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Homemade Shaving Soap Recipe

This recipe makes a traditional-style shaving soap using oils, butters, and lye. It creates a thick, protective lather that works well with a shaving brush.

Important: This recipe uses lye (potassium hydroxide). Handle carefully.

Ingredients

Oils and Butters

  • 8 oz stearic acid (creates thick, stable lather)

  • 4 oz coconut oil

  • 2 oz shea butter

  • 1 oz castor oil

Lye Solution

  • 3.5 oz potassium hydroxide (KOH)

  • 6 oz distilled water

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 oz glycerin (extra slickness)

  • Essential oils (tea tree, lavender, sandalwood, eucalyptus, etc.)

Equipment Needed

  • Heatproof mixing bowl

  • Stainless steel pot

  • Stick blender

  • Scale (for precise measurements)

  • Safety gear: gloves, goggles

  • Silicone soap mold or heat-safe jars

Instructions

1. Melt the Oils and Stearic Acid

In a pot over low heat, melt together:

  • Stearic acid

  • Coconut oil

  • Shea butter

  • Castor oil

Stir until completely melted and combined.

2. Prepare the Lye Solution

In a heat-safe container, carefully add the potassium hydroxide (KOH) to the distilled water.
Never add water to lye.
The solution will heat up and release fumes briefly; avoid breathing them in.

Let the lye solution cool to about 150°F (65°C).

3. Combine Oils and Lye

Slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils.
Blend with a stick blender until thick, similar to pudding. This stage is called “trace.”

4. Add Glycerin and Essential Oils

Mix in glycerin and any fragrance or essential oils (optional).

5. Cook the Soap (Hot Process)

Place the mixture on low heat and cook for 20–30 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
The soap will go through phases and become gel-like.

When fully cooked, it will look glossy and thick.

6. Scoop Into Jars or Molds

Spoon the hot shaving soap into jars or molds.
Tap gently to remove air pockets.

7. Let It Cure

Even though hot process soap is usable quickly, let it cure for 7–10 days for the best texture.

Tips for Better Shaving Soap

  • More stearic acid = thicker, longer-lasting lather.

  • Castor oil boosts lather creaminess and glide.

  • Add bentonite clay for extra razor slip (½ teaspoon per batch).

  • Use a shaving brush for the best lather quality.