MAKING BASTILLE SOAP

Bastille Soap: A Gentle Giant in the Soap World

Bastille soap, often referred to as “cousin” to Castile soap, carries a legacy of tradition and versatility. While its name might evoke images of storming fortresses, its true strength lies in its gentle cleansing power and natural composition. Let’s delve into the world of Bastille soap and discover its unique charm.

More Than Just Olive Oil: Unlike its 100% olive oil counterpart, Castile soap, Bastille soap allows for a blend of olive oil with other nourishing oils like coconut, shea, or avocado. This combination offers several benefits:

Enhanced Lather: Coconut oil, for example, contributes to a richer, creamier lather, making Bastille soap a good choice for those who prefer a bubbly cleansing experience.
Tailored Benefits: Different oils offer distinct properties. Shea butter adds a luxurious feel and moisturizes dry skin, while avocado oil provides antioxidant protection. This allows you to create soaps that cater to specific skin needs.
Gentleness Retained: Despite the addition of other oils, Bastille soap retains the gentle nature of olive oil, making it suitable for sensitive skin and even babies.

Beyond Cleansing: Bastille soap’s versatility extends beyond basic hygiene. Its natural ingredients make it a popular choice for:

Shaving: Its creamy lather creates a smooth glide, leaving skin soft and irritation-free.
Makeup Removal: The gentle cleansing power effectively removes makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Household Cleaning: Its eco-friendly nature makes it a sustainable alternative to harsh chemical cleaners for surfaces like countertops and floors.

Whether you seek a gentle everyday cleanser, a luxurious shaving experience, or a sustainable household product, Bastille soap offers a natural and effective solution. So, explore the world of this versatile soap and discover its unique charm in your own self-care routine and beyond!

In this article, we will see how making bastille soap:

– GENTLE
– VEGAN

START TO FINISH TIME:
1 to 2 hours,
24 hours insulation,
4 to 6 weeks to cure

SCENT: LEMON & ROSEMARY

Bastille is a name given to soaps that have a very high olive oil content, but not as high as a Castile soap. This makes them a little harder and more cleansing. It is still a very gentle soap. I’ve added lemon and rosemary to create a fresh, stimulating scent.

SAFETY FIRST! Remember to wear your safety equipment and mix the lye water outside. Tell everyone you live with that where you’re working is off limits. Give yourself enough time to complete the recipe.

EQUIPMENT

Kitchen Scale
Glass Bowls
Large spoon
Large stainless steel pot
Small zip-topplastic bag
Mold
Thermometer
Parchment Paper
Stick Blender (or hand mixer)
Rubber Spatula
Blanket

INGREDIENTS

660gr (22 ounces) Olive Oil
270gr (9 ounces) Coconut oil
90gr (3 ounces) Mango butter
130gr (4.3 ounces) Lye
390gr (13 ounces) Water
15gr (0.5 ounce) Lemon Essential Oil
15gr (0.5 ounce) Rosemary essential Oil

1. HEAT THE FATS/OILS:

In a large pot, combine the olive oil, coconut oil and mango butter. Heat over medium-low heat until they are melted and incorporated. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to 100°F(38C°) to 110°F(45°C).

2. MIX THE LYE WATER:

Put on safety gear, including protective eyewear, a mask, gloves, and long sleeves. Outside, carefully add the lye crystals to the water and stir until dissolved. Allow to cool to 100°F(38C°) to 110°F(45°C). If the oils and lye water cool at different rates, you can use a cold- or hot-water bath in the sink.

3. PREPARE THE MOLD:

While the oils and lye water cool, line the mold with parchment paper.

4. COMBINE AND BRING TO TRACE:

When both the oils and lye water are 100°F(38C°) to 110°F(45°C), carefully pour the lye water into the pot of oils. Use a stick blender (or hand mixer) to mix for 1 to 2 minutes and then let the mixture rest for 4 to 5 minutes. Repeat mixing and resting until light trace.

5. MIX IN NATURAL ADDITIVES:

When the soap reaches light trace, add the lemon and rosemary essential oils and blend for 30 seconds.

6. MOLD THE SOAP:

Pour the soap mixture into the mold, cover with a lid or parchment paper and insulate with a blanket for 24 hours.

7. CUT AND CURE:

Remove the soap from the mold. If it seems too soft to remove, wait another 12 to 24 hours before removing. Cut the soap into 12 bars. Allow the bars to cure in a well-ventilated location for 4 to 6 weeks.

TIP: Don’t forget that you can check the troubleshooting tips (here) if you have any questions about the outcome of your soap. also, if you’d like to try a different scent, you cann easily substitute a different essential oil or combination of essential oils that total 30 ml.

Sources / References

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Kelly Cable