Treating acne effectively involves cleansing the skin properly using a soap that helps to kill acne-causing bacteria and microbes. While there are many acne soaps in supermarkets and department stores, they can often contain additives that can irritate the skin, such as sodium lauryl sulfate or mineral oil.An effective acne soap can be created at home using basic ingredients that will help clear acne without exacerbating your skin condition.
Step 1
Heat the lye and the oils to exactly 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour 16 ounces of water and 7 ounces of lye into a glass bowl. Insert a glass candy thermometer into the cup. The water will begin to heat from the chemical reaction between the water and the lye. Pour 16 ounces each of olive, palm, and coconut oil into a stock pot, and heat it over medium heat. Place a second glass thermometer into the pot. When the liquid in the stock pot and the bowl each reach exactly 110 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully pour the lye water into the oils.
Step 2
Add the tea tree oil, which is effective in killing off bacteria and microbes that cause acne. Pour 1 Tbsp. of pure tea tree oil into the soap mixture, and stir the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir the mixture until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
Step 3
Pour the mixture into molds, and place them into a cool, darkened room out of direct sunlight. Leave the soap there for at least six weeks to cure. Curing ensures that the soap has solidified and the ingredients combined enough to be able to use on your skin. After six weeks, remove the soaps from the molds. Wash your skin twice a day using the soap.
Tips and Warnings
- Always wear protective goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin from lye. Always combine the lye with the water in a well ventilated area. Lye is caustic and can irritate the skin and mucus membranes if inhaled. Combining the lye water with the oils when both of the substances are 110 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the substances from separating and so that they become solid and stable when cured.
Things You'll Need
- 7 oz. lye
- 16 oz. water
- 16 oz. olive oil
- 16 oz. palm oil
- 16 oz. coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp. tea tree oil
- 2 glass candy thermometers
- Stock pot
- Glass bowl
- Protective goggles
- Protective gloves
- Soap molds
- Wooden spoon
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