Christmas Cottage Cold Process Soap
Whether it be imagery from movies and books or real-life memories of visiting family and friends, the sight of a snowy cottage in the forest can evoke those warm, nostalgic feelings when the holiday season rolls around. A carefully crafted bar of soap that captures the aromas of this classic Christmas scene can make a great gift for loved ones that allows them to enjoy those warm and fuzzy feelings all year round. A base of Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, and Mango Butter forms a firm bar with a rich creamy lather that leaves the skin cleansed and hydrated. Oregon Winter Fragrance Oil, Vanilla Cream Fragrance Oil, and Apple Cinnamon Fragrance Oil combine for an aroma that sets the scene of enjoying a freshly baked apple pie by the fire in a cozy cottage tucked away deep in a snow-dusted pine forest. Notes of fresh fir needle, soft moss, ripe apple, and sweet creamy vanilla swirl together to create this unique and comforting holiday scent.
Ingredients
- 5 lb Silicone Loaf Mold
- 17 oz of Olive Oil
- 17 oz of Coconut Oil
- 8.5 oz of Cocoa Butter Wafers
- 8.5 oz of Sweet Almond Oil
- 3.5 oz of Mango Butter
- 17 oz of Distilled Water
- 7.5 oz of Sodium Hydroxide Lye
- 2 oz of Oregon Winter Fragrance Oil
- ½ oz of Vanilla Cream Fragrance Oil
- ½ oz of Apple Cinnamon Fragrance Oil
Instructions
- Weigh and combine the fragrance oils, then set them aside.
- Weigh the Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, and Mango Butter and combine them in a large bowl. Place the bowl on top of a large pot about ⅓ full of water. Bring the water to a boil. Heat the oils until fully melted and blended, stirring occasionally.
- While the oils are melting, weigh out the lye and water in two separate bowls. Slowly add the lye to the water while gently stirring until the lye is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear.
- Let the oils and lye mixture both cool to 120 degrees or below, ensuring that they are within 10 degrees of each other.
- Place the immersion blender into the oils, tapping it on the bottom of the bowl to release any air bubbles.
- Slowly and gently pour the lye water into the oil mixture. Pouring down the side of the bowl or down the shaft of the immersion blender can reduce the chance of splashing.
- Pulse the blender a few times, watching as the oils and lye start to combine. Switch between short pulses and stirring with the blender until the mixture comes together to a light trace.
- Working quickly, stir (do not blend) in the fragrance oil blend.
- Once the soap reaches about a medium trace, pour it into the mold, scraping the bowl to ensure no soap is left behind. Tap the mold on the table or counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Cover the mold and allow the soap to sit in the mold for 48-72 hours at room temperature. Unmold the soap, cut it into bars, and allow it to cure for 4-6 weeks.