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How to Make Coconut Oil Soap (Simple Cold Process Recipe)

Coconut oil soap is one of the easiest and most effective handmade soaps you can make. It creates a bubbly, cleansing bar that leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. Pure coconut oil soap is especially popular with campers, homesteaders, and people who want a sturdy, long-lasting bar.

Below is a reliable recipe, step-by-step instructions, plus tips to help you make the perfect coconut oil soap at home.

Why Coconut Oil Soap?

Coconut oil soap is known for:

  • High lather

  • Excellent cleaning power

  • Very long shelf life

  • Hard, durable bars

  • Simple ingredient list

  • Easy to customize

However, because coconut oil can be drying in high percentages, most makers superfat this recipe heavily to keep it gentle.

Ingredients (100% Coconut Oil Soap)

This recipe makes a 2–2.5 lb loaf.

Base Oil

  • 32 oz coconut oil (76° melt point)

Lye + Water

  • 4.6 oz sodium hydroxide (lye)

  • 12 oz distilled water

Superfat Level

  • 20% superfat (Very important for gentleness)

Optional Additives

Equipment Needed

How to Make Coconut Oil Soap

1. Melt the Coconut Oil

  • Add coconut oil to a pot or heat-safe bowl.

  • Warm gently until completely liquid.

  • Set aside to cool to around 90–110°F.

2. Prepare the Lye Solution

  • Put on gloves and goggles.

  • Slowly sprinkle lye into distilled water (never water into lye).

  • Stir until fully dissolved.

  • Allow to cool to 90–110°F.

3. Combine Oils and Lye

  • Pour the cooled lye solution into the melted coconut oil.

  • Stick blend to reach medium trace (pudding-like consistency).
    Coconut oil soap traces VERY quickly, so don’t overblend.

4. Add Optional Ingredients

If using essential oils or colorants, add them now:

  • Fragrance

  • Titanium dioxide

  • Salt
    Mix gently.

5. Pour the Batter Into Molds

  • Pour or spoon the thick batter into soap molds.

  • Tap to remove air bubbles.

Coconut oil soap heats up fast, so avoid wrapping or insulating unless you’re in a cold room.

6. Cure and Unmold

  • Unmold after 12–18 hours (very fast hardening).

  • Cut into bars.

  • Cure for 3–4 weeks.
    Although coconut oil soap hardens quickly, curing improves mildness and longevity.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Oil Soap

1. Use a high superfat.

100% coconut oil soap without a 20% superfat is too harsh.

2. Expect quick trace.

Work quickly and avoid overmixing.

3. For ultra-white bars:

  • Use titanium dioxide

  • Use distilled water

  • Prevent overheating

4. Scent ideas:

  • Lime

  • Lemongrass

  • Lavender

  • Peppermint

  • Tea tree

  • Vanilla + coconut fragrance blend

5. Selling this soap?

Consider names like:

  • “Pure Coconut Cleansing Bar”

  • “Island Coconut Soap”

  • “Coconut Oil Camp Soap”

  • “Triple Lather Coconut Bar”

Conclusion

Coconut oil soap is one of the simplest soaps to make and one of the most useful. With just a single oil, high lather, and a long shelf life, it’s a great soap for beginners and experienced makers alike. Use it unscented for sensitive skin or customize it with tropical scents and natural colorants for a signature bar.