MAKING COCONUT MILK SOAP

Dive into Tropical Luxury: Coconut Milk Soap for a Silky Sensation

Imagine a soap that whisks you away to a sun-drenched beach, its creamy lather infused with the sweet scent of coconut and the promise of soft, pampered skin. That’s the magic of coconut milk soap, a unique blend that combines the cleansing power of soap with the nourishing benefits of this tropical treasure.

At the heart of coconut milk soap lies, well, coconut milk! This creamy liquid, extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. These natural ingredients work together to create a soap that’s more than just cleansing. Coconut milk soap boasts a luxurious lather that gently cleanses your skin without stripping away its natural oils. The fatty acids in the milk provide deep hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple.

But the benefits don’t stop there! Coconut milk soap is known for its:

Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Perfect for those with sensitive skin or prone to breakouts.
Antioxidant-rich formula: Helps combat free radical damage and keep your skin looking youthful.
Natural fragrance: The delicate coconut scent is a delight for the senses, offering a touch of tropical paradise to your daily routine.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser, a moisturizing treat for dry skin, or simply a luxurious escape in your shower, coconut milk soap offers something special. So, trade in your harsh, drying soaps for a taste of the tropics and experience the difference that coconut milk can make. Your skin will thank you!

In this article, we will see how making Coconut Milk soap:

– GENTLE
– VEGAN

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

SCENT: PEPPERMINT AND LEMON

Coconut milk has a lot of nourishing qualities like vitamins and minerals that can be absorbed by our skin. It also makes a wonderfully hydrating soap. I’ve paired it with an energizing scent made from peppermint and lemon essential oils in recipe that is gentle and moisturizing.

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

INGREDIENTS

445gr (15 ounces) Olive Oil
150gr (5 ounces) Coconut Milk
270gr (9 ounces) Coconut Oil
120gr (4 ounces) Cocoa Butter
90gr (3 ounces) Apricot Kernel Oil
60gr (2 ounces) Sweet Almond Oil
140gr (4.7 ounces) Lye
225gr (7.5 ounces) Water
15gr (0.5 ounce) Peppermint Essential Oil
15gr (0.5 ounce) Lemon Essential Oil

PREP AHEAD:

Combine the water and coconut milk in a large glass, plastic, or stainless steel container. Place the container in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. It is okay if a slush forms, as long as it doesn’t freeze solid. The colder your milk-water, the lighter your soap will be after adding the lye.

1. HEAT THE FATS/OILS:

In a large pot, combine the olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, apricot kernel oil, and sweet almond oil. 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(45C°).

2. MIX THE LYE WATER:

Put on safety gear, including protective eyewear, a mask, gloves, and long sleeves. Outside, very slowly pour only about 1/4 of the lye crystals into the cold milk-water and stir until dissolved. Let cool for 20 minutes. Repeat until all the lye is dissolved into the milk-water. If the milk-water browns, don’t worry; your soap will just be darker. Allow to cool to 100°F(38C°) to 110°F(45C°). 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(45C°), 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 peppermint and lemon 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. Do not insulate unless your house is below 65°F(18,5°C), in which case insulate by placing a towel around the outside edges of the mold to avoid a partial gel.

8. 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: Milk can scald when lye is added. Placing the milk-water in the freezer until it’s very cold helps prevent this. Be sure to add the lye slowly. It is okay to really take your time, coming back every 20 minutes to add a little more. Milk can also make your batch get hotter than usual, so just insulate a milk recipe lightly with a towel if you’re concerned about getting a good gel for color.

Sources / References

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Kelly Cable