DIY ‘Outback Mate’ Soap From Scratch

A Lush Dupe Guide

 If you adore Lush’s Outback Mate soap but not its price, this DIY Lush Soap Dupe is for you. If melting down a bar, and turning it into more isn’t enough, dive into the art of soap-making with this step-by-step guide. Discover how to create a similarly scented soap bar, with even cleaner natural ingredients. Infused with the invigorating essences of eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint, this project offers a fulfilling way to save money and smell great.

Discover how to stretch a single bar into multiple homemade versions using a DIY melt-and-pour soap base that skips the pricey tags and dubious chemicals. If you want to learn more, this post on ‘How To Get the Most From Lush Soaps‘ we dive deeper into some of these ingredients and substitutes.

Understanding Lush’s Soap-Making Process:

Lush famously uses a mixture of canola and coconut oils along with glycerin, propylene glycol, and various ‘infusions’ to create a versatile, malleable soap base. This homemade guide will follow a similar approach but will allow for customization and exclusion of certain industrial solvents and chelators.

Ingredients (Custom Soap Base Recipe):

• Eucalyptus Infusion: 200g (prepare by steeping eucalyptus leaves in boiling water)
• Canola Oil (Rapeseed Oil): 120g
• Coconut Oil: 100g
• Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: 50g
• Glycerine: 100g
• Propylene Glycol: 50g (or substitute with a 2:1 solution of sugar, sorbitol (best option), or xylitol **see FAQ**
• Water (Aqua): 100g (for lye solution)
• Essential Oils: Eucalyptus Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Peppermint Oil (15 drops each)
• Titanium Dioxide: 1 tsp (to color)
• Sodium Chloride (Salt): 5g
• Citric Acid: 2g
• Cornstarch: 15g
• Sodium Hydroxide (Lye): 85g

**Ingredients are listed as % values and vary slightly from the order on Lush.com, click here to learn why the ingredients are different!

Essential Oils for Scent:

• Eucalyptus Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Peppermint Oil

Colorants:

• Titanium Dioxide (if you are going for the same look as the original. Note that this product has been banned in food and restricted in cosmetics in Europe due to being carcinogenic.)
• Blue 1 or Blue 1 Lake (for the iconic color)

Tools Needed:

• Double boiler
• Soap molds
• Mixing bowls
• Stirring spoon
• Digital scale
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles)
• Thermometer
• Cheese grater or similar shredding tool

Instructions:

Preparing the Lye Solution

• Begin by carefully dissolving the sodium hydroxide in the water. Gradually add the lye to the water, stirring continuously. Ensure this is done in a well-ventilated area while wearing protective gear. Let it cool down to approximately 95°F (35°C).

Melting the Oils

• Proceed to melt the canola oil, coconut oil, and organic virgin coconut oil together in a double boiler until they are completely blended.

Saponification Process

• Once the lye solution and the oils have reached a similar temperature, slowly combine them. Stir consistently until the mixture reaches a thick consistency, known as ‘trace’.

Initial Setting

• Gently pour the soap mixture into molds and let it harden. This setting process typically takes 24 to 48 hours.

Shredding the Set Soap

• After the soap has hardened, unmold and shred it into fine pieces using a cheese grater.

Melting the Shredded Soap

• Place the shredded soap back into a double boiler. Add the propylene glycol, eucalyptus infusion, and glycerine. Heat the mixture, stirring continuously, until the soap dissolves completely.

Adding Final Touches

• Once melted, remove from heat. Stir in the titanium dioxide, sodium chloride, citric acid, cornstarch, and essential oils, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

Second Pour

• Carefully pour the final mixture back into the molds, making sure to eliminate any air bubbles by gently tapping the molds.

Final Cure

• Allow the soap to solidify at room temperature. They are ready for use once set but can be left to cure longer if preferred.

FAQ:

Q1: Can I substitute another oil for canola oil?  Yes, other oils like olive oil or sunflower oil can be used as substitutes. However, make sure to check their saponification values to adjust the amount of lye needed.

Q2: Why do I need to shred and remelt the soap? Shredding and remelting the soap allow you to incorporate additional ingredients more evenly. This process also helps in achieving a smoother, more consistent finish.

Q3: How long should the soap cure before use?  While the soaps are ready to use once hardened, allowing them to cure for 4 to 6 weeks will make them milder and longer-lasting.