INGREDIENTS: QUALITY: COST:

Coconut Oil 50gm ₱ 80.00

Mulberry Extract 50gm ₱ 295.00
Olive Oil 50gm ₱ 109.00
Sodium Hydroxide 50gm ₱ 70.00
Castor Oil 50gm ₱ 110.00
Essential Oil 50gm ₱ 109.00

Tools

A digital scale ($55.95, williams-sonoma.com) is another important tool in soap-

making. This will ensure ingredients are measured precisely, especially lye; otherwise,
you may not craft a balanced bar of soap. Additionally, all ingredients should be
measured by weight rather than volume, since inconsistent measurements will yield
unreliable results.

A candy thermometer ($19.95, surlatable.com) works well to measure the temperature

of lye solution and oils.

We also suggest stocking up on heatproof containers: Use stainless steel, high-

density plastic, or enamel-lined or ceramic for mixing water and lye. Aluminum or
nonstick surfaces tend to react poorly with lye.

Spoons and spatulas work well for mixing, while a bench scraper or serrated knife will
cut your homemade soap into smaller portions.

Last but not least, you'll need molds. Use muffin tins, loaf pans, boxes, and cartons,
many of which are likely already in your kitchen. Silicone molds for baking work well
since you can bend them out of shape to pop out soap shapes. While they have the
advantage of being nonstick, they often retain moisture, so keep in mind that
homemade soaps may have to rest for a few extra days before being removed.
How to Make Cold Process Mulberry
Soap
This is a base recipe only. The step-by-step instructions of individual
projects may vary. Before you begin, assemble your ingredients. If needed,
prepare safety gear such as goggles, gloves, and long sleeves. Cover your
work surface with newspaper.

1. First, weigh the lye in a heatproof container. Weigh water in a

separate container. (Note: A lye calculator  is handy here: simply enter
the oil weight or percentage, and the tool will provide the lye and
liquid amount needed for the recipe.)
2. Next, carefully pour the lye into the water, stirring gently with
a heatproof utensil  until the lye has fully dissolved. Set aside, and let
cool for up to an hour.
3. While the lye solution is cooling, weigh oils or solid butters. Melt with
a double-boiler until up to 100 degrees.
4. Pour the lye solution into the container of oils. Stir until trace is
reached. (Trace refers to the point when the oils and lye solution have
emulsified. At this stage, there should be no streaks of oil, and the
soap will have the consistency of batter.) Then add any extra
ingredients—such as natural exfoliants or colorants—stirring to
combine.
5. Carefully pour the melted soap into the mold. (The soap is still caustic
at this stage, so keep your safety gear on when handling.) Cover the
mold with a sheet of paper. To retain heat, wrap a towel around it. Set
aside for up to two days or until completely cool and solid.
6. When ready, remove homemade soap  from the mold and slice it into
bars. Let the bar soaps cure in the open air for at least four weeks
before using.