MAKING LOOFAH EXFOLIANT SOAP
Loofah Exfoliant Soap: Buff Away Dullness and Reveal Radiant Skin
Tired of lackluster skin? Loofah exfoliant soap might be your answer! This dynamic duo combines the cleansing power of soap with the gentle buffing action of a loofah, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, smooth, and radiant. But what exactly makes this combination so special?
Loofah exfoliant soap offers a unique two-in-one experience. The soap, formulated with nourishing ingredients, gently cleanses away dirt, oil, and impurities. The embedded loofah, a natural plant-based exfoliant, then buffs away dead skin cells, revealing the brighter, smoother skin beneath. This process helps stimulate circulation, improve skin texture, and even reduce the appearance of ingrown hairs.
But the benefits don’t stop there! Loofah exfoliant soap can also:
- Boost cell turnover: By removing dead skin cells, loofah encourages the production of new, healthier cells, leading to a more youthful appearance.
- Unclog pores: Regular exfoliation can help prevent clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts and blemishes.
- Improve product absorption: By removing dead skin cells, loofah exfoliant soap allows other skincare products to penetrate deeper, boosting their effectiveness.
However, it’s important to remember that exfoliation shouldn’t be overdone. Opt for a loofah soap with a gentle loofah texture and avoid using it daily, especially if you have sensitive skin. Remember to listen to your skin and adjust your usage accordingly.
So, if you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to revitalize your skin and achieve a healthy glow, consider incorporating loofah exfoliant soap into your routine. Your skin will thank you for it!
In this article, we will see how making Loofah Exfoliant Soap:
NUT-FREE
START TO FINISH TIME:
1 to 2 hours,
24 hours insulation,
4 to 6 weeks to cure
SCENT: LIME, BERGAMOT, YLANG-YLANG AND PEPPERMINT
Loofahs are tropical gourds that look like sponges. In this recipe you will place slices of loofah into each bar of soap. You can design these bars to suit your preferences. One option is to use a lot of loofah and a little soap. I like mine as a soap bar with a loofah surprise inside: Once you start to lather you can use it as a scrub bar. This recipe has an uplifting, energizing scent of lime, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and peppermint.
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
- Measuring spoons
- Small Saucepan or glass jar
- Large spoon
- Large stainless steel pot
- Small zip-topplastic bag
- Mold
- Thermometer
- Parchment Paper
- Stick Blender (or hand mixer)
- Rubber Spatula
- Blanket
INGREDIENTS
For the infusion:
- 240gr (8 ounces) Olive Oil
- 1 Heaping tablespoon parsley leaf powder
For the soap:
- 300gr (10 ounces) Lard
- 240gr (8 ounces) Olive Oil
- 60gr (2 ounces) Parsley leaf-olive Oil infusion
- 240gr (8 ounces) Babassu Oil
- 120gr (4 ounces) Argan Oil
- 60gr (2 ounces) Castor Oil
- 140gr (4.7 ounces) Lye
- 380gr (12.9 ounces) Water
- 7,5gr (0.25 ounce) Lime Essential Oil
- 7,5gr (0.25 ounce) Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
- 7,5gr (0.25 ounce) Bergamot Essential Oil
- 7,5gr (0.25 ounce) Peppermint Essential Oil
- 1 Loofah, cut cresswise into 12 slices
PREP AHEAD:
Create a green oil infusion using parsley leaf powder. (You can also use comfrey, alfalfa, or dandelion leaf powder.)
FOR A HOT INFUSION:
Heat 240gr (8 ounces) of olive oil in a saucepan to around 200°F(95°C) and remove from the heat. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of parsley leaf powder, stir, and allow to cool.
FOR A COLD INFUSION:
Place 1 heaping tablespoon of parsley powder in an 240gr (8 ounces) jar. Pour in enough olive oil to fill the jar, seal, and leave on your windowsill for 6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Whichever method you choose, measure out 60gr (2 ounces) of the parsley leaf infusion (reserve the remainder for another batch).
1. HEAT THE FATS/OILS:
In a large pot, combine the lard, olive oil, parsley leaf-infused oil, babassu oil, argan oil, and castor 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, carefully add the lye crystals to the water and stir until dissolved. 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 lime, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and peppermint essential oils, and blend for 30 seconds.
6. MOLD THE SOAP:
Pour the soap mixture into the mold. Quickly add the slices of loofah, being aware of where you plan to cut your soap so that each bar will have one piece. Push the loofah pieces into the soap with a rubber spatula, not your fingers! 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.
Sources / References
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Kelly Cable
- The Natural Soapmaking Book For Beginners
- DIY Soaps: Using All-Natural Herbs, Spices & Essential Oils