Olive oil is a staple in kitchens worldwide, but did you know it’s also a fantastic base for making soap? Its rich, moisturizing properties make it ideal for crafting a gentle, nourishing cold process soap. The best part? You only need three ingredients to create a simple, effective olive oil soap that’s perfect for sensitive skin.
This cold process soap recipe is ideal for beginners who want to experience the beauty of natural soap-making without getting overwhelmed by complicated formulas. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with different scents or additives once you’ve mastered the basics!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making olive oil soap from scratch with a simple 3-ingredient formula. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Why Olive Oil for Soap Making?
Olive oil has been used in soap making for centuries, prized for its gentle cleansing properties and ability to moisturize the skin without being too harsh. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for soap-making:
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Moisturizing: Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, which helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.
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Gentle on Sensitive Skin: It’s non-irritating, making it a great option for people with sensitive or dry skin.
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Long-Lasting Bar: Olive oil soap tends to cure into a hard, long-lasting bar with a creamy lather.
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All-Natural: Since olive oil soap contains minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for those who prefer chemical-free alternatives.
This basic recipe uses olive oil as the main fat, so it produces a mild, gentle soap that’s perfect for everyday use!
Cold Process Soap Recipe with Olive Oil: Simple 3-Ingredient Formula
Ingredients:
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Olive Oil – 100% Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil (also known as “Castile” soap)
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Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) – Required for the saponification process
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Distilled Water – Used to dissolve the lye
Equipment:
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Kitchen scale (to weigh your ingredients)
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Heat-resistant mixing container (glass or stainless steel)
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Stick blender or hand whisk
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Silicone soap mold
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Safety gear (gloves, goggles, long sleeves)
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Thermometer
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Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Safety Gear
Before you begin, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area, and wear protective gear—gloves, goggles, and long sleeves. Always handle lye with caution, as it can cause burns.
Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients
Using a kitchen scale, weigh the following amounts:
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Olive oil: 500g
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Distilled water: 190g
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Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): 72g
These measurements are based on the saponification needs for 100% olive oil soap. You can adjust the amounts depending on the size of your batch, but keep the ratios consistent.
Step 3: Mix the Lye Solution
Carefully add the lye to the distilled water (never the other way around). Always add the lye to water, not the other way around, to prevent dangerous reactions. Stir the mixture slowly until the lye has completely dissolved.
Note: The mixture will heat up quickly, so be sure to let it cool down. Once it’s around 110-120°F (43-49°C), it’s ready to use.
Important: Never breathe in the fumes from the lye-water mixture. Always do this step in a well-ventilated space.
Step 4: Heat the Olive Oil
While the lye solution cools, gently heat the olive oil in a separate container. You can do this on the stove using a double boiler method, or you can microwave it in short bursts. Heat the oil until it reaches around 110-120°F (43-49°C), similar to the temperature of the lye solution.
Step 5: Combine the Lye Solution and Olive Oil
Once both the lye solution and olive oil have cooled to the desired temperature, it’s time to combine them. Slowly pour the lye solution into the olive oil. Use a stick blender or hand whisk to mix them together.
Start with short bursts of the stick blender to avoid splashing, then blend until the mixture reaches trace. Trace is when the soap mixture thickens to the point where you can see a trail of soap on the surface when you lift the blender. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes with a stick blender.
Step 6: Pour the Soap into the Mold
Once you’ve achieved trace, pour the soap mixture into your silicone mold. Smooth the top with a spatula or spoon to make it even. If you’d like to add colorants, essential oils, or exfoliants, you can do so at this stage—just make sure to stir them in gently.
Step 7: Let the Soap Set and Cure
Cover your soap mold with a towel or plastic wrap and let the soap sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours. During this time, the soap will harden and solidify. After 24 hours, check to see if the soap has hardened enough to be unmolded. If it’s still soft, let it sit for a bit longer.
Once unmolded, cut the soap into bars, if needed, and allow them to cure in a dry, cool place for 4-6 weeks. Curing is an essential step that lets the soap harden further and helps the soap’s pH balance stabilize.
Tips for Success
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Stick with the Recipe: For beginners, it’s best to stick with a simple recipe like this one before trying more complex formulas. Olive oil soap requires patience, but the results are incredibly rewarding.
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Be Patient with Curing: Don’t rush the curing process. Olive oil soap can take 4-6 weeks to fully cure and harden, but the result is a gentle, long-lasting soap.
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Add Essential Oils Later: If you want to scent your soap, add essential oils after reaching trace. This preserves the fragrance and ensures it doesn’t get lost during the saponification process.
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Avoid Using Tap Water: Tap water often contains minerals and chlorine that can interfere with soap-making. Stick with distilled water for the best results.
Conclusion
Making cold process soap with olive oil is an easy and rewarding way to craft your own natural skincare products. This simple 3-ingredient formula is perfect for beginners who want to dive into the world of soap-making without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, with the nourishing properties of olive oil, you’ll have a gentle and moisturizing bar of soap in just a few weeks.
Now that you’ve learned how to make olive oil soap from scratch, why not experiment with adding different scents, colors, or textures to your next batch? The possibilities are endless, and soon you’ll be crafting your own personalized soaps for yourself, friends, or family.