Creating your own lemon turmeric soap is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy natural skincare. This vibrant and fragrant soap combines the bright, uplifting scent of lemon with the skin-soothing benefits of turmeric. Follow this simple cold process method to make your own at home.

Ingredients:

  • Olive Oil: 300 grams

  • Coconut Oil: 300 grams

  • Shea Butter: 100 grams

  • Castor Oil: 50 grams

  • Caustic Soda (Lye): 120 grams

  • Distilled Water: 250 ml

  • Lemon Essential Oil: 30 ml

  • Turmeric Powder: 1 tablespoon

Equipment:

  • Safety goggles and gloves

  • Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic mixing bowls

  • Stainless steel or silicone spoon

  • Soap mold (silicone molds or a lined loaf pan)

  • Kitchen scale

  • Thermometer

  • Stick blender

Safety First:

Always prioritize safety when making soap. Caustic soda (lye) is highly caustic and can cause burns. Wear safety goggles and gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Gather all your ingredients and equipment. Line your soap mold with parchment paper if you’re using a loaf pan.

2. Measure Ingredients

Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure out all your ingredients. This precision is crucial for successful soap making.

3. Mix the Lye Solution

Slowly add the caustic soda to the distilled water while stirring gently. Never add water to lye. The mixture will heat up quickly. Stir until the caustic soda is completely dissolved. Let the solution cool to around 100°F (38°C).

4. Prepare the Oils

In a large stainless steel pot, melt the coconut oil and shea butter over low heat. Once melted, add the olive oil and castor oil. Remove from heat and let cool to around 100°F (38°C).

5. Combine Lye Solution and Oils

Once both the lye solution and the oils are at the right temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix the ingredients together until you reach trace, a pudding-like consistency.

6. Add Lemon Essential Oil and Turmeric

Add the lemon essential oil and turmeric powder to the soap mixture. Blend well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

7. Pour into Mold

Pour the soap mixture into your prepared mold. Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula if needed.

8. Insulate and Let It Set

Cover the mold with a towel to insulate it and let it sit undisturbed in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours.

9. Unmold and Cure

After 24-48 hours, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars. Place the bars in a well-ventilated area and allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks. This curing time ensures the soap hardens and any remaining lye fully reacts.

Benefits of Lemon Turmeric Soap

  • Lemon Essential Oil: Known for its refreshing and uplifting scent, lemon essential oil also has natural antibacterial and astringent properties.

  • Turmeric Powder: Adds a beautiful color and provides anti-inflammatory benefits, soothing the skin.

Enjoy Your Homemade Soap!

Once your soap has fully cured, it’s ready to use. Enjoy the bright, refreshing scent and the soothing properties of your homemade lemon turmeric soap. It makes a lovely addition to your bathroom or a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Happy soap making!