DIY Oatmeal Soap Recipe
A nourishing, homemade oatmeal soap that gently exfoliates and moisturizes. This customizable recipe is perfect for all skin types and can be made fragrance-free or scented with your favorite essential oils.
Equipment
Ingredients
Base Oils & Butters:
- 9 oz coconut oil
- 9 oz olive oil infused with lavender
- 4 oz shea butter
- 3 oz castor oil
- 3 oz sweet almond oil
Lye & Liquids:
- 3.9 oz lye sodium hydroxide
- 9 oz cold water
Additions at Trace:
- 1/4 cup pulverized oats or swap with ground coffee, poppy seeds, or omit for a smooth bar
- 1 1/2 oz essential oil optional – sweet orange, lavender, peppermint, etc.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Measure
- Put on gloves and safety goggles.
- Weigh all oils, butters, and lye carefully.
- Pulverize oats in a blender or food processor.
Step 2: Make the Lye Solution
- In a heat-safe container, slowly add lye to cold water (never the other way around). Stir gently and let cool to 100-110°F.
Step 3: Melt & Mix Oils
- Melt coconut oil and shea butter.
- Add infused olive oil, castor oil, and sweet almond oil.
- Let cool to 100-110°F.
Step 4: Mix Lye & Oils
- Slowly pour lye solution into the oils.
- Use a stick blender to mix until the soap reaches "trace" (a light pudding consistency).
Step 5: Add Oatmeal & Essential Oils
- Stir in pulverized oats and essential oils.
- Blend briefly until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Mold & Cure
- Pour soap batter into the mold.
- Cover and let sit for 24-48 hours.
- Unmold, cut into bars, and cure for 4-6 weeks before using.
Notes
- Keep bars on a ventilated soap dish to prevent softening.
- Store extras in a cool, dry place for long-term use.
- Makes a great gift—wrap in kraft paper with twine for a homemade touch!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!