Spearmint Essential Oil Soap: A Beginner's Guide
Delving into the world of homemade natural soap, especially for beginners, brings its unique blend of excitement and challenge. Crafting a batch of Spearmint Cold Process Soap is a perfect starting point. This mint soap recipe is designed to yield 10 bars, providing an excellent opportunity for those starting their journey in soap making or for seasoned crafters looking to refresh their repertoire.
Timing and Scheduling for Spearmint Soap Making
The process of creating this spearmint soap encompasses a well-allocated time frame ensuring a smooth flow from preparation to the final product. It involves a prep and cleanup time of about 30 minutes, a performance time of 1 hour, totaling to 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, if you decide to put your soap through gel phase, which is highly recommended for the best results, it may take a bit longer. The cure time for this soap ranges from 4 to 6 weeks, a necessary period for the soap to fully saponify and harden.
Supplies List for Making Spearmint Cold Process Soap
To embark on this journey of how to make mint soap, you will need the following supplies:
- Goggles and Extra Long Disposable Nitrile Gloves for safety.
- A Digital Scale and Thermometer (Digital or Infrared) for precise measurements.
- A Stick Blender for mixing.
- Glass Mixing Bowls or Microwavable Plastic Bowls for combining ingredients.
- Funnel Pitchers and Small Containers for managing liquids and small measures.
- Spatula, Pipettes (for Essential Oils), and Measuring Spoons for handling and adding ingredients.
- A Fine Mesh Strainer (Stainless Steel) to ensure smoothness.
- Paper Towels for cleanup
- 10” Silicone Mold for shaping your soap.
- Optional tools include a Heating Pad for the gel phase, a Timer, a Cardboard Box to cover the mold, and Towels/Blankets for insulation.
Ingredients for Natural Spearmint Soap Recipe
The natural soap recipe for spearmint soap calls for:
- 12.0 oz Olive Oil (36%)
- 10.0 oz Coconut Oil (30%)
- 8.4 oz Palm Oil (melted) (25%)
- 1.7 oz Avocado Oil (5%)
- 1.3 oz Castor Oil (4%)
- 1.6 oz Spearmint Essential Oil (3.5%)
- ¾ teaspoon Peppermint Leaves (Finely Ground) (0.25 teaspoon PPS)
- 6.7 oz Cold Distilled Water (20% Water as a percent of oil weight)
- 4.7 oz Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) (6% Super Fat/Lye discount)
- 2 teaspoons Sodium Lactate 60% (Optional) to aid in hardening and mold release.
The incorporation of spearmint essential oil not only imbues the soap with its refreshing aroma but also leverages its skin-benefiting properties. The use of coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, avocado oil, and castor oil creates a well-balanced blend for moisturizing and conditioning the skin. The finely ground peppermint leaves add a gentle exfoliating effect, enhancing the soap’s sensory appeal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mint Soap at Home
Preparation
Before diving into this spearmint essential oil recipe for soap making, ensure you're equipped with a basic understanding of cold process soap making. It's crucial to read all instructions thoroughly and to work in a well-ventilated area, free from distractions. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, shoes, goggles, and gloves, for safety.
Step 1 – Measure All Ingredients
Efficiency and accuracy are key. Measure all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the soap-making process. Utilize the funnel pitcher for water and the large mixing bowl for coconut oil, measuring sodium hydroxide last to minimize exposure.
Step 2 – Make Lye Solution
Carefully add sodium hydroxide to cold distilled water, stirring gently to avoid splashes and fumes. This step is critical in creating a safe and effective soap base. Remember, "Snow falls on the lake" to avoid the dreaded lye volcano.
Step 3 – Make Oil Solution
Melt the coconut oil, then blend it with the other oils. Incorporate the spearmint essential oil and ground peppermint leaves, stirring until well mixed. This blend of oils forms the nourishing backbone of your spearmint soap.
Step 4 – Combine Solutions
Aim for oil and lye solution temperatures between 85°- 95°F. Strain the lye solution into the oils, gently mixing to avoid air bubbles. Use the stick blender in short bursts to reach medium trace, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 5 – Pour and Set
Pour the soap batter into your silicone mold, tapping it to release any trapped air. The silicone mold is not just a container but a crucial tool for achieving the perfect shape and smooth finish of your soap.
Step 6 – Texture and Gel
Texture the top as desired, then move to gel phase using a heating pad if needed. This step is crucial for achieving a vivid color and a firm texture in your cold process soap recipe.
Step 7 – Unmold and Cure
After a minimum of 48 hours, check if the soap is ready to be unmolded. Patience during this stage is vital for ensuring the soap has set properly. Once unmolded, cut into bars and allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks.
Tips and Tricks
Throughout this process, remember the importance of timing, precise measurements, and the role each ingredient plays in the final product. Experimenting with textures and additives can bring a unique touch to your mint soap recipe, making each batch distinctly yours.
Incorporating these steps and considerations will guide you in crafting a batch of natural spearmint cold process soap that not only cleanses but also delights the senses. Whether you're making soap at home for personal use or for your small business, the blend of spearmint essential oil, natural ingredients, and your craftsmanship will result in a product that's truly special.
Remember, soap making is both an art and a science. Mishaps may occur, but they're all part of the learning process. With each batch, you'll gain more insight and skill, enhancing your ability to create beautiful, effective soaps. Wholesale Supplies Plus is here to support you on this journey, offering the supplies, ingredients, and knowledge you need to succeed. Happy soap making!
Crafter's Choice
Elements Bath and Body
Just Scent
Rustic Escentuals
