Embarking on the journey of creating your very own Balsam & Citrus Cold Process Soap, you're about to combine the art of soap making with the delightful aromas of balsam and citrus. This unique blend not only invigorates the senses but also offers a piece of nature's tranquility in your daily skincare routine. Formulated with cocoa butter, beeswax, and the luxurious shea olein, this soap recipe is elevated with the sweet and tangy essence of sweet orange essential oil, reminiscent of an orange gumdrop. For those who wish to experiment, alternative essential oils like Spearmint, Peppermint, or one of our exquisite fragrance oils can substitute sweet orange essential oil, allowing for a personalized scent experience.

Information

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Yield: 10 Bars

Given its intermediate difficulty, crafting this citrus soap recipe requires a moderate level of soap-making skill. The yield of 10 bars ensures that your efforts result in a generous batch, perfect for sharing or selling.

Timing

• Prep Time / Clean Up: 30 Minutes
• Perform Time: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
• Total Time: 2 Hours (This duration may extend if opting for gel phase, which is recommended for optimal results.)
• Cure Time: 4-6 Weeks

The total time investment of 2 hours crafts a product worth waiting for. The additional 4-6 weeks cure time is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency and longevity of your soap.

Supplies
For this citrus cold process soap recipe, you'll need:

• Goggles
• Extra Long Disposable Nitrile Gloves (found in the dishwashing section at local supermarkets)
• Digital Scale
• Digital or Infrared Thermometer
• Stick Blender
• 1 x 2 Quart Glass Mixing Bowl or Microwavable Plastic Bowl
• 2 x Funnel Pitchers
• Small Containers (for ingredient holding)
• Spatula
• Pipettes (for Fragrance or Essential Oils)
• Measuring Spoons
• Fine Mesh Strainer (Stainless Steel)
• Paper Towels
• 10” Silicone Loaf Mold
• Spoon or Chopstick (for soap top texturing)
• 2 x Zipper Bags (for mixing colorants)
• Scissors
• Optional: Heating Pad, Timer, Cardboard Box (fits over mold), Towels/Blankets, Vegetable Peeler

Ingredients
Creating this balsam soap recipe requires:

• 11.6 oz Olive Oil (35%) plus additional oil for dispersing colorants
• 9.9 oz Coconut Oil (30%)
• 5.0 oz Cocoa Butter (15%), cut into small pieces
• 3.3 oz Apricot Kernel Oil (10%)
• 1.7 oz Avocado Oil (5%)
• 1.7 oz Castor Oil (5%)
• 4.7 oz Cold Distilled Water (Water:Lye ratio is 1:1)
• 3.6 oz Pumpkin Puree, fresh or canned (Optional. For an alternative, use 8.3 oz. of water, which is '25% water as percent of oil weight in SoapCalc©.')
• 4.7 oz Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) (6% Super Fat/Lye discount)
• 2 teaspoons Sodium Lactate 60% (Optional, enhances soap hardness and mold release)
• 1.1 oz or less Balsam & Citrus Fragrance Oil (2.5%)
• 1.6 oz or less Sweet Orange Essential Oil
• 2 tsp Pumpkin Kaolin Clay
• 1/4 tsp Smooth Coconut Carbon
• 1 tsp Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 tsp Titanium Dioxide

Directions

1. Preparation: Ensure you're wearing protective clothing, goggles, and gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area free from distractions. Pre-measuring all ingredients accelerates the process and minimizes cleanup.
2. Lye Solution: Gradually add sodium hydroxide to cold water, stirring gently to avoid splashes and fumes. Remember, always add lye to water, not vice versa, to prevent a dangerous reaction.
3. Oil Solution: Melt coconut oil, then add cocoa butter, stirring until fully melted. Incorporate olive oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, and castor oil. After achieving a clear solution, add pumpkin puree, kaolin clay, fragrance, and essential oils, blending thoroughly with a stick blender.
4. Colorants Preparation: Mix activated charcoal, cocoa powder, and titanium dioxide with olive oil in separate zipper bags, ensuring a uniform color without specks.
5. Soap Making: If opting for gel phase, start the heating pad now. Blend the lye solution with the oils when both are between 85°- 95° F, pouring slowly to avoid introducing air bubbles. This citrus soap recipe tends to thicken quickly, so be prepared to move swiftly.
6. Pouring the Batter: First, pour the uncolored batter into your mold, releasing any trapped air by tapping the mold on your work surface. Carefully pour the dark brown batter next, from a height to create a divot in the first layer, followed by the lighter colored batter. Use a spatula to spread the remaining batter evenly across the surface, again tapping the mold to release trapped air.
7. Texturing the Top: For an artistic finish, texture the top of your soap with a spoon or chopstick. This technique can add a professional touch to your balsam & citrus cold process soap.
8. Gel Phase: Place your mold on the heating pad and cover it with a box, insulating with towels or blankets if necessary. Monitor and adjust the heating pad to ensure a warm environment that promotes the gel phase, crucial for achieving vibrant colors and a durable soap bar.
9. Unmolding and Cutting: Once the soap releases easily from the mold without sticking, it's ready to unmold. Bevel the edges for a smoother finish, mark your soap top, and cut into 10 bars. Beveling the remaining edges is optional but can add to the soap's aesthetic appeal.
10. Curing: Allow your soap bars to cure for 4-6 weeks. This essential step ensures your soap reaches its final hardness and pH level, making it safe and enjoyable to use.

When it comes to packaging and selling your handcrafted soap, presentation and quality are key. Opt for packaging that reflects the natural and artisanal nature of your product. Biodegradable or recyclable materials are attractive to eco-conscious consumers and emphasize the handmade aspect of your soap. Labels should provide essential information, including ingredients, net weight, and your brand name, while also being visually appealing.

Selling your soap involves understanding your target market. Craft fairs, online marketplaces, and local boutiques are excellent venues for artisanal soap makers. Social media and a dedicated website can also help in reaching a wider audience, allowing you to share the story behind your soaps, which often includes your inspiration for the balsam and citrus blend.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always test new recipes or alterations on a small scale before committing to large batches.
• Document adjustments and outcomes to refine your soap-making process over time.
• Engaging with your customers can provide valuable feedback for future creations and improve customer loyalty.
• Consider seasonal variations or limited editions to keep your product line fresh and exciting.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll not only master the art of creating Balsam & Citrus Cold Process Soap but also embark on a rewarding journey of sharing your passion with others. Remember, soap making is both a science and an art, requiring patience, precision, and creativity. Happy soap making!