Peppermint & Tea Tree Swirl Cold Process Soap Recipe

• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
• Output: 10 Bars

Time Allocation

• Preparation and Cleanup: 30 Minutes
• Crafting Duration: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
• Total Time: 2 Hours (extend if utilizing gel phase, recommended)
• Curing Period: 4-6 Weeks

Essential Equipment

• Safety Goggles
• Long Nitrile Gloves (found in the dishwashing aisle of most supermarkets)
• Precision Digital Scale
• Digital or Infrared Thermometer
• Immersion Blender
• Portable Mini Mixer
• Two Quart-Sized Glass or Microwave-safe Plastic Bowls
• Pair of Funnel Pitchers
• Small Containers for Ingredient Storage
• Dual Quart-Sized Zipper Freezer Bags (for color mixing)
• Spatula
• Two Essential Oil Pipettes
• Measuring Spoons
• Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainer
• Paper Towels
• Cling Film
• 10-inch Silicone Loaf Mold
• Hanger Swirl Tool (see our tutorial on crafting your own)
• Skewer or Chopstick (for top designs)
• Heating Pad (Optional)
• Timer (Optional)
• Cardboard Box (fits over mold, Optional)
• Insulating Towels/Blankets (Optional)
• Vegetable Peeler (Optional for beveling)

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 11.6 oz (35%) + an additional 1.5 oz for color mixing
• Coconut Oil: 9.9 oz (30%)
• Palm Oil (melted): 6.6 oz (20%)
• Shea Butter: 3.3 oz (10%)
• Castor Oil: 1.0 oz (3%)
• Avocado Oil: 0.7 oz (2%)
• White Kaolin Clay: 2 tsp (1t PPO)
• Peppermint Essential Oil: 0.7 oz (Medium Strength)
• Tea Tree Essential Oil: 0.7 oz (Medium Strength)
• Titanium Dioxide: 1.5 tsp (Optional for color)
• Smooth Coconut Carbon Powder: 0.5 tsp
• Cold Distilled Water: 8.3 oz (25% Water as a percent of oil weight)
• Sodium Lactate 60%: 2 tsp (Optional for easier mold release) (or a scant 1/4 tsp salt per pound of oils)
• Sodium Hydroxide (Lye): 4.7 oz (6% Super Fat/Lye discount)

Step 1. Preparation: Ensure safety attire is worn and work in a ventilated area. Pre-measure all ingredients for efficiency, measuring cold water and coconut oil first, followed by essential oils and sodium hydroxide last.

Step 2. Lye Solution: Carefully mix the sodium hydroxide with water in increments, avoiding fumes, and cover with plastic wrap to cool.

Step 3. Oil Solution: Melt coconut oil and shea butter, then blend with olive, palm, castor, and avocado oils.

Step 4. Blend Essential Oils and Clay: Mix kaolin clay with peppermint and tea tree essential oils, then incorporate into the oil blend.

Step 5. Colorant Preparation: Mix coconut carbon powder and titanium dioxide (optional) separately with olive oil to eliminate clumps.

Step 6. Soap Formation: At temperatures between 85°-95°F, combine lye solution with oils, aiming for an emulsion. Divide batter for color layering.

Step 7. Pouring Technique: Follow a strategic pour and layering method for the soap, beginning with a portion of the white batter, then the black, and finishing with the remainder of the white batter.

Step 8. Swirling: Utilize a hanger tool for internal batter swirling, creating intricate designs within the soap.

Step 9. Top Design: Decorate the soap's surface with leftover batter, employing a skewer for detailed patterns.

Step 10. Gel Phase: Optionally, induce gel phase using a heating pad and insulation to enhance soap quality.

Step 11. Unmolding and Finishing: Once ready, unmold and slice the soap into bars. Optionally, bevel edges after a day. Cure the bars for 4-6 weeks before use.