Public Recipe

calendula honey tallow silk shampoo bar

Solid Soap · NaOH · 33 g oil load · 7% superfat · 4 views · 0 saves

Measure both the lye and water – each in separate bowls — using a kitchen scale. Note: Always run your recipe through a lye calculator to be sure that you are using the proper amount of oils, lye, and liquid. Carefully combine the lye and water by pouring the lye into the liquid (never pour liquid into the lye) and stir liquid until lye is completely dissolved. The liquid is caustic and not to be touched in any way. The outside of the bowl will be extremely hot as well. Be careful when working with lye and follow all of the recommended precautions. Note: What I’m trying to say is, I can not be held responsible for any craziness, mishaps, explosions, etc. that may happen when making this recipe. Add the silk to the hot lye solution and stir until dissolved. Allow the lye mixture to stay under a vent and cool down while you prepare the oils. Measure the oils (withholding the jojoba…we’ll add that later) – by weight – and then place in a crock pot — or large stock pot strictly devoted to soap-making (set over the stove) — to melt on low heat. Once melted, add the lye/water mixture to the oils in the crock pot — or stock pot — and stir. Note: Any equipment the lye touches needs to be neutralized in a mixture of white vinegar, soap, and water. After a brief stir, grab your immersion blender (this is the one I use and have dedicated to soap-making) and get to work! Blend the oils and liquid in the crock pot for at least 1-2 minutes. We are working toward “trace.” Continue stirring and blending for 2-3 minutes more – until the mixture becomes a thick, pudding like consistency. Once the mixture is pudding-like, add the powdered herbs and stir well to combine. Cover the crock pot/stock pot and “cook” the soap, on low heat, for approximately 1 hour. Prepare your mold. Note: I use these silicon loaf pans and absolutely LOVE them! This recipe is enough to fill one of these molds. Once the soap is done “cooking” remove from heat allow to cool on the counter for 3-5 minutes before adding the honey, jojoba oil, and essential oils (if using). Stir until well combined. Spoon soap mixture into mold. Allow soap to cool and harden for 24 hours. Remove from mold on to cutting board and cut into bars. Place bars on a tray with good airflow so that they can harden further ***Because this is a hot processed soap…these shampoo bars are ready to use 24 hours after cutting.