Shampoo Soap Bar

Wear gloves and goggles. Set up in a well-ventilated space. Set up an ice water bath.

In the ice water bath, in a lye-safe container (glass, HDPE plastic, or stainless steel), slowly add NaOH to cold distilled water into the container — never the other way around.

Stir carefully until dissolved. It will heat up and release some fumes (normal) but the ice water bath will help cool it down quickly.

Set aside to cool to ~100–120°F.

In a separate bowl, melt the solid at room temp. oils.

Then add the liquid at room temp oils. Stir and let cool to ~100–120°F to match the lye solution temp.

Pour the cooled lye solution into the oils.

Blend using a stick blender (burp it first to release air).

Mix until the batter thickens to trace — like thin pudding that leaves a trail on the surface.

Gently stir in any additives.

Immediately pour batter into your mold.

Tap gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Cover with cardboard or parchment.

Let sit undisturbed for 24–48 hours.

After 1–2 days, unmold the soap.

If firm, cut into bars using a sharp knife or soap cutter.

Place bars on a cookie rack, slatted tray, or mesh shelf spaced apart.

Keep in a cool, dry area with good airflow — no plastic containers.

Flip bars weekly for even drying.

Cure for 4–6 weeks before use. This allows excess water to evaporate and the soap to become gentler and longer lasting.