Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Mint Soap

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.

Not Quite Ready To Start From Scratch?

Discover how to stretch a single bar into multiple homemade versions using a DIY melt-and-pour soap base that skips the price tags and dubious chemicals in store bought varieties.

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 (in grams):

• Eucalyptus Infusion: 200g (prepare by steeping eucalyptus leaves in boiling water)
• Canola Oil (Rapeseed Oil): 120g
• Coconut Oil: 150g
• Glycerin: 100g
• Propylene Glycol: 50g (or substitute with a 2:1 solution of sugar, sorbitol (best option), or xylitol **see FAQ**)
• Water (Aqua): 100g
• Perfume: As preferred (a few drops)
• 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

Tools Needed:

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

Method:

Step 1: 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).

Step 2: Melting the Oils

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

Step 3: 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'.

Step 4: Initial Setting

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

Step 5: Shredding the Set Soap

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

Step 6: Melting the Shredded Soap

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

Step 7: Adding Final Touches

• Once melted, remove from heat.
• Combine the titanium dioxide, sodium chloride, citric acid, cornstarch, and essential oils, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture. The cornstarch helps the longevity and strength of the scent from the oils.
• Mix the essential oil mixture evenly through the liquified soap.

Step 8: Second Pour

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

Step 9: Final Cure

• Allow the soap to solidify at room temperature
• They are ready for use once set but can benefit from being 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 re-melt the soap? 

Shredding and re-melting the soap allow you to incorporate additional ingredients more evenly. This process also helps in achieving a smoother, more consistent finish, and preserves the scent from the oils by not exposing them to harsh conditions of saponification.

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.

Q4: Can I use other solvents to dissolve the soap?

Yes you can use a 2:1 mixture of sugar or a sugar alcohol like sorbitol or xylitol instead of the propylene glycol. Note that xylitol is toxic in small amounts to dogs if you have pets. Sorbitol is very effective as a solvent because it acts like both an alcohol and sugar in its dissolving power. It also improves lather. Straight alcohol is avoided as a solvent but could be used, however it does tend to be drying.

With your newly crafted soap bars, enjoy the refreshing sensations and therapeutic benefits they bring. This process is the basis for how all of the soaps are made, except the olive soap. With this knowledge, duping other favorites becomes much easier.