How to Make Liquid Castile Soap at Home

Castile soap is commonly found in health food stores due to it's mild and natural ingredients. If you want a greener alternative to commercial soap, or have concerns about the chemicals in most soaps, Castile soap is the solution. Castile soap gets it's name from the Castile region of Spain which is known for it's production of olive oil. Castile soap is made mostly of olive oil, making it gentle and hydrating to your skin.

 

Things You'll Need:

• 2 cups olive oil
• 1/2 cup lye granules
• 12 cups water
• candy thermometer

1. Heat the olive oil to 80 degrees. You will allow it to cool to 75 degrees before adding the lye.
   
2. As the olive oil is cooling dissolve the lye into the 12 cups of water. Use a wooden spoon to stir the lye as it dissolves. Use extreme caution when mixing and pouring lye! Work in a well ventilated area, wear eye protection and keep some vinegar handy in case you get some lye on your skin. The vinegar will neutralize the lye.
   
3. After you have the lye dissolved in the water and the olive oil has cooled to 75 degrees, slowly add the lye to the olive oil. Stir well and continue stirring for 15 minutes as the liquid Castile soap cools.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Liquid castile soap is excellent for dry skin.
• After the soap has cooled, you can add essential oils for natural fragrance if desired.