Fragrance Profile
A zesty blend of fresh lime essential oil with soft notes of lemongrass and a touch of vanilla. The scent is lively and invigorating without being overpowering.
Ingredients (for a 2 lb / 900 g oil batch)
Base Oils:
- Olive Oil – 12 oz (340 g)
- Coconut Oil (76°F) – 8 oz (227 g)
- Palm Oil (sustainably sourced) – 6 oz (170 g)
- Shea Butter – 2 oz (57 g)
- Castor Oil – 2 oz (57 g)
Lye Solution:
- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) – 4.5 oz (128 g)
- Distilled Water – 10 oz (283 g)
Additives & Colorants:
- Kaolin Clay – 1 tsp (for silkiness)
- Titanium Dioxide – ½ tsp (for white base)
- Green Mica – 1 tsp (for the “drop” swirl)
- Yellow Mica – 1 tsp (for brightness)
- Optional: Poppy seeds or dried lime zest for gentle exfoliation
Essential Oils (or Fragrance Blend):
- Lime Essential Oil – 1 oz (28 g)
- Lemongrass Essential Oil – 0.5 oz (14 g)
- Vanilla Oleoresin – 0.25 oz (7 g)
(Tip: Add 1 tsp kaolin clay to your essential oils to help anchor the scent.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lye Solution:
Carefully add lye to water (never the other way around). Stir until dissolved, then set aside to cool to around 100–110°F (38–43°C). - Melt and Combine Oils:
Melt your hard oils (coconut, palm, shea butter), then add liquid oils (olive, castor). Allow to cool to similar temperature as the lye solution. - Blend:
Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Stick blend until a light trace forms. - Divide & Color:
-
- Split the batter into three portions.
- Leave one white (titanium dioxide).
- Color one with green mica.
- Color one with yellow mica.
- Add Fragrance:
Stir your essential oil blend into each portion evenly. - Create the Drop Swirl:
Pour the white base into your mold first. From a height of about 6–8 inches, pour the green and yellow soap alternately in lines or random drops.
Tap mold gently to release air bubbles. - Finish:
Use a skewer or hanger tool to lightly swirl if desired. Top with a few lime zest curls or poppy seeds. - Cure:
Let sit in the mold for 24–48 hours. Unmold, cut, and cure for 4–6 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Lime essential oil can fade over time. Blend it with lemongrass or litsea cubeba for lasting scent.
- A touch of kaolin clay helps fix the fragrance and adds slip to the bar.
- If you want a “lime candy” effect, drizzle a mica oil swirl on top before it hardens.
Optional Add-Ons
- Coconut milk – for creamier lather
- Sugar (1 tsp PPO) – boosts bubbles
- Sodium lactate (1 tsp PPO) – helps bars harden faster
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