This Shea Butter Soap Bar Recipe is So Easy and So Worth the Effort

[@wonderandwander24]

For those wanting to use soap calc to tailor your soap batch size, this is 5% superfat, 30% water, 50% Shea Butter, 30% Coconut Oil, 20% Olive Oil.

[@Vincent-s7y]

Can I use a mixture of argon and avocado oils in place of olive oil?

[@bearsonlive8405]

​@@Vincent-s7y yes you could

[@Th3gloprincess]

Could I just double the recipe ? To make a full loaf?

[@jlo9207]

Made shea butter soap but didn't use coconut oil. I replace it with rice bran oil and avocado oil since I have very sensitive skin. It was beautiful, creamy and very moisturising

[@dmoneil100]

could you share the percentages, i thought shea was only recommended for 15% or less or you get dreaded orange spots???

[@julieallison8508]

​@@dmoneil100mine are 2 years old and still wonderful 😊

[@rachelmageo773]

Yes!! That’s wonderful I order my shea from Africa from a women run company called Baraka

[@thetvgallery]

New to soap making here, finally took the leap to make soap, used your recipe here and it came out beautifully! This is exactly the recipe I was looking for! I’m so incredibly excited how beautifully this soap came out! Thank you so much!

[@SoapSchoolUK]

So thrilled t hear you enjoyed it and your time making soap

[@eveofalliance]

Thank you! The simplicity and your cheerful demeanor are very much appreciated! Near Savannah, Georgia, USA

[@bekesize]

As a new soap maker, 11 batches in, this is my favorite soap!❤❤❤ It didn’t start out that way, lol. It was my second batch, everything was going fine, until I added cardamom essential oil, 😮 and suddenly it chunked up. I struggled to get it into my pretty, LITTLE molds, 😢 lol. It unmolded tacky, and every piece had major empty spots. I made a note to only use the recipe with a log mold! In comparison to my first batch of olive oil soap, it appeared chalky and had none of the full ounce of cardamom essential oil scent left. Do you think it will play nice in either of those methods? Do you have any tips to help it retain the essential oil scent in cold process? Yet, two months later, it is the soap I look for again and again! It is so moisturizing! No other recipe even comes close! Believe me, I tried! No matter how much I increase the superfat…it’s not this luxurious soap! I love it so much, I bought travel soap containers to keep in my purse because I never want to use anything else! 😊😊😊 I am just now coming back to your recipe, because as I sample all my other batches, nothing comes close! I made the original batch with yellow shea. Another recipe batch made with yellow shea also jumped from emulsion to thick trace, so I tried white shea in following recipes. White shea had far less surprises, so I was swearing off yellow shea, except…well, I can’t stop reaching for my mishappen, ashy looking, shea smelling, yellow soaps! 😂🎉❤😊 So, I am going to make it again, using yellow shea. I am considering trying my hand at stick blender counter top hot process, fluid soap, or tellervo’s easy stovetop hot process, simply so I can mask some of the strong shea butter scent with a citrus essential oil after the cook.

[@thebetteryou-808]

@bekesize i really needed to hear this, tysm for ur review. i will try this too. do u think its good as a facial bar? also can i add goatmilk to make it even mor nurishing ?

[@bekesize]

@@thebetteryou-808 I like it for my face. It leaves what feels like a light bit of lotion on the skin. I have never worked with goat milk.

[@sharronboccorh3777]

Hi Sarah. Beautiful soap. I make cold process soap. I live in the Shea butter country. (Ghana) I have never tried 50% Shea butter. I will definitely try this. Amazing soap

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I cant wait for you to try it out Sharron

[@sharronboccorh3777]

I made this Amazing 50% Shea butter soap. The creamiest, most luxurious, buttery, gorgeous, lovely soap I've ever made. It gave me the rich creamy colour of Shea butter. I wish I could send you a photograph. Thanks Sarah 🙏

[@SoapSchoolUK]

@@sharronboccorh3777 That's so fantastic to hear!

[@hellentatendakajawu]

Hi Sharon, where can I get shea butter in ghana. I'm in southafrica

[@sharronboccorh3777]

@@hellentatendakajawu Shea butter is everywhere (lol) I have colleagues who deal in shea butter. I will ask them if they do international shipping

[@Sellocske70]

I use this shea butter+olive oil+coconut oil recipe for years now. I love it, the best one. Plus I put a bit of honey and goat milk powder in it but this is the vegan version. Perfect! Thanks for the recipe ;)

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Orsi your recipe sounds delicious!

[@theessientialbasics8633]

have you tried it on your face?

[@brigidaamezcua1488]

Would you share your recipe? Thank you

[@rickterrance4981]

How much honey? Is that just for scent?

[@susanravella6261]

This recipe makes the absolute best everyday soap ever! I am making a second round of it this weekend as my husband loved it, too, and the last batch was used up really quickly! (I used a tsp of colloidal oats and a tsp of honey last time. It's fun to play with such a reliable recipe!) Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Your additions sound fabulous Susan!

[@kblaze8436]

How long do you let the soap cure for before you use it?😊

[@susanravella6261]

@kblaze8436 I cured my first batch for a total of 6 weeks, but in all honesty, I had cut some smaller bars, and began using them at 4 weeks. By weight, though, it was 6 weeks before they stopped shrinking from evaporation. I also got very impatient, and after making my second batch, immediately made a third batch, and cooked it. This recipe adapts perfectly to hot process!

[@Relesemeskincare]

Yes coconut oil and Shea butter makes a beautiful luxurious bar of very soothing to the skin. I add olive in my soap. I love your video❤

[@jlo9207]

I 've made shea butter soap twice. Used shea butter, avocado oil , rice bran and a bit of castor oil and coconut milk. Added a bit of sugar for bubbles and wow it was the best. Don't know why I never made it again, think I should. This time using your recipe as that one was a bit costly :)

[@swapnasudhakaran3923]

Can you please share the proportion of ingredients in ur recipe?

[@sonyamatson8886]

My daughter and I have made this soap many times now, we absolutely love it! If I were to put in an essential oil, how many drops do you suggest? Thank you!

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Yay, so glad you love it too. You can use up to 3% fragrance or essential oils in your recipe usually

[@CFav7]

I just wanted to point out that lye / sodium hydroxide can be dangerous to work with and can cause burns, so it's very important to wear plastic gloves and long sleeves while working with it. Eye protection such as goggles is also recommended. Also, try to not breathe it in while working with it and keep it away from children. Thank you so much for sharing this soap recipe! I have trouble finding natural, moisturizing soaps here in Switzerland and so, as a chemist, I have been considering making my own. Your video is very helpful and it looks like a great way to begin the journey of homemade soap-making! :)

[@Apeeksiht]

I know from the movie, which i can't say the name because of first rule.

[@TheSimplesanctuary]

I absolutely love using Shea butter in my soaps, you can really feel the difference it makes xxx

[@Filmarsoap]

Melt the butter first before mix the oil

[@Nickyk64]

This is the best soap ever! Has anybody had any experience with adding essential oil for fragrance? Could you advise please.

[@fishlim627]

Thank you! Can it be used like this immediately after 24 hours or does it need to be cured? If yes how much longer before it can be used safely without lye residue left? Thanks!

[@SoapSchoolUK]

If you have achieved a full gel stage there should be no remaining lye. You can leave it longer if you prefer :)

[@Waloo9993]

​What do you mean of gel stage ??​@@SoapSchoolUK

[@marviareid2190]

I made it using your recipe and it came out great. Thanks you

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@SaltTaylor-c3u]

I just got some raw shea butter from Ghana and I can't wait to do this

[@johnnybstuddd4482]

I have some shea butter and I can't wait to make this soap. It looks simple too, going to make it this weekend, thanks again for the awesome recipe.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Johnny I hope you enjoy making it :)

[@johnnybstuddd4482]

@@SoapSchoolUK Yes I did, i finally got a chance to use it since it cured. It is really nice soap. I was thinking of making it again but modifying the recipe using coconut milk, maybe using 75 g of water and 75g of frozen coconut milk.

[@shannonpayne3041]

Best soap I've ever seen, I never made soap before but I love moisturizing bars so this will be my first try definitely, 😍 thanks for your teaching

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Hope you enjoy it Shannon

[@opentoreiki]

Can’t wait to make it! Where do I find the recipe?

[@harryByrne-u2f]

Hey Sarah, how would I go about adding essential oils to it.

[@1019buster]

I make soap and always use 10 percent shea butter. I am going to try 50 percent. I love all your video. Thank you for sharing your tips

[@SoapSchoolUK]

You are so welcome!

[@HipHopBeatSource]

How did you melt the shea butter and coconut oil?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

You can use any heat source like a hob, hotplate or even the mocrowave

[@lball9975]

Love that creamy lather! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Thanks for watching and spending time with us today x

[@oumou-lalya8052]

Can this recipe be made for liquid soap? Thanks

[@SoapSchoolUK]

No, you need a different recipe and lye type for liquid soaps

[@ImArizaka]

If i am using a bigger mold, can i just double this receipe ?

[@LangDenise]

I have never made soap before and this recipe was very easy to follow. Three questions: 1. why cover it with a dark towel? I tried and when I checked, the soil got on the towel (I used small separate molds without lids on them). Do I need to cover them? 2. How long does it take to fully cure? Most of what I read says it takes 2-4 weeks to fully cure. 3. Can we just add our own essential oils to this recipe or does anything else need to be done before adding in some scents? Thank you so much!

[@atibatianya]

Can I use essentials oils as fragrance or they are not working for soap?!

[@SoapSchoolUK]

You can absolutely use essential oils

[@atibatianya]

@@SoapSchoolUK Thank you I

[@tnmatos1]

Would I be able to use fragrance oil?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Yes you can certainly use fragrance oils. Just look at the information on the suppliers site for the amount allowable in a soap

[@lisastemnock750]

Wonderful video, thank you so much! I am so glad I stumbled upon you! I have 55 pounds of Shea butter I bought for my whipped body butter. I will definitely be trying this recipe soon! I love the lather test, it looks so creamy! This will also be perfect for my vegan friends.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Lisa I am thrilled it has helped you

[@ykwong7389]

This is what I have been searching for. Easy to follow step by step and the clear beautiful voice. Can I do away with the Soap Calculation scales which is confusing for me to understand? Yes, I will get the ingredients soon to make my own soap. Thank you. I pressed like and subscribed k

[@kathrynway7218]

I'll probably do this tomorrow! Thank you ☺️

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I hope you enjoy making it Kathryn

[@marviareid2190]

I tried it and it came out great

[@Jennimanna]

Thankyou Sarah i been making soaps for a few years now . Lately the soaps i making havea white film.over them.not aure if thisnis soda ash. I use honey salt sugar in the recipe might be something im doing wrong .,, So inwant to try your recile to give me.hope.again. I love making soap. Thanku for sharing .

[@crystalvoyager11]

I just found the cure time in previous questions and reply. Thank you so much , i cant wait to try this!! ❤❤❤

[@PatMcHock]

Hey, just started making soaps. Ive made about 20 loafs or so. Did you use the soap after 24 hours? I thought you had to let this cure for 4-6 weeks?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

If the soap has fully gelled there will be no further ph changes but it still requires time to cure and for the water to evaporate

[@caterrificable]

Thank you for the video and recipe!! if I want to add a fragrance, how much should I add and when?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

You can generally add 3% skin safe fragrance or essential oil blend of your choice

[@caterrificable]

@@SoapSchoolUK I’m brand new to this so 3% of what?

[@caterrificable]

And when do I add it?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

@@caterrificable You asked how much fragrance you could add? I replied with the amount :)

[@jennifermanna9796]

thanku will try this

[@lauragent2708]

Great video. I really want to try doing it now. If I wanted essential oils in it, how much would you recommend for this size batch please? :)

[@Seabee753]

I have a couple of questions - i am new to soap making . Do i have to add lye to the soap ?could i add something else as a substitute? What does the lye actually do ?

[@RubyLockx]

If you want to add essential oil scent how much do you recommend for a batch this size? And at what stage do you add the scent in? How do you store this after making a batch this size?

[@jenniferacevedo5543]

Is this good for sensitive skin

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I have a sensitive skin and eczema, and I love it

[@staceycotton9681]

Hi, I don't want to use lye what else can you suggest castor oil?

[@staceyj6615]

It's been a while since I made soap, if I use spring water, will it still set correctly or do I have to use distilled water?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Hi :). Many mineral waters work well but they do contain some minerals that can accelerate oxidisation that can lead to DOS. The distilled water does not but if you are just starting to enjoy soap making at home I would do a test

[@sonyasmith-hughes3326]

WONDERFUL! I learn something new every time! What a lovely lady. Thank you

[@debbieescobar6267]

Use percentages instead of weights. Typos happen, and it makes it easier to make any batch size

[@chukwuezemaureen5020]

Hi, Sarah. Never done any shea butter cold process soap before. I will try it out this night. Ur teaching is wonderful. Well understood..Well done ma

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I'm glad you find my videos helpful

[@emilyuk3570]

Could I add seamoss to this and at what point pls,

[@SoapSchoolUK]

You can soak the seamoss in the water or keep part of the water back to infuse it in and add later in the mixing process.

[@emilyuk3570]

Which shea butter is best to buy

[@SoapSchoolUK]

They will all work in your soap. The raw unrefined will have an odour that may come through over your fragrance

[@tnmatos1]

Hello beautiful soul ...Thank you so much for this recipe ... Can you tell me how many grams or ounces of fragrance oil I can use without compromising the balance of the recipe.... I am fairly new and learning 🎉🎉

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

Thank you for this video. I’m a novice, and had no clue how to start. If I want to add essential oils, at what point to I add to the mixture, and is the stick blender an essential?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

You add the once you reach a light trace :). I hope you enjoy soap making

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

@@SoapSchoolUK thank you!!

[@cathygilani4663]

Ooh - what creamy lather!! This look like a winner Sara! 💖

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Hi Cathy, yay, so glad you like it too :). It's really is lovely and rich

[@jennifercuebas7592]

Hi there, is it possible to replace the coconut oil with another oil? Working with a coconut allergy...Thanks!

[@Amahle-d8t]

New to Soap making . May you share where you get Shea butter from

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I'm in the UK, so I use Soap Makers Store and Soap Kitchen

[@RosinaQuartey]

How do I double this recipe? Thanks.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Simply multiply everything by two to double the recipe

[@RosinaQuartey]

@@SoapSchoolUK Thank you for your response.

[@justinrowley8647]

do you think or know if i could replace shea butter in this recipe with kokum butter?

[@jackiexoxo169]

Thank you for this wonderful recipe! If were to add essential oils to the soap (for example, lavender oil), how many grams would you recommend I should add?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I use a maximum of 3% essential oils in my soaps :)

[@jackiexoxo169]

@@SoapSchoolUK Thank you!

[@Safiya_Iyeh]

It's beautiful

[@salonikhanna5503]

Hi, canvthis soap be used immediately or we need to cure it. Secondly can this base be used later for a melt and pour recipe

[@sylvanaire]

She seemed to use it after only 24 hours, but the one and only time I’ve ever made soap, I had to cure for six weeks, so I wonder what the difference is. I hope she comes back and checks new comments.

[@DeborahKeeney-mg3ft]

Love shea butter! Thank you for the video

[@SoapSchoolUK]

So good to know you enjoy it too :)

[@ScrubsToScreensWithFibro]

Thanks for sharing this recipe 😊 How many days after did you do the lather test?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I tested after only a few days but I prefer to test after 4 weeks

[@rachelmageo773]

Baracka Shea butter is my fav!!

[@lkrsoapandsuch5767]

Another great video Sarah. I just love using Shea Butter. Have a wonderful rest of your week.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

🖐Hope you have a fabulous week too :)

[@taniategg1999]

As always an amazing, clear video Sarah!! Can i ask what the SF was on this recipe?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Hi Tania, Great question. Because the shea has lots of unsaponifiables I kept it at 5% superfat :)

[@elainem7722]

@@SoapSchoolUK How does one find out the percentage of unsaponifiables in an oil? Thanks.

[@manishsrivastava6144]

excellent ,very simple and impressive ...

[@jayashree3972]

Is it suitable to babies and children too?

[@soniasangion5517]

Hi Sarah! I will give this recipe a go for sure. Only query is... As it is cold process method, don't I have to let it cure? If yes, for how many days? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Yes, it will need 4 to 6 weeks to cure and dry

[@mtnk096]

Hi is this soap just body soap or also good for face?

[@helenellsworth9556]

Thank you for sharing your recipe, people like you are a gem in ash 😊

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Glad it helps Helen :)

[@Hello1970_]

hello I really like your videos I would like to learn how to make liquid soap for the bath would it be possible to make a video teaching us?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I will pop it on the request list :)

[@mariadsouza7734]

Yes please, liquid soap would be great!! Thanks for your generosity.

[@angelalasareva7748]

How many drops of essential oil I can add please ??????????

[@mahdiammar5862]

Beautiful

[@konstantinabrousali5829]

Hello Sarah. May i ask a question? Because we have very hard water, can i add citric acid 1 or 2% for this recipe? Thank you for your beautiful tutorial.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

You can add citric acid to any of your recipes, hope you have lots of fun making it :)

[@konstantinabrousali5829]

Thank you very much

[@medardazah183]

Si vous dépasser certaine quantité d'acide citrique il faut un surplus de soude. Mais 2% devrait aller

[@konstantinabrousali5829]

@@medardazah183 Thank you so much!

[@pathtojannahclub9933]

Hi did u use lye?

[@binxwinx8434]

Lovely! Thank you! If adding essential oil or fragrance oil, how many grams should we add?

[@aishahamza5186]

Hi sarah, Have some shea butter, I,m going to tried it soon. Very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@Shelinka133]

This will be my first time making soap. How long does this soap take to cure? I also would like to know if I could add fresh rosemary to this recipe? I have many, many bushes of rosemary on our property.

[@jessicaharris1446]

Hi. Love the video. Thank you and appreciate you for sharing. How long did you let the soap cure?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I give them 4 to 6 weeks before packaging

[@Fitaccountant]

Do you have a recipe without using lye?

[@feliciaphillip5523]

Do you have to use the sodium hydroxide ?

[@akhilaunni7385]

Can we use this soap immediately after making

[@SoapSchoolUK]

No it will take several weeks to dry and cure

[@Safiya_Iyeh]

I make soap for a living. Please how and where can I get your type of soap cutter?.

[@eveywebb]

Can you do it without the Lye?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

No, the oils are transformed into soap by the lye

[@पुस्तकधारा]

Lye is mix in which water.

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Most bottled water works well

[@user-ly8yj4fw9w]

Hi, I'm still learning soap calculator.when I put this recipe for trial, I'm getting different water and lye results pls help me

[@hibiscusflower5911]

Can I use my stick blender that I use for food?

[@SowingNGrowing]

No, you should NEVER do that. Good luck!

[@hibiscusflower5911]

Can I just use Shea butter? I have some old stuff laying around

[@virginial_c2235]

Hello Sarah, I have a question. Today I made my first batch of soap, and filled my molds, then while washing my utensils, I thought of using the left over soap from my container to wash my hands, it was still in a creamy state. And it didn't mske any bubbles, and made my hands wrinkle in just a few seconds. Any idea why was that? Thank you for your videos, I can't wait to try all your soaps. Update: Well after waiting 2 days for my hands to be okay again, and after I felt confident again to try the solidified soaps I made, that soap needs to rest ( at least 24hrs), Yes or yes. It needs to mature. So the lye doesn't burn your skin.

[@Lovedesiree585]

What soap mold is this that you’re using?

[@annap1191]

Thanks for the video. Can you use food grade lye using baking soda?

[@ScrubsToScreensWithFibro]

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate not sodium hydroxide if I’m correct

[@bridgetfrias9786]

Do we have to add the sodium hydroxide? And can I add coloring to this?

[@joelgodfrey6872]

At what point can I add essential oils to the batch? And do you just let it sit over night then cut it?

[@tiffanyburroughs1]

I subscribed to your channel. I wanted to know if you can pair this up with another butter and what would be best. Like Mango? And how many Grams if making recipe would you recommend?

[@SoapSchoolUK]

Yes you can! You would need to run the new recipe through a SAP calculator online though to recalculate the new lye amount

[@tiffanyburroughs1]

Thank. I have made some of my own soap. Soap cal is helpful

[@lookate2001]

Hi there, I followed your recipe and added a little bit of peppermint oil, it’s been 10 hours, the soap is dried, when I tried it, it’s not lathering at all. Did I do something wrong? Or do I just have to wait loner? Thank you

[@medardazah183]

Ce serait plus prudent de respecter sa recette. Et pour un autre essai tenter de modifier. Juste une suggestion.

[@karrenbrazel8844]

Do you think I could replace the water for goats milk? Really wanting to utilise my girls mik

[@AnnePeaceWithGod]

Can i add essitial oils to this?

[@chsrlottetaylor5804]

Love your she butter

[@DarcieGibson]

Did you let the soap cure before demonstrating the lather? I am 100% new to soap making but would love to try this recipe. I actually have all of the ingredients. :) Also, if I were to add essential oils how much should i add and will different ones cause a different reaction? Thanks

[@SoapSchoolUK]

The soap was only a couple of days old when I tested the lather. The essential oils will not affect the recipe in any way, you can use them or leave them out :)

[@emilyuk3570]

Could I add poppy seeds to this?

[@Mrs_Canary]

I tried 70% shea and 30% coconut oil and 100% shea. They both feel great. Creamy. The one with coconut oil has more lather though

[@SoapSchoolUK]

I am so glad you have tried them out and enjoy them!

[@roshab]

You have always been my favourite 💖. Thank you so much mam for such lovely recipes . Great work 🥰 god bless you

[@SoapSchoolUK]

My pleasure Roshni 😊