How to make homemade soap to take care of your skin and the environment? Step by step
Making homemade soap has become a popular trend for those looking for natural and eco-friendly alternatives in personal care. This process is not only beneficial for the skin, but also for the environment, by avoiding the use of unnecessary chemicals. Below, we explain how you can get started in this creative and sustainable practice.
Materials needed: To get started, you will need the following ingredients and tools:
- Oils or fats: You can choose between olive oil, coconut, almond or shea butter, depending on your preferences and skin needs.
- Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide): essential for the saponification process that will convert oils into soap.
- Distilled water: used to dissolve caustic soda evenly and safely.
- Scents and colors: Opt for essential oils and natural colorants, such as clays or spices, to personalize your soap.
Homemade soaps can be made easily. Photo: iStock
- Glass or stainless steel containers (avoid aluminum).
- Hand mixer to mix the ingredients.
- Silicone or wooden molds lined with wax paper.
- Wooden or silicone spoons and spatulas.
- Protective equipment: gloves, safety glasses and mask.
- Workspace preparation: Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. Always wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask to avoid direct contact with caustic soda.
- Mixing caustic soda and water: In a sturdy container, gradually pour the caustic soda into the water, never the other way around, to avoid dangerous reactions. Mix gently and let stand until the temperature drops to about 40-45 °C.
With a series of steps, you can achieve a sustainable product that uses few ingredients. Photo: iStock
- Heating the oils: Heat the selected oils until they also reach 40-45 °C. Then slowly combine with the soda mixture, stirring constantly with the mixer at low speed.
- Beating and molding: Continue beating until mixture thickens. Add essential oils or colorants and pour into molds. Cover and let sit for 24-48 hours.
- Cutting and curing the soap: Once hardened, remove from the mold and, if necessary, cut into bars. Place the bars on a rack in a dry, ventilated place and allow to cure for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Safety: Handle caustic soda with extreme care, always in a ventilated space.
- Accuracy: Use a digital scale to weigh ingredients and ensure soap quality.
- Personalization: Experiment with different oils and additives to tailor the soap to your skin type.
- Storage: Store soaps in a cool, dry place to maximize shelf life.
Making soap at home is a great way to make personal care products that are not only kind to your skin, but also to the environment. With the right precautions and a little creativity, you can turn this activity into a rewarding and responsible hobby.
The Nation (Argentina) / GDA
Does bathing with soap and water every day affect the skin? | I have the remedy for you More news in EL TIEMPO *This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from La Nación (GDA), and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
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