Ingredients:

How to Make Facial Soap for Oily Skin?

Create a gentle, effective facial soap for oily skin using a cold process method. This recipe uses ingredients known to help balance oil production without stripping the skin.

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals. Note that precise measurements are crucial in soapmaking. Improper ratios can result in an unusable product. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when working with lye.

• Oils:
  • Coconut oil: 425g (Provides hardness and lather)
  • Cocoa butter: 50g (Adds conditioning and creaminess)
  • Castor oil: 25g (Increases lather and conditioning)
• Other Ingredients:
  • Fine salt: 300g (Acts as a gentle exfoliant, helps control oil)
  • Sweet orange essential oil (optional): 10g (Adds fragrance and potential skin benefits)
  • Mandarin essential oil (optional): 5g (Adds fragrance and potential skin benefits)
• Lye Solution:
  • Sodium hydroxide (lye): 70.4g (Caution: Handle with extreme care. Wear safety goggles and gloves.) Never use drain cleaner as a substitute.
  • Water: 190g

Important Note: This recipe's lye concentration is calculated based on the provided oil amounts. Altering the oil amounts necessitates recalculating the lye amount using a lye calculator to maintain soap safety.

Instructions (Cold Process Method):

This method requires precise measurements and careful handling of lye. Consult detailed tutorials and safety guidelines before attempting. Many online resources provide comprehensive cold process soapmaking instructions. This is a simplified overview.

1. Prepare the Lye Solution: Carefully add the lye to the water (never the other way around), stirring gently until completely dissolved. The mixture will heat up. Let it cool.
2. Combine Oils: Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter together. Add the castor oil.
3. Combine and Trace: Once both the lye solution and oil mixture are cool (around 100-110°F), slowly add the lye solution to the oils, constantly stirring. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a "trace," meaning it thickens enough to leave a trail on the surface when you drizzle some from a spoon.
4. Add Additives: Add the salt and essential oils (if using) and stir to combine.
5. Pour and Cure: Pour the mixture into a mold. Cover and let it sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours.
6. Unmold and Cure: Carefully unmold the soap and cut it into bars. Let the soap cure for 4-6 weeks in a well-ventilated area. This allows excess water to evaporate, and the soap to harden and become milder.

Considerations for Oily Skin:

• Low Superfat: This recipe is formulated with a minimal superfat (excess oils not saponified by lye). This is generally recommended for oily skin to avoid overly moisturizing the skin and potentially contributing to excess oil production. Consult resources on superfatting for more information.
• Exfoliants: The addition of salt provides gentle exfoliation, helpful in removing excess oil and dead skin cells. Consider other gentle exfoliants like finely ground oats or clay for future variations.
• Essential Oils: Essential oils like tea tree or lavender are often recommended for oily skin due to their potential antiseptic and balancing properties. However, always test a small amount on your skin to rule out allergic reactions.