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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: HOW TO MAKE HERBAL LIQUID SOAP FROM SCRATCH

Making liquid soap from scratch once seemed daunting to me, but after trying it, I discovered it’s much simpler than it looks!

If you’ve already mastered cold process or hot process soap making, then crafting liquid soap is a natural next step.

This guide was originally part of my newest print book, The Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, it didn’t make the final cut—so I’m sharing the tips and recipes here with you instead. Enjoy!

Liquid Soapmaking Tips

Before you dive into making liquid soap, here are a few key points to keep in mind.

YOU’LL NEED A DIFFERENT TYPE OF LYE:

One major difference between liquid soap and bar soap lies in the type of lye used.

Bar soap hardens thanks to sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which acts as the agent that turns oils into solid soap.

Liquid soap, on the other hand, is made by combining oils with potassium hydroxide (KOH). This type of lye is readily available from Etsy or online soap-making suppliers.

Keep in mind that potassium hydroxide purity levels can vary. My recipes are based on 90% purity, a common standard. If your bottle lists a different purity level, you can adjust your recipe using the Soapee calculator. Simply select Liquid Soap – using KOH and input the lye purity number in the first box.

CROCKPOT SIZE FOR LIQUID SOAP:

For this recipe size, I use a 4-quart crock pot (slow cooker), which I picked up at a local big-box store. Make sure to avoid slow cookers with non-stick or Teflon-coated interiors, as these materials can react negatively with lye.

SUPERFAT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN BAR SOAP:

Liquid soap differs slightly from bar soap in that it requires a lower superfat—typically no higher than 3%. A higher superfat may cause the soap to develop an oily layer.

YOU’LL NEED TO USE MORE WATER IN YOUR RECIPE:

When making liquid soap, the water amount is higher than in bar soap recipes. You’ll need roughly three times the weight of potassium hydroxide in water.

IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO DILUTE SOAP PASTE ONLY WITH WATER AND/OR GLYCERIN:

To ensure your liquid soap has the longest shelf life, dilute the finished soap paste with water or a combination of water and glycerin.

Avoid diluting with herbal teas or milk, as these can cause the soap to spoil more quickly—unless they were cooked into the recipe, like in the Calendula & Coconut Liquid Soap below.

OILS ACT DIFFERENTLY IN LIQUID SOAP THAN BAR SOAP:

When creating your own liquid soap recipes, remember that the choice of oils affects the soap’s consistency.

Using more olive oil results in a thicker soap, while more coconut oil creates a thinner soap.

For a deeper dive into how different oils impact liquid soap, check out this informative post on the Soapmaking Forum.

YOU HAVE LOTS OF HERBAL OPTIONS:

“There are many herbs you can experiment with beyond the ones listed in the recipes below. You can easily substitute them or omit them entirely, using plain oils and water in place of infused oils and herbal teas.

I’m currently working on a resource to provide more detailed options, but in the meantime, here are a few herbs and flowers you might consider exploring:

  • Chamomile
  • Plantain
  • Calendula
  • Dandelion
  • Sunflower
  • Violet leaf”

MY WAY IS NOT THE ONLY WAY:

First and foremost, it’s important to note that this is how I make liquid soap—it’s just one of many methods, not necessarily the best or only method.

There are many fantastic resources available for learning how to make liquid soap. Here are a few to get you started:

  • Soapmaking Forum (I frequently recommend this site; it’s an invaluable resource for soapmakers.) – Liquid Soap & Cream Soap Forum
  • Ultimate HP Soap – 30-Minute Liquid Soap
  • Wholesale Supplies Plus – Learn to Make: Liquid Soap From Scratch
  • Modern Soapmaking – Easy & Quick Tips for Making Liquid Soap Successfully

A quick search for ‘liquid soap’ on any search engine will lead you to even more helpful information!

Liquid Soap Making Overview

Step 1:
Weigh the oils for your recipe and place them into a slow cooker. Turn the heat to high. If you’re using milk powder, briefly blend it into the combined oils using an immersion blender.

Step 2:
Place the distilled water or cooled herbal tea in a stainless steel or heatproof plastic container. While wearing gloves and goggles, weigh out the potassium hydroxide and carefully sprinkle it into the water. Stir well. It’s normal for the lye solution to make a crackling noise when it’s first mixed.

Step 3:
Turn the slow cooker’s heat to low, then pour in the lye solution. Hand stir the mixture for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s fully incorporated. After that, begin blending with your immersion blender. Blend for 1 minute, then allow the blender to rest for a few minutes before blending again for another minute. Avoid running the motor continuously to prevent burning it out. It may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to reach trace.

Step 4:
Keep the heat on low, cover the slow cooker with its lid, and check the mixture every 20 to 30 minutes. Stir with a heatproof spoon or spatula. The soap will start to darken and develop gel-like spots, with other areas separating into clear or cloudy liquid. This is completely normal—just stir everything back together, replace the lid, and continue cooking.

Step 5:
After 1 to 2 hours, the soap batter should become thicker and more concentrated. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the soap is glossy and resembles Vaseline, as shown in the photo. The total cook time for liquid soap may vary between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the temperature settings of your slow cooker.

Step 6 (Optional):
To check if the soap is fully saponified, you can perform an old-fashioned zap test to ensure there’s no residual lye.

To do this, scoop out 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of soap paste and allow it to cool to a safe, comfortable temperature. Mix the cooled paste with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of distilled water. Dip your fingertip into the diluted paste and taste it with just the tip of your tongue (don’t swallow the soap!). If it gives your tongue a zapping or electric feeling, the soap needs more cooking. If it just tastes like soap without any zappy sensation, the soap is ready. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with cold water afterward.

If you’d prefer not to taste the soap but are still unsure, you can turn off the slow cooker, keep the soap covered, and let it sit for 6 hours or overnight to finish the saponification process on its own before proceeding with the next steps of the recipe.

Step 7:
Store the soap paste in covered jars if you want to dilute small amounts at a time. This method extends the shelf life of the undiluted soap paste, which can last for several years. If you choose to dilute the entire batch at once, the shelf life will be shorter. The pH of finished diluted soap typically ranges from 9 to 10.5, and because of its natural alkalinity, it generally doesn’t require a preservative for home use—provided it’s diluted with only distilled water or vegetable glycerine. However, those who sell liquid soap or prefer extra protection often add a preservative like Liquid Germall Plus. I personally don’t add preservatives to my soap, but it’s your choice.

Step 8:
To determine the starting dilution amount, weigh the fully cooked soap paste and multiply the weight by 0.2 (20%) to find how much glycerine you need. Then, multiply the weight by 0.8 (80%) to figure out how much distilled water is required.

For example, if your soap batch weighs 30 ounces (850 g), you would need 6 oz (170 g) glycerine and 24 oz (680 g) distilled water.
If you prefer to dilute a smaller amount, such as 4 ounces of paste, you’d need 0.8 oz (23 g) glycerine and 3.2 oz (91 g) distilled water.

If you don’t have glycerine or choose not to use it, simply substitute more distilled water in its place.

Step 9:
Combine the glycerine and distilled water in a deep stainless steel saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the soap paste to the boiling mixture, stirring gently to ensure the paste is covered by the liquid. Then, cover the pan and turn off the heat, leaving it on the still-hot burner. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally and mashing with a fork, spatula, or potato masher to break up any lumps.

Repeat the boiling and cooling process 1 to 2 more times, allowing the soap paste to dissolve completely. Don’t rush this step or stir too vigorously, as the process takes time. Leave the mixture at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, stirring occasionally, until the paste is fully dissolved.

Step 10:
To add fragrance, gently warm the soap one last time, but do not allow it to simmer or boil. Once the soap is warmed (around 100°F), stir in the essential oil. To calculate the right amount, use 1% of the total diluted soap weight. For example, if you have 8 ounces (237 ml) of diluted soap, you would use 0.08 ounces or about 2.4 ml of essential oil, which is approximately ½ teaspoon. You can also use EO Calc for more precise measurements.

Some essential oils, such as lavender, blend well into liquid soap, while others may cause cloudiness or separation. If this is the case, you might want to use a solubilizer to keep the essential oils mixed evenly. A future article will go into more detail on adding essential oils to liquid soap.

Step 11:
Pour the diluted soap into jars using a fine mesh strainer to catch any undissolved lumps. Let the soap sit undisturbed for several days so it can settle and clear. While the soap can technically be used immediately, giving it time to rest will improve its clarity.

Liquid Soap Recipes

Here are two recipes to kick off your liquid soapmaking journey. You can also check out the Dandelion & Honey Liquid Soap recipe already published on my site. Use the Soapee Calculator, the tips shared earlier in this article, and your creativity to experiment and create your own unique liquid soap recipes!

CALENDULA & COCONUT LIQUID SOAP

This soap captures the essence of sunshine in a jar, thanks to the bright yellow color from calendula flower-infused coconut oil. For added nourishment and appeal, I included a small amount of coconut milk powder in the oils, but you can also use cow or goat milk powder, or skip it altogether. Just keep in mind that milk powders should be used in small amounts for liquid soap to avoid scorching during the long cook time.

It’s important not to dilute soap paste with fresh milk, as it can spoil easily. For more on how to make calendula-infused oil, check out my article on Calendula Oil & Salve.

Yield: 60 ounces (1.7 kg) of diluted soap

Ingredients:

  • 13.75 oz (390 g) distilled water
  • 4.63 oz (131 g) potassium hydroxide (3% superfat)
  • 8 oz (227 g) calendula-infused coconut oil (40%)
  • 3 oz (85 g) castor oil (15%)
  • 9 oz (255 g) high oleic sunflower oil (45%)
  • 1/2 tsp coconut milk powder
  • Up to 6 oz (170 g) vegetable glycerine, for dilution (or more distilled water)
  • Up to 24 oz (680 g) distilled water, for dilution
  • Equal amounts of orange and grapefruit essential oils (see step 10 in the Liquid Soap Making Overview for how to calculate essential oil amounts)

Directions:

  1. In a stainless steel or heatproof plastic container, place the distilled water. Wearing gloves and goggles, weigh out the potassium hydroxide and carefully add it to the water. Stir well and set the lye solution aside.
  2. Weigh the coconut, castor, and sunflower oils into a slow cooker. Blend in the coconut milk powder using an immersion blender. Turn the heat to low, then pour in the lye solution. Alternate between blending with the immersion blender and stirring by hand until trace is reached.
  3. Keep the heat on low, cover the slow cooker with the lid, and check every 30 minutes. Stir with a heatproof spoon or spatula. Continue cooking for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Store the paste in covered jars. Follow the dilution and scenting guidelines in the full Liquid Soap Making Overview.

HEMP & PLANTAIN LIQUID SOAP

This soap combines plantain-infused coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and nourishing hemp oil for a truly unique blend. It’s lightly scented with lavender essential oil, though you can skip the scent for a more natural version.

Note: I used rich, unrefined hemp seed oil from Mountain Rose Herbs to give the soap a subtle green hue. However, hemp seed oil has a shorter shelf life, so it’s best to use this soap within 4 to 6 months. Over time, the green hue may fade to a brownish color, though the soap remains effective and fragrant. I’ve had a jar of this recipe for over a year, and it’s still good, but the color has changed.

Yield: 60 ounces (1.7 kg) diluted soap

Ingredients:

  • 13.75 oz (390 g) distilled water
  • 4.63 oz (131 g) potassium hydroxide (2% superfat)
  • 7 oz (198 g) plantain-infused coconut oil (35%)
  • 2 oz (57 g) castor oil (10%)
  • 6 oz (170 g) extra virgin olive oil (30%)
  • 4 oz (113 g) high oleic sunflower oil (20%)
  • 1 oz (28 g) unrefined hemp or avocado oil (5%)
  • Up to 6 oz (170 g) vegetable glycerine, for dilution (or more distilled water)
  • Up to 24 oz (680 g) distilled water, for dilution
  • Lavender essential oil (see step 10 in the Liquid Soap Making Overview for how to calculate essential oil amounts)

Directions:

  1. Place the distilled water in a stainless steel or heatproof plastic container. Wearing gloves and goggles, carefully weigh out the potassium hydroxide and sprinkle it into the water. Stir well, and set the lye solution aside.
  2. Weigh the coconut, castor, olive, sunflower, and hemp oils into a slow cooker. Turn the heat to low, then pour in the lye solution. Alternate between using an immersion blender and stirring by hand until trace is reached.
  3. Keep the heat on low, cover the slow cooker with the lid, and check every 30 minutes. Stir with a heatproof spoon or spatula. Continue cooking for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Store the soap paste in covered jars. Follow the dilution and scenting guidelines in the full Liquid Soap Making Overview.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own liquid soap allows for creative freedom in selecting nourishing oils, natural ingredients, and essential oils to customize the formula to your needs. With the right ingredients, like plantain-infused coconut oil, hemp oil, or calendula, and careful attention to the cooking and dilution process, you can create a luxurious, natural soap that’s both effective and gentle on the skin.

By following the detailed steps provided in the soapmaking process—from creating the lye solution to diluting the soap paste—you’ll be able to craft a product that suits your preferences. Whether you want a soothing lavender scent, a bright, sunny color from calendula, or a gentle, unscented bar, homemade liquid soap offers a unique, customizable experience. Remember that patience is key, and each batch will have its own characteristics, including color changes over time depending on the oils used.

So, whether you’re making soap for personal use or as a creative gift, the process is both rewarding and satisfying. Happy soapmaking!

BEST METALS FOR SENSITIVE EARS – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EAR PIERCING

There are a plethora of options for ear piercings, so it’s critical to do your homework before getting one so you know precisely what you want, where you want it, how much it will cost, and most importantly, how much it will hurt.

However, we’ve got all the information you need to be permanently pierced before you go to the salon—or, as they’re now called, “earring bar.” To begin with, these are the best metals for sensitive ears and all you gotta know about ear piercings.

BEST METAL FOR SENSITIVE EARS

The distinction between pure metal and metal alloy lies in the fact that the latter is a blend of various metals. It’s important to keep an eye out for nickel and cobalt. They are often utilized because they lighten the tone and strengthen weaker metals. Creating elaborate patterns is hampered by the natural softness of superior metals like gold and silver. Regretfully, the majority of products available in the market are made of metal alloys, which can range in price from higher to cheaper. We think it’s not worth it, particularly if there are other solutions available.

GOLD

Gold is, of course, the most expensive of them all. It’s crucial to remember that the quality of Gold varies and that this affects how severe your allergic reactions are. Always be careful to look up the karat weight to determine the exact amount of gold present in a certain setting. The unit of measurement for gold purity is karat. Choose 14k Gold or above, since it is purer in form and less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, to prevent any potential allergies for extremely sensitive skin. 

ARUTE INFINITY HOOP EARRING

Aurate specializes in affordable, long-lasting gold jewelry that is obtained ethically; according to the business, over 99% of the jewelry in its line is recycled gold. You may choose from a variety of designs in 14k or 18k pure gold, or 14k gold vermeil, which is a sterling silver base plated in thick 14k gold. Just decide what suits your budget and ears the best. 

QUINCE 14K GOLD BALL STUDS

Though, likely, that you’ll only wear them on your ears, expect these dazzling studs to remain a staple in your jewelry box. Made by hand from 14-karat solid gold, they are unaffected by oxidation or color change. Furthermore, the spheres are the perfect size for daily wear—not too little or garish.

SILVER

Sterling silver is another pricey material that, in high purity, won’t trigger an allergic reaction. They also need some kind of metal alloy, such as copper and nickel, because they are rather soft in their native state. This makes it difficult to distinguish between them and select the ideal pair of silver earrings while attempting to manage your allergy. 

MEJURI DOME HUGGIES

One of our favorite inexpensive jewelry brands is Mejuri for striking pieces that you can wear every day, like this plump shape that has Bottega vibes. This stackable pair dipped in 18-karat gold vermeil, is resistant to oxidation and discoloration.

FLAIRE & CO. ALL SMILES HUGGIES

These cheerful face earrings are a quick mood booster and give your everyday ear accessory a quirky, upbeat flair. Not only does the design make us happy, though; Flaire & Co. sells hypoallergenic jewelry that, with the right maintenance, won’t turn your skin green for less than $15.

TITANIUM

Not only is it a great option due to its hypoallergenic qualities, but it is also a sturdy and lightweight material. Titanium jewelry is the least reactive jewelry according to users; it is robust, pleasant, and exquisitely light on the ear. It is advised to choose earrings that are medical quality, implant grade, and commercially pure. 

MAISON MIRU COSMIC CARTILAGE HOOP

It might be difficult to choose the correct earrings for your cartilage, even though they are among the most common piercings outside of your lobe. You won’t be switching out this earring very frequently because of its placement, especially if it’s brand-new, so we think it’s especially crucial to pick one with safe materials and a style that works for many occasions—two things Maison Miru successfully satisfies. 

TINI LUX TWILIGHT STUD

These shimmering studs are suitable for every occasion, whether you’ve assigned yourself the architect of creating an “earscape” or simply need an unusual everyday earring that doesn’t draw attention to itself. The emerald-cut earrings, with their somber hue and four-post rectangular silver or gold backing, hint at a classic look without really embracing it.

NIOBIUM

Niobium is a naturally occurring inert metal that doesn’t react with human tissue. Although niobium is naturally blue-green, it may be anodized to turn it gold. An electrical current is used in conjunction with a certain soap and water solution to anodize niobium jewelry. Anodized Niobium is 100% pure Niobium, which implies that it is still 100% non-allergenic and non-reactive, unlike ordinary fashion jewelry, which has plating, coatings, or dyes. Nickel is never present in it since it is a pure metal rather than an alloy.

GENUINE AMAZONITE NIOBIUM FRENCH HOOK EARRING

Remain composed, joyful, and prepared to have faith in yourself. Selecting earrings with a semiprecious Amazonite stone and a hypoallergenic metal like niobium can help you find inner calm and stimulate your creativity.

FOR REBEL SKIN DAINTY GOLD BRANCH EARRING

Tiny earrings made of gold branches. Gorgeous dangling earrings with a natural theme. Pure ear wires made of niobium. Niobium has no tarnish and is completely hypoallergenic. For those who are allergic to metals, this metal is safe to use. Niobium, like titanium, is very biocompatible.

 

STAINLESS STEEL

It might be challenging to discern between reactive and high-quality metal alloys. But, in terms of cost and piercings, it’s a great substitute for both gold and silver. A mixture of metals that are resistant to corrosion is referred to as surgical stainless steel or SSS for short. If you’re looking for jewelry that’s elegant, affordable, and non-reactive, stainless steel earrings are a great choice. 

OANVIDER SURGICAL STAINLESS STEEL SMALL HOOP EARRING

Unable to choose a hoop size? Try these chic, hypoallergenic earrings from Oanvider to change things up. Three tiny surgical stainless steel hoops that resemble regular silver earrings are included in Amazon’s Choice selection. You may wear them all day without experiencing any irritation by switching up the size to meet different ensembles and events.

UHIBROS HYPOALLERGENIC ROUND BALL EARRING

Though sparkling studs and bejeweled hoops are irresistible, sometimes a simple, fuss-free earring may do the trick. Since every set of these round ball earrings comes in diameters ranging from four to eight millimeters, the dealer will choose which piercing each should be placed in. (To increase your options, you may choose from five different hues.) However, because they’re so inexpensive, you don’t have to be picky; if you want to mix and match your metals, you may possess many sets without going over budget. 

HOW TO CLEAN EAR PIERCINGS

  • When you practice other routine hygiene practices, clean your piercing. To gently remind yourself to clean it every day, do it after you take a shower or brush your teeth.
  • Wash your hands. To prevent the spread of bacteria, wash your piercing with warm water and a mild soap before touching it.
  • Use a fresh cotton pad or swab soaked in a salt solution to clean. To prepare this solution, whisk one teaspoon of salt into one cup of heated water. To get rid of any germs, use this many times a day around the piercing region.
  • Steer clear of fragrant soaps. Wash the area surrounding the piercing with water and a mild antiseptic soap.
  • Every time you remove a piercing, clean the region that was pierced. This also applies to the process of reinstalling it. When jewelry is left out in the open or rests on a surface like a counter or table, bacteria may grow on it very fast.
  • Keep your piercing clean outside of the restroom. That particularly applies to public ones. High bacterial concentrations are typically seen in even the cleanest residential bathrooms.
  • Avoid using any body or hair products around the piercing. Use caution while using shampoo, soap, gel, pomade, hairspray, or any other substance that may come into contact with the piercing and cause tissue irritation.
  • Keep an eye out for discharge that seems strange or discolored. If you observe any odd discharge, get in touch with your piercer or doctor immediately, since this might indicate an infection.

FAQ

WHAT METAL IS 100% HYPOALLERGENIC?

A maximum of 24 karats is used to assess the purity of gold, hence 24K gold is considered pure gold. Because 24K gold is made entirely of pure gold, it is nickel-free and hypoallergenic.

HOW DO I STOP MY EARRINGS FROM IRRITATING MY EARS?

Just treat the earrings in question with a couple of applications of vaseline or petroleum jelly before wearing them. Either chemical is a proactive way to cope with a response in addition to being an effective barrier.

WHAT METAL SHOULD BE AVOIDED IN JEWELRY?

Among the metals that may cause allergic reactions or discomfort are: One of the most frequent triggers for metal allergies is nickel. It can result in contact dermatitis and is frequently found in inexpensive jewelry. Pure copper has the potential to irritate the skin when it reacts with it.

DO EAR PIERCING HURT?

Lobe piercings should just cause a pinch as the needle goes through your ear; however, cartilage piercings are known to cause a little harsher sensation, with a sudden shock followed by a duller, throbbing ache. but brief and uneventful.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Make sure to learn how to take care of your piercing before scheduling an appointment for a new accessory. The key to keeping your piercing looking nice rather than diseased is proper upkeep. Avoid twisting, turning, rotating, or sleeping on any of your piercings as this might prolong the healing process and raise your risk of discomfort or infection. Aim to avoid sleeping on them and give them a saline wash once or twice a day. In general, you should avoid being around water for six to eight weeks following your piercing (baths, pools, hot tubs, etc.).