Liquid soap recipes will be handy if you want a mild everyday soap in your bathroom or kitchen. Liquid laundry soaps have also been gaining popularity. Making organic liquid soap will ensure your skin and hands the best and most nourishing effect possible.
Liquid soap recipes are usually more complicated than regular soap bars. Beginners may find it more difficult to make them because the entire soap making process can be different. Making natural liquid soap can take a good amount of patience as well. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you’ll realize that it is not all that hard.
The main difference between solid soaps and liquid body soap is its actual central ingredient. When you make liquid soap, you use potassium hydroxide as lye (not sodium hydroxide) with water, oils and additives. Potassium hydroxide never solidify and stay liquid.
The main method for making homemade liquid soap is called the hot process.
Here are the steps for making your own liquid soap:
Step 1:
First, you will need to make your liquid hand soap base. To make the liquid soap base, you simply pour water onto a container or a double boiler pot then add potassium hydroxide. Set this mixture aside as it boils. Take extreme care as the mixture can get extremely hot. Insulate the bottom of the pot for safety.
Step 2:
Take your oil in another container. Heat this oil mixture until it matches the same temperature as the water mixture. When the temperatures are comparable, mix the two for about two minutes then allow to sit for 5 minutes.
Step 3:
The next few steps you will follow is just the same as the cold process of making soap. The difference lies on how long you need to hold the entire trace process. For liquid soap making, you need to blend the liquid soap base very well beyond trace.
To do this, you need to do the blend-allow to sit process mentioned previously for about three cycles. Once the base is completely smooth, it is just about ready to be used. You can add fragrance and essential oils depending on your preference.
You will know when it’s time to stop when the consistency is just enough when droplets stay on the surface for a second once dropped.
Adding Essences and antibacterial properties
You can make your own antibacterial liquid hand soap by adding in oils or herbal essences with anti-bacterial properties such as tea tree.
Liquid glycerin soap has also gained popularity as they are relatively easier to make than other liquid soap bases.
Make sure you keep wax additives below 2% and oil additives at 3% for best consistency.
Advantages of Easy Liquid Soap Recipe:
- The main advantage of liquid soap is that it can be used right away after formulation. It does not need to be hardened or cured.
- You have control over the oils used and may adapt the formula to the demands of your skin. For scent, you may also add your favourite essential oils.
- Liquid soap is versatile since it may be used for handwashing, body washing, and even as a gentle cleaner for fragile materials.
- While manufacturing liquid soap requires dealing with potash, it might be an easier procedure than making cold-process or hot-process bar soap.
Disadvantages of Easy Liquid Soap Recipe:
- Potassium Hydroxide (Potash): Making liquid soap necessitates the use of potassium hydroxide, a caustic chemical. It is important to take necessary measures and handle it with care.
- Longer Process: producing liquid soap takes longer than producing melt and pour soap because the soap must saponify and thicken over many days.
Alternatives to the Easy Liquid Soap Recipe include:
- Melt and Pour Soap: Melt and pour soap bases are easily available if you want a speedier and easier process. You may melt the pre-made soap, add additions, and pour it into moulds.
- Liquid Castile Soap: Rather than manufacturing your own liquid soap, you may buy pre-made liquid castile soap, which is commonly prepared from olive oil. You may still add other ingredients or essential oils to make it your own.
- Commercial Liquid Soap: If you prefer convenience, there are several commercial liquid soaps available in a variety of compositions and smells. Look for alternatives that match your likes and ideals.
Summary
When creating liquid soap or any other soap-making method, remember to undertake comprehensive research, use trusted recipes, and prioritise safety precautions. Make your own soap for a creative and gratifying experience!
