How to Make Honey & Oatmeal Soap

Overview

Honey has long been thought to have enriching qualities capable of benefiting the skin. Cleopatra was fond of milk and honey baths. Queen Anne of England attributed the length and luster of her hair to the power of honey. Likewise, oatmeal has shown to have some rather beneficial qualities when it comes to human perfection as well. According to the Honey Oatmeal Soap Shop, makers of handcrafted soaps since 1999, oatmeal in soap has several dermatological benefits including a soothing effect on sensitive skin, the ability to ease itching, and exfoliating power. Now you can make your own honey soap and have the benefits of both in the palm of your hand.

Step 1

Dissolve the lye crystals by stirring them into a pan of cold water. Continue to stir the mixture as you heat the water. Lye will give off some nasty fumes for the first few minutes, so use the exhaust fan or keep a couple of windows open. Keep stirring until the mixture goes from cloudy to clear.

Step 2

Measure out your fats (lard, cocoa butter and beeswax) into a large pan and heat on medium-low. You can also add some of your oils (cocoa oil and olive oil) but keep out at least half of the oils until the fats have had a chance to soften.

Step 3

Line your mold with freezer paper while the fats soften. This will keep the soap from sticking.

Step 4

Continue heating the fats on low until they have melted. Pull the pan of fats from the stove and mix in the remaining oils.

Step 5

Pull the lye mixture from the stove. Wait for the fats mixture to reach 100 degrees, then add in the lye.

Step 6

Continue to stir the entire mixture. You'll want to stir it until the mixture begins to become smooth and starts to glisten.

Step 7

Put the honey and oatmeal (this should be ground up) into the mixture and stir until it is well blended. Continue to stir until the mixture cools to a pudding-like texture.

Step 8

Pour the soap mixture into your preset molds. Set the mold in a cool room and cover it with a towel. Check the soap periodically until it hardens. It should take no more than an hour.