How Castile Soap is Made: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Saponification Process 

The Australian Eucalyptus Oil Company's Pure Castile Soap is a premium soap product made from pure, natural ingredients. The soap is made using a traditional saponification process, where olive and coconut oils and lye are combined to create soap molecules.

One of the key features of this Castile soap is that it is made using only pure olive oil, known for its moisturizing and gentle properties. This, combined with the natural ingredients used in the soap-making process, makes for a soap that is both pure and natural.

Making your own Castile soap is easy but time-consuming, at the end of this blog, we have a simple recipe to follow.

What is the Saponification Process?

The saponification process is the chemical reaction that occurs when fats or oils are combined with an alkali, such as lye (sodium hydroxide), to produce soap.

In the case of our Castile soap, the recipe uses pure olive oil and coconut oil as fat sources. When the oils are mixed with the lye solution, a chemical reaction breaks down the fats into glycerol and fatty acids. The lye reacts with the fatty acids to form soap molecules, while the glycerol remains in the mixture, giving the soap its moisturizing properties.

The saponification process continues as the soap mixture is left to cure. As the soap cures, the pH level drops, indicating that the saponification process is complete and the soap is safe to use.

The saponification process is crucial in determining the soap's properties and quality. Different oils have different saponification values, meaning that different amounts of lye are required to produce soap from each oil. For example, the saponification value of olive oil is slightly lower than other oils, which is why Castile soap is known for its gentleness and moisturizing properties.

The process of saponification, or making soap from oil and lye, results in soap molecules and glycerin formation. Glycerin is a byproduct of the reaction between lye and oil and is known for its moisturizing properties.

Benefits of Pure Castile Soap

One of the benefits of Castile soap, which is made from pure olive oil, is that it leaves more glycerin in the final product compared to other types of soap. This makes Castile soap particularly moisturizing and gentle on the skin.

When soap is made using the saponification process, the glycerin is naturally produced and remains in the soap. In contrast, many commercial soaps often remove the glycerin for use in other products, which can result in a drying effect on the skin.

So, if you're looking for a soap that is moisturizing and gentle on your skin, look for one that contains glycerin and is made using the saponification process, like Castile soap.

Recipe and Method for Making Pure Castile Soap

Here's a step-by-step guide to making 2 litres of liquid Castile soap:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of pure olive oil
• 252 g of sodium hydroxide (lye)
• 576 ml of distilled water
• Essential oils (optional)
• Equipment:
• Digital scale
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Thermometer
• Immersion blender
• Large pot
• Sticks for stirring
• Protective gloves and goggles
• Glass or stainless steel container for storing the soap

Steps:

1. Safety first: Wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the lye.
2. Measure the oil: Weigh the olive oil and pour it into a large pot.
3. Measure the lye: Weigh the sodium hydroxide and slowly add it to the distilled water, stirring constantly until the lye is fully dissolved.
4. Combine the ingredients: Slowly pour the lye solution into the pot with the oil and stir continuously until the mixture reaches "trace." Trace is a term used to describe the stage when the mixture has thickened enough to hold its shape. This usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes.
5. Blend the soap: Once the mixture has reached trace, use an immersion blender to blend the soap until it becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Add essential oils: If desired, add your preferred essential oils at this stage.
7. Thinning the soap: Slowly add distilled water to the soap mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
8. Pour into the container: Pour the liquid Castile soap into a glass or stainless steel container and let it sit for 24 hours to thicken fully.
9. Label and store: Label the container with the contents and the date, and store it in a cool, dry place.

That's it! With these steps, you can make 2 litres of liquid Castile soap at home. Remember that soap-making requires precision and care, so follow the instructions carefully and avoid any shortcuts to ensure a successful outcome.