits into your showers or baths. Today, we bring you a recipe to make your own soap using olive oil. Take note!
Ingredients to Make Homemade Olive Oil Soap
- 650 grams of olive oil (traditionally, this soap was made from reused frying oil, filtered beforehand; the resulting soap is very harsh but excellent as a stain remover)
- 150 g of coconut oil
- 150 grams of sunflower oil
- 120 grams of caustic soda
- 250 grams of distilled or infused water
- Aromatic herbs to taste (rosemary, aloe vera, lavender…)
How to Make Soap with Olive Oil
- If you are reusing oil, filter it first and store it covered in a cool, dry place until you use it for the soap.
- Place the caustic soda in a plastic or glass container and very slowly add the water. Very important: caustic soda is highly corrosive, so prepare the soap in a well-ventilated area and use protection, especially for your hands and eyes.
- Mix until the soda is fully dissolved. This reaction generates heat, so take precautions. Making soap with olive oil has its small risks.
- Let it rest until it cools. The temperature should not exceed 40°C (104°F).
- Add the coconut oil and sunflower oil and stir.
- Add the olive oil and mix. Heating the oils to a similar temperature as the soda-water mixture will help them blend faster.
- Continuously stir and add the aromatic herbs or essential oils you choose. Keep in mind that too many essential oils can make the soap harsher than desired.
- When the mixture leaves a trace where the spoon passes, the chemical reaction called saponification has started, which will create the soap. This is the right moment to pour the mixture into a mold.
- Let it rest for a full day and check its firmness the next day. If it’s solid, cut it as desired and allow it to cure for at least 30 days so the caustic soda is no longer dangerous and won’t irritate your skin.
Want to Make Liquid Olive Oil Soap?
Once your olive oil soap is ready, you can make liquid soap by dissolving soap shavings in double the volume of water and adding more essences if desired. For a thinner texture, add more water; for a thicker one, add more soap shavings.
Have you made soap with olive oil? Share your tips with us!
