DIY Valentine's Day Soap Making

Surprise your special someone this Valentine's Day with a handmade soap that shows your thoughtfulness and creativity.

Important Note: Prior to using any of the products mentioned, it is highly recommended to thoroughly read and understand all safety precautions associated with each product. It is also strongly advised to perform a patch test before proceeding with usage.

Please be advised that this guide is intended for informational purposes only and APC Pure cannot accept any responsibility for the outcome of any usage based on this guide.

Please Note: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye, is a caustic substance and requires careful handling. Make sure to wear protective clothing, hard shoes, gloves, and safety goggles. Handle lye with caution, as it can cause burns similar to boiling water.

Here are the materials you'll need:

• Two good-sized stainless steel saucepans
• One heat-proof glass or plastic jug
• Kitchen scales
• Wooden Spoon
• Two cooking/brewing thermometers
• Soap moulds
• Eye and hand protection (safety glasses and rubber gloves)
• A blanket or large towel
• Cold water
• Sodium Hydroxide Pearl 99%
• Olive oil (preferably pomace grade, but virgin or extra virgin will do)
• Coconut oil
• Palm oil
• Grapefruit seed extract OR Vitamin E

Step 1: Ensure you are wearing all the necessary protective gear.

Step 2: Measure 340ml of cold water into a jug. Weigh 125g of Sodium Hydroxide Pearl 99% into a container. Slowly add the Sodium Hydroxide Pearl 99% to the water while stirring continuously. Take caution to avoid inhaling the initial vapours. Stir until all the Sodium Hydroxide has dissolved, and no lumps remain at the bottom of the jug.

Step 3: Place one thermometer into the lye solution and set it aside to cool. The solution needs to cool to a safe temperature for soap making.

Step 4: In one of the saucepans, melt exactly 284g of coconut oil and 170g of palm oil on the stove. Heat gently until the oils are completely liquid. If using a pigment for colour, add it to the warm oils and mix well.

Step 5: In the other saucepan, measure 454g of olive oil (preferably pomace grade) and pour it into the pan.

Step 6: Pour the melted coconut and palm oils into the pan with the olive oil. Mix all the oils.

Step 7: Place the second thermometer in the pan of oils. Monitor the temperatures of both the oils and the lye solution. The ideal temperature range for combining them is between approximately 80-130 degrees Celsius. Wait until both reach a similar temperature within this range.

Step 8: Once the temperatures are suitable, slowly and carefully pour the lye solution into the pan of oils. Stir briskly until the mixture thickens and reaches a stage called "the trace." If adding essential oils or colorants, do so at this stage and mix well. Once everything is incorporated, pour the mixture into your lined mould.

Step 9: Cover the mould with a cardboard sheet or similar material to prevent anything from touching the surface of the soap. Insulate the mould with old towels or a blanket and let it sit at room temperature until the soap solidifies. For a small batch like this, it should take no more than 24 hours.

Step 10: Once the soap has set and cooled, remove it from the mould and peel off any lining paper. The soap will be soft but solid enough to cut into bars or smaller blocks if desired. If it seems too soft, leave it for 2-3 days and try again. Allow the soap to cure at room temperature for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. Place the bars or blocks on uncoloured absorbent paper to allow air circulation around each piece.