DIY Shea Butter Soap Recipe: Nourish Your Skin Naturally
Why Make Your Own Shea Butter Soap?
Shea butter is a skincare superstar — packed with vitamins A, E, and F, plus essential fatty acids that deeply nourish and hydrate your skin. Making your own soap means you control the ingredients, avoid harsh chemicals, and create a bar that’s perfect for your skin’s needs.
Ready to get started? Here’s an easy DIY shea butter soap recipe that’s great for beginners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🧴 Shea Butter (Raw or Unrefined): 4 ounces
🧴 Coconut Oil: 2 ounces (for lather and cleansing)
🧴 Olive Oil: 2 ounces (for moisture and softness)
🧴 Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): 1.5 ounces (essential for soap-making — handle carefully)
🧴 Distilled Water: 3 ounces
🧴 Optional Essential Oils: 10–20 drops (lavender, tea tree, or your favorite)
🧴 Optional Add-ins: Dried herbs, oatmeal, or natural colorants
Safety First!
Before you start:
✅ Always work in a well-ventilated area.
✅ Wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling lye.
✅ Carefully measure each ingredient.
How to Make Shea Butter Soap
Step 1: Prepare the Lye Solution
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Slowly add the lye to the distilled water (never the other way around). Stir until fully dissolved. Let cool to about 100°F (38°C).
Step 2: Melt the Oils
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Gently melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil in a heatproof container. Let cool to 100°F.
Step 3: Combine the Oils and Lye
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When both mixtures reach around 100°F, slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils. Stir continuously.
Step 4: Blend Until Trace
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Use a stick blender (or hand whisk) to mix until the batter thickens to “trace” — when it looks like pudding and leaves a line on the surface.
Step 5: Add Essential Oils and Extras
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Stir in essential oils and any add-ins you like.
Step 6: Pour and Cure
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Pour the mixture into a silicone mold. Cover with a towel and let sit for 24–48 hours until firm.
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Remove from the mold and cut into bars.
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Cure the soap in a cool, dry place for 4–6 weeks to harden.
Tips for Success
✅ Always measure by weight, not volume.
✅ Use a digital thermometer for precise temperatures.
✅ Patience is key — curing time ensures a gentle, long-lasting bar.
Final Thoughts
Making your own shea butter soap is a rewarding way to care for your skin and your family’s. It’s natural, customizable, and full of skin-loving benefits.
Ready to get started?
Explore our collection of raw, unrefined shea butter at yellowbrickroadsheabutter.com — the perfect foundation for your next DIY project.