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Castile soap

True castile soap is made with olive oil, water and lye. It was invented in Aleppo and brought, by the crusaders, to the Castile region of Spain where it became popular. For centuries people have been using this gentle cleanser for everything from bathing skin and hair to washing clothes and floors. Coconut oil is frequently added to help create fluffiness and lather which we have included in this recipe which makes approximately 1kg of soap.

Ingredients:

600gm Olive oil

150gm coconut oil

103gm caustic soda

210gm purified water

Firstly, pop your gloves and eye protection on and a suitable mask to protect you from fumes and head outside with a bowl, the purified water, caustic soda and a spoon. Pour the water into the bowl and then add the Sodium Hydroxide (ALWAYS add the Caustic to the water and NEVER the water to the Caustic). One pearl of caustic soda is all you need to burn your skin, so it is vital to be cautious and wear protection.
The mixture will be very HOT. Stir until dissolved and keep away from your face so as to avoid inhaling fumes. Allow mixture to cool (the fumes will disappear when it cools)
Now, back into the kitchen where you can mix the two base oils until they reach about 35 deg C.
When the caustic water is approximately the same temperature (just dip a thermometer in each mixture), pour the lye water into the pot of oils.
Now, get mixing with a stick blender! You are aiming for nice creamy consistency, but not thick and lumpy. When the soap gets to this point, it is called trace. You are aiming for a medium trace. It is often a good idea to keep a spoon handy so you can give it a mix in between your mixing with the stick blender. You should aim for 15-20 second zaps with the stick blender and then a few stirs with the spoon and so forth.
Whilst this recipe is for an unscented castile soap, you can add essential oils or fragrance if you wish. Add 25-30mL of your chosen oil and give it a short burst with the stick blender.
Pour into mould and cover. This soap can be quite soft so leave it a few days before cutting.
For curing, it can take at least 8 weeks, due to the higher content of "soft oil" (the olive oil). The longer you leave it, the harder it will be.