Dual Lye Shaving Soap Tutorial

Technique and recipe guidance from Carrie Seibert's book How to Make Shaving Soap. soapcommander.com/products/bo... or www.amazon.com/How-Make-Shavi... (These are NOT affiliate links - I just highly recommend this book!)
Recipe:
16 oz stearic acid (no palmitic acid - I misspoke in the video!)
6.4 oz coconut oil
3.2 oz shea butter
3.2 oz. palm oil
1.6 oz hemp oil
1.6 oz castor oil
12.2 oz water
1.8 oz sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
4.2 oz potassium hydroxide (KOH)
3.2 oz glycerin
0.8 oz fragrance

[@carrieseibert]

Congratulations on conquering the shaving soap!! Your soap looks fabulous. And a HUGE thanks for mentioning the book. That's such a blessing to us! One thing that might help a little with adding the lye solution is to let it cool just slightly. Depending on the quantity being made, having the oils/butters temp and the lye solution temp close to one another helps to keep the batter in check (usually!).

[@AmyWarden]

Carrie Seibert Thanks so much! I couldn't have done it without your resource! The lye solution was about 120 degrees, so really not super hot. Does that sound right?

[@carrieseibert]

Oh wow, I missed that detail! Yes, that would definitely be a good temp for the lye solution. What a surprise that your mixture reacts that way! And extra kudos for taming the beast :)

[@jamaica72001]

If 120 is a good temp for the lye and they should be close to the same temperature... should the oils have still been heated to 160? or a temperature closer to 120?

[@carrieseibert]

Lucille, good question! I personally like to work with the oils and lye close to the same temp, in the 135-150 range. Those numbers work well for the recipe I use, but each unique recipe might have a different "sweet spot" for temps.

[@michellebarefootbelanger]

I know I’m late to this post, just seeing it now for the first time. Hopefully you’ll see this. Since you’re soaping at such a high temperature is this more like a hot process soap where it takes less time for the bars to cure? Or does it still need 4-6 weeks? Thank you for a really informative video! Oh my heck! I asked a moment too soon. Haha sorry

[@reneecormalis624]

I'm glad you took us through all the stages and how fast it actually went. It's good to see that so when we try to make it we won't be surprised. Thank you for sharing.

[@AmyWarden]

Renée Cormalis I'm glad you found it helpful! Let me know how yours turns out. Have fun!

[@dr.w.octaviamalveauxdent1315]

Thank you Amy. I have wanted to make shaving soap for ever but no one has demonstrated it with such simplicity as you have. I will purchase the book and this is on my soon to do list . Appreciate you!

[@AmyWarden]

I'm so glad it was helpful!! Good luck to you!!

[@alabastermyrrh9082]

Awesome! Totally impressed by your arm strength! And the soap of course!🤩

[@AmyWarden]

Alabaster & Myrrh I didn't even think about that! 😂 Just do whatcha gotta do!

[@joannestevenson6894]

yay! a new shave soap video! well done thank you! going to get the book!

[@AmyWarden]

Joanne Stevenson Great! Glad you liked it! ♥️

[@lizgehlsen2498]

Hi Amy! Nice to see you again, we missed you :-) Thanks for another great recipe, I will definitely try it one of these days.

[@gingerstudt9930]

Thanks for sharing...oh my, I was on the edge of my seat when you were pouring...I'm so glad you showed how quickly it can go from oh, let's make something great to oh my gosh, everybody run.....

[@leilaniolsen2608]

I was biting my nails, very exciting. Thanks for sharing!

[@AmyWarden]

Leilani Olsen I was pretty sure it was going over again! Lol!

[@merrywoodfarmsoaps]

I never knew that watching a soap video could be so suspenseful! Thanks for sharing the recipe too. I would like to give this one a try in the near future. :)

[@AmyWarden]

Merrywood Farm Soaps That's awesome! 😁 Let me know how it turns out!

[@e1987crystal]

Thanks a lot I make a small bar and its really nice .. I used sweet almond oil instead of hemp oil .. the solution is extremely thickening before I add glycerine.. it's a nice video thanks again

[@julisagarcia8156]

Love your videos and God bless your projects

[@monica2862]

You’re the best!! Thank you 😊, great video

[@EllenRuthSoap]

Good job! Looks like a work-out with all the hand mixing. Can't wait to try it!

[@AmyWarden]

For sure!! Good luck! 😃

[@hollysoapmaking]

This is so interesting! I’ve never made a dual lye soap. I’m definitely getting the book. Thanks so much for sharing. :)

[@AmyWarden]

Holly - Kapia Mera Soap Co Great! I can't wait to see what you make!

[@mapleflagg7744]

Fascinating! That bubble over volcano was a bit scary but I think all in all this one is doable if I take my time adding the duel lye solution. Thanks for the tutorial and the recipe. I’ll give it a go. 😊

[@AmyWarden]

That's great!! Yes, I really think it's possible as long as you have a large container and go really slowly. Hope you enjoy it!

[@mamamcbssoap]

Ohhhhh! Lovely!!!

[@i.r7831]

I think is the BEST explanation ❤❤❤lucky to find you 🎉

[@AmyWarden]

Happy to hear that! Best wishes 🌻

[@florestista9339]

Great!! thank you

[@evaedmonds3498]

Thanks for sharing your experience Amy, your soap looks like it turned out such a fluffy creamy lather! I just got Carrie's book in the mail this week, it is so helpful with the hows & whys of ingredients ~ now to actually try it. Watching you do this reminded me of HTHP vids i've watched. I guess it is, only a much more violent volcano!!! Yikes ~ : )

[@AmyWarden]

eva edmonds No problem, Eva! Glad you already enjoying the book! Let me know how your shaving soap turns out.

[@GodzHarleyGirlStudio]

This is awesome!! Love that you shared it step-by-step, a great detailed tutorial!! I've learned a lot from ya Love your channel and all that you do to help us soaper's!! Keep up the great stuff!! Hugz, Tree

[@AmyWarden]

Thanks, Tree! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@GodzHarleyGirlStudio]

Amy Warden You're very welcome, Amy! Hugz, Tree

[@dalelusk2151]

Thank you 🙂

[@maryroseshearer9715]

Thanks Amy! Great video! -Momo

[@AmyWarden]

Glad you liked it!

[@janellepeck2577]

Soapmaking is not for the faint of heart! Thanks so much, Amy, for sharing this. Definitely not a recipe for beginners. Will this be a new addition to the Great Cakes Soapworks line up? Hope so! My husband was watching and asked why you were working on the stovetop. When I told him you were using the vent hood he thought perhaps we should install a hood over the sink area in our new mud room. When the mud room is done I can finally move my soapmaking out of our kitchen! Can't wait!! Miss you and the Soap Challenge Club. Sending hugs your way!

[@AmyWarden]

Janelle Peck Definitely exciting!!! This is actually for one of my new wholesale accounts. Venting is a GREAT idea for your new soap space!! Very excited for you!

[@ladymitch32sunshine88]

I used your recipe, It is really good, my husband and friends love it. I used crockpot and did not exploid

[@AmyWarden]

Very glad to hear that! ❤

[@ladymitch32sunshine88]

How many percent did you use for fragrance

[@AmyWarden]

​@@ladymitch32sunshine88I believe it's only 1.5%. It's been awhile, but it's possible I was using essential oils and their usage rate can be a lot less. Always check the IFRA guidelines for the fragrance you are using to make sure it's safe!

[@justaddlivingwater]

I've seen great shaving soap. Never this way though. I'll try both and see what's best. Thanks Amy i k ow this is an old video but I'm 🙏 for everything you done the example you've given to so many and I just adore you and 🙏 that you are doing well..

[@AmyWarden]

Thank you, Deborah!! So sweet of you!! Hope your shaving soap turns out fantastic!

[@justaddlivingwater]

@@AmyWarden thanks Amy and I have a gift for you but I didn't I ow where to send it I've had it since May including a special Soap. No soap challenge because I can't afford it. I'm trying to live on 797$ a month and start my soaping business. I have so many unique soaps that aren't out there and so unique and special but no fragrances. I can't afford them or a cutter. I want to raise money for a cutter a wooden 12 bar or even 6 but fragrance would be such a blessing but the last time I tried to raise money fb never gave it to me because no checking account. Any way I save all your videos and prayed for your recovery and your so special. Giving, faithful Amazing teacher and I just love the bluppers, lol from the past. I've got so many soaps but no money for insurance and I know my soaps would help people. Bible sciences and incredible scientific proven 3x noise 3x antiviral and more plus blessed with Kings oil from Jerusalem and so many cool techniques but no way to get on yt or insurance and business. Sorry I lost my Dad and sis to that c word so when I saw your video I wanted to send you some awesome blessings, but I just don't have the money. I have 13$ to my name if u have any ideas please lmk. And I know we all have to be careful hygenically but I'm OCD and been checked so I just adore you. Sorry so long I'm just so HAPPY you are recovering well.

[@justaddlivingwater]

This is a wonderful tricky SOAP to make so I will try soon as I can. Thank you for everything

[@tiendaforense]

Hi Amy, beautiful video, i can not wait to read Carrie´s book and learn more from you guys. Would you please tell me what betonite clay or other clays do in some récipes? Happy 2020!

[@AmyWarden]

Clay is typically added to shaving soap recipes to add slip. However, those who are serious blade shavers know that clay will dull their super sharp blades, so it really shouldn't be used for shaving soap.

[@enchantedsoapsandmore]

Freaking LOVE THE BOOK OMG LOVE IT 💗 🥰🥰🥰

[@enchantedsoapsandmore]

Thanks Amy!!!!!

[@enchantedsoapsandmore]

By the way Amy Im so happy you are doing good we love you girl!!!

[@Riverleasoaphandmade]

Hi Amy , I know the volcano was not funny but I really had to giggle. We have all had it and it is NOT fun. Thanks for sharing. What amazing lather.

[@AmyWarden]

It's rather exciting, actually! Not super fun to clean up...ha ha! Yep, I'm pretty impressed with this recipe. Hope you'll try it!

[@beebeautifulsoaps5095]

Can you calculate the potassium with it's water and then the sodium and it's water and then add them separately? I do that and I don't volcano even though my formula is 50 stearic acid also.

[@AmyWarden]

I haven't tried that, but it makes sense! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@ssc4153]

Hi Amy, nice job on the shaving soap. I do a cream soap recipe that is somewhat similar to the shave soap recipe. I love the texture of cream soap. You should try it out sometime! Thank you for sharing another one of your great video's!

[@AmyWarden]

Hi Carol! I tried cream soap many moons ago. I wasn't a fan of all the rotting and waiting. Ha ha! Has the process changed at all?

[@ssc4153]

The process is still the same, but boy.....what a lovely soap. The key is to be patient! I made mine in September, check on it once in a while and give it a good stir, and I'm going to wait until this coming September to see how it is. I look at it like it's a fine wine....it just gets better with time! You might want to make another batch and just set it off to the side and see what happens....you may be pleasently surprised. I sure love watching your video's. I remember way back.....you were the first video I watched on how to line my mold.....then I also have taken your advice on how you do your milk soaps now. You have been a great inspiration for me and I have learned so much from you and just wanted to say thank you for passing on your knowledge and I look forward to your next video!

[@AmyWarden]

Thanks so much for letting me know!! That's wonderful! I might have the patience for a cream soap, but my wholesale account probably does not. 😄

[@hilaryquinn8673]

Amy Warden I would like to buy Carrie’s book. But, I do not use palm oil at all for my soaps etc... is there any way to make this without it? Thanks!

[@deepmaladatta2176]

Thank you for the tutorial, I am going to definitely try the soap. Had been looking for a good shaving soap recipe. Will keep in mind to go really slow the the dual lye solution! Just on the side, I noticed you left the tap running :(

[@AmyWarden]

Yay!! Let me know how it turns out!

[@frankg9610]

Great video. Why is the lye solution brown when you pour it the first time, and then the second time its clear. Thanks

[@AmyWarden]

Because I used kombucha (fermented tea) instead of water for the one that volcanoed.

[@annreinbeau]

Fun stuff - I do any blending of potential volcanoes in my sink. Easier to contain that way!

[@AmyWarden]

Ann Rein For sure! That would be much safer!

[@kimsplace4]

Whew! My arms hurt for you Amy! Haha.

[@qutie424]

Could you stick blend this recipe? Even through the volcano...similar to stick blender hot process? Thanks and enjoyed the video.

[@AmyWarden]

qutie424 Once I figured out that I needed to add the lye slower, I really didn't have trouble with a volcano.

[@airefrescbcn3930]

Thanks for your video with formula 🌹. But one suggestion if you permite it: Please close the tap while you do not really need to use water 💜 We need to care for our mother hearth. There are sooo many places around the world they don' t have enought /none water for the common daily use ..... Greeting from Barcelona, Spain 🌅

[@johngoard8272]

Would have been nice to know your measurements as I would like to have a go at this. The volcano probably came about because you are adding a vey strong base solution (lye) to an acid base solution and both hydroxides are highly injurious if you get it on yourself. Me I am still working on pre shave cream and because of your previous comments I think for the time being I shall stick to the pre shave mixing LOL!!

[@charlesward8632]

The recipe is in the description

[@la1163]

I made this, but tweak the recipe. I didn't use palm or coconut, instead i used tallow for palm oil and babassu for the coconut oil. Mine didn't erupt like a volcano . I guess I was lucky. I put a lot of newspaper underneath just in case. We tested it and it came out good.

[@AmyWarden]

That's great news!!!

[@la1163]

I’m so happy it didn’t erupt. My hubby had the fire extinguishers ready lol. Thanks for sharing.

[@Allioops810]

would adding sodium lactate help to make pouring into the mold easier and a smoother soap?

[@AmyWarden]

I'm not sure! It can certainly help with cold process, but I haven't tried it with this type of soap.

[@tico25]

😍✏📒🤓thanks

[@lakesidesoapery5593]

Good job Amy!! So I’m so curious about the process of WHY it volcanoes.....what makes it do that???

[@AmyWarden]

Too much heat and adding the lye solution too quickly! 😀

[@lakesidesoapery5593]

Amy Warden oh my!!! That’s definitely a little scary lol

[@vernahrris5601]

I use a handy whisk when expecting volcanoes...I don't know why, but that utensil helps me control the thing (and myself) so I don't start to panic.

[@AmyWarden]

Great tip!!

[@KT6392]

Amy, thank you for the great video. How long did you let it cure? Have you done more batches since? Did you find there was better lather with more time? I’d love to know how long I should let mine rest before trying it out. Thanks so much!!

[@AmyWarden]

Kristie Tate I tried this one out again just last week and I could tell the lather was better. All soap benefits from a nice long cure, so if you can give it 4-6 weeks like a CP soap, I'm sure it's beneficial, but you can try it out the day after it's made!

[@KT6392]

Thank you so much, Amy! I wasn’t sure if it was able to be used sooner or not. I’ll definitely try this one out. Looks great! :)

[@ginak-dd6ts]

Can we use this for body soap or is it just to shave with. I would love that lather all over to wash with its amazing lather. Great job Your hubby will be thrilled/ God Bless

[@AmyWarden]

You could use it for body soap. It will dissolve faster than a soap made with sodium hydroxide alone though!

[@LoveIsAlwaysHereChooseLove]

It's such a great lather! Can you use this as a regular soap, too, or is it just a shaving soap? Thank you!

[@AmyWarden]

Janice EM It's a softer soap because of the potassium hydroxide, but I'm sure you could....I'd prefer a more moisturizing bar.

[@LoveIsAlwaysHereChooseLove]

Thank you, Amy!

[@i.r7831]

So I can Use 40 percet of lye and 60 percet of KOH?

[@angelsandfaes]

very cool concept but, I don't think my carpel tunnel will let me do this one. lol Awesome job.

[@AmyWarden]

You can do this one regular hot process as well. Not sure if that helps, but thought I would mention it!

[@anneliehelldal8733]

HI! I wonder what oil I can replace palm oil with..with similar qualities? Thank youuu:)

[@AmyWarden]

Lard is the closest substitute for palm oil.

[@jenleduc5494]

Thanks for this video! What would you use in place of palm oil?

[@AmyWarden]

Lard is the closest fatty acid profile to palm.

[@jenleduc5494]

@@AmyWarden oh no! I dont use lard :( Can i use another butter?

[@dalelusk2151]

So instead of stearic acid I could replace palm oil?I'm learning please reply 🙏 Thanks.

[@AmyWarden]

No, I'm afraid not. They are quite different. The stearic acid is a solid flake and gives body to the final soap. Palm oil has some stearic acid in it, but not enough to really firm up the soap.

[@Prosecute-fauci]

It will volcano because you are adding a base to an acid. Your stearic acid is reacting to your lye solution. It’s the same reaction as adding vinegar to baking soda.

[@AmyWarden]

And it was definitely too hot!! 😆

[@EloisaP]

I have another question if you don't mind: what causes the volcano? is it because your lye solution is hot (do you do that intentionally?) is it caused by the stearic acid? thank you

[@AmyWarden]

I think the lye solution was hot and I was adding it too quickly.

[@TheWidowsSon0357]

Which of these ingredients can be sub'd for tallow?

[@AmyWarden]

You can sub tallow for palm oil. I can't vouch for the results though!

[@rauth1961]

Hi dear, I like your video , but my Q is: why in is the first time the lay was brown? Did you add something in it and makes that volcano?

[@AmyWarden]

It was kombucha (fermented tea). That might have contributed to the volcano, but I also added the mixture too quickly.

[@EloisaP]

Hello I was searching for shaving soap technique and I found your video. I was given a little bit of Potasisium hydroxide and I would like to know if it can't be made without stearic acid and glycerin. thank you for your help.

[@AmyWarden]

Carrie recommends that the combined fatty acid profile of stearic/palmitic is 50 or greater. The glycerin acts as a lubricant, humectant, offers slickness and moisturizing properties. Recipe 7 in her book has no stearic acid and shows glycerin as optional, so I would say it's possible to create a shaving soap without them!

[@EloisaP]

Thank you so much

[@EloisaP]

@@AmyWarden I found the stearic acid!! happy dance happy dance!!! :)

[@mariebarrett9425]

Could you put this right into a shave bowl?

[@AmyWarden]

I don't see why not!!

[@jenleduc5494]

How do i stir in the stearic acid with warm water and if so, how much water?

[@iluminameluna]

You melt the stearic acid with the rest of the oils and fats, not in warm water. I hope this helps though it's been a year since you asked.

[@ladymitch32sunshine88]

Hi, How many percent for fragrance did you use? thank you

[@ladymitch32sunshine88]

How many total weight this batch? thank you for sharing

[@monicabernaleventplanner7700]

Nice job! Just bé careful with the water 💦 don't let it running if you are not using it 🙏🏼

[@dalelusk2151]

Does the soap has to cure?and how long?Thanks

[@AmyWarden]

Technically, it should be completely saponified after the process, but all soap benefits from at least a couple weeks of curing time.

[@wendygintz6123]

Do you have to have just utensils for soap making or can you use them for other things? Ex: the immersion blender, is it only for your crafts and you have a second one for food?

[@AmyWarden]

You would want separate utensils, including your immersion blender, for soapmaking.

[@wendygintz6123]

@@AmyWarden thank you!! I thought so. But wanted to ask before I try to make this.

[@LWeeks]

Mine turned out perfect but its very sticky. I cut castor to 1oz and that batch was sticky too. What am I doing wrong?

[@AmyWarden]

Sorry, I have no idea. 😔

[@dalelusk2151]

Sorry to ask, instead of palm oil? Or it won't worked out without it.

[@AmyWarden]

I'm pretty sure the key to success is using stearic acid. You are welcome to use palm oil as well.

[@esthermuli7011]

Oh my - that was close..

[@bellabates4512]

What is your batch size? I’m trying to convert your recipe into percentages 😅

[@AmyWarden]

I wouldn't recommend trying to convert this recipe without understanding how you get the amounts of NaOH and KOH. It's not a standard "plug it into the soap calculator" type of recipe. It takes multiple steps. It's worth getting Carrie's book to understand how this works!

[@amjadali-tv3si]

Amy I have add too much peppermint oil while making shaving soap. How can I reduce it's too much cooling effect on skin ?

[@AmyWarden]

Only thing I know would be to melt it down, make another batch that is unscented and combine them!

[@amjadali-tv3si]

Dear Amy absolutely right my friend also gave me same solution. However In case if I open container lid for long time do you think it will work ? And peppermint oil will evaporate! 😁

[@AmyWarden]

@@amjadali-tv3si Maybe - but that could take months!

[@amjadali-tv3si]

@@AmyWarden thank you very much

[@mahdisyntyah3024]

how if add koh after finishing bar soap. to make it liquid

[@AmyWarden]

I've never heard of that!

[@mahdisyntyah3024]

its dangerous?

[@AmyWarden]

@@mahdisyntyah3024 I just don't think it's possible!

[@e1987crystal]

Can i replace sweet almond oil instead of hemp oil

[@AmyWarden]

Sure! It's worth giving it a try! Most liquid vegetable oils are easily subbed for one another.

[@e1987crystal]

@@AmyWarden thanks for you quick response

[@KathyCollier-Mehl]

I saw on one of the you tube videos that the key to avoid volcanoing add your lye water very very very very slowly, and she stressed how slowly.

[@AmyWarden]

Yes, that is a very good practice!! I was definitely too hasty! 😆

[@r.thomassen6285]

Why ice cubes in the water when the lye solution is supposed to be hot? It looks like you are trying to make high temperature hot process. Which is what you are making, in fact. So you will want the volcanoes, it is nothing something to avoid. Just make sure the container is big enough, like really big enough, and stir down the volcanoes immediately. And then stickblend to force more volcanoes. When it volcanoes, you know the high temperature hot process is working, and it will go really fast to saponify everything. For high temperature hot process, volcanoes is a good sign that you are doing things right.

[@r.thomassen6285]

And if you make a stronger lye solution, and save the rest of the water to add after saponification, you will get a more fluid soap.

[@sherryharpster3949]

I cant figure out why your getting a volcano. I have made many many batches of shave soap with very similar ingredients. I think its your temperatures that is causing the problem. Not sure but it is the only thing I can think of. What do you think is happening?

[@AmyWarden]

Sherry Harpster Yes, adding the lye solution all at once was spiking the temp. Once I started adding it slowly, it seemed ok.

[@drastikbitch]

I just try it. And we dont have the same result than you. More crumbly (lye and oil at 154°, never get the Vaseline texture) i dont understand how you get to the quantity of dual lye (try multiple calculator, and never arrived at your quantity)

[@AmyWarden]

Sorry to hear that. I wouldn't be able to troubleshoot your issue without more information, however I can tell you that figuring out the amount of KOH and NaOH is a multi-step process that is explained in chapter 8 of Carrie Seibert's book.

[@drastikbitch]

@@AmyWarden thanks to the answer. Is not the first time i work with lye. I found the stearic acid was too high. I try to cut it and its just a bloc who crumble. Is it really 16oz of stearic acid ??

[@AmyWarden]

@@drastikbitch That is correct! If you never reached the Vaseline stage that could be the reason the texture is off.

[@jenleduc5494]

Your lye soltion didnt get super hot bc you added ice cubs.... 😬

[@r.thomassen6285]

It is not "pretty close to a hot process", it IS hot process. What you are making are called "high temperature hot process". That is exactly what it is. And it has nothing to do with cold process.

[@pattiduken]

Maybe you could put a paper towel under the bucket. It would stop it from sliding around. :)

[@AmyWarden]

Good idea!