Making Shea Butter Soap Base: Step-by-Step Process
To make a 1 kg batch of Shea Butter soap base, you’ll need to follow a precise formula with carefully measured ingredients. I’ll explain how to make 1 kg of soap base and clarify the quantities when scaling it to 2 kg. The ingredients typically include Shea butter, oils, lye (sodium hydroxide), and water, along with optional additives.
Ingredients for 1 kg Shea Butter Soap Base
Below is a general ratio for making a 1 kg batch of Shea Butter soap base:
| Ingredient | Weight (grams) |
| Shea Butter | 200 g |
| Coconut Oil | 150 g |
| Olive Oil | 150 g |
| Palm Oil | 150 g |
| Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) | 80 g |
| Distilled Water | 270 g |
| Optional Additives | (e.g., fragrance, colorants) |
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have the correct measurements for each ingredient. Measure the oils, Shea butter, and lye accurately to ensure the right proportions.
2. Melt the Oils and Butters
- In a heatproof container, combine the Shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and palm oil.
- Slowly melt them over a double boiler until they are fully liquefied.
3. Prepare the Lye Solution
- In a separate container, carefully measure the lye (sodium hydroxide) and mix it with the distilled water.
- Stir the mixture until the lye is fully dissolved. Be cautious as the solution will heat up quickly and produce fumes, so work in a well-ventilated area.
4. Mix Lye Solution and Oils
- Slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils while stirring gently.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches “trace” – when the soap base thickens and leaves a trace when drizzled on top.
5. Pour the Soap into Molds
- Once the soap reaches trace, pour the mixture into molds.
- Allow the soap to cool and harden for 24–48 hours before unmolding.
6. Cure the Soap
- After unmolding, place the soap on a rack to cure for 4-6 weeks. This allows the soap to fully dry, harden, and the lye to fully neutralize.
Making 2 kg of Shea Butter Soap Base:
When you want to make 2 kg of soap base, you double the quantities for each ingredient. The process is the same, but you will have to ensure that you’re mixing and melting containers are large enough to handle the increased volume.
Ingredients for 2 kg Shea Butter Soap Base:
| Ingredient | Weight (grams) |
| Shea Butter | 400 g |
| Coconut Oil | 300 g |
| Olive Oil | 300 g |
| Palm Oil | 300 g |
| Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) | 160 g |
| Distilled Water | 540 g |
| Optional Additives | (e.g., fragrance, colorants) |
Is the Quantity Double?
Yes, the quantities are doubled when making a 2 kg batch of soap base, as shown in the table above. The ratio of ingredients remains the same for both the 1 kg and 2 kg versions, just scaled up.
Ratio of Ingredients for 1 kg and 2 kg Soap Base:
| Ingredient | 1 kg Batch (grams) | 2 kg Batch (grams) |
| Shea Butter | 200 g | 400 g |
| Coconut Oil | 150 g | 300 g |
| Olive Oil | 150 g | 300 g |
| Palm Oil | 150 g | 300 g |
| Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) | 80 g | 160 g |
| Distilled Water | 270 g | 540 g |
| Optional Additives | (As desired) | (As desired) |
Conclusion:
When scaling up to make 2 kg of soap base, you double the amounts of each ingredient while maintaining the same ratio of oils, water, and lye. The steps in the soap-making process remain the same, but you must ensure your equipment can handle the larger volume of ingredients.