Lemon Chia Shea Butter Soap Bars
Lemon Chia Shea Butter Soap Bars are a refreshing and lightly scented exfoliating simple soap bar that is great for beginner soap makers.
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Making soap was one on my list for the longest time. The internet is packed with recipes and techniques. It can be overwhelming to decide on one and give it a go. Me, I hate to waste money on something like this. So it took me a while to dive in and try a few. Once I found this method, that was it. This type of simple soap-making is for both beginners and long-time soap makers.
It is my go-to way to make soap. They are fun to make as gifts and even to sell. People love them. It also helps that my daughter loves to cut the cubes of soap for me.
This recipe is so versatile that you can use any essential oil you love. I have used sweet orange and even lavender in place of the lemon in these bars for a completely different smell. Another popular soap recipe is my Charcoal Lavender Soap Bars. You can use the same melt-and-pour soap base with a completely different soap.
What You’ll Need To Make Them
1 lb of Shea Butter melt and pour soap base
10 drops of lemon essential oil
1 tsp of organic chia seed
Directions
Take one pound of the melt and pour soap base, then cut it into small cubes.
Place in a heat-tolerant glass bowl.
Use a double boiler or a sauce pot with a bowl over it. For this, I will be using a bowl and saucepan. I fill it just a few inches with water and then I place the bowl directly over it.
Heat over medium heat.
**If you have a microwave, you can also opt to melt your soaps in there without the cover. Simple heat for several seconds, take out, stir, and reheat. Repeat the process until the cubes are in liquid form. Make sure to take proper precautions when taking the hot bowl in and out of the microwave. Also, make sure to use a microwavable bowl as well.
Cover with a piece of foil to speed up the process of the cubes melting. Make sure to stay by the stove and uncover it to stir during the process.
Use a rubber spatula to stir for easier removal.
When the soap melt in liquid form, drop in the essential oil and the chia seed. Give the soap another stir to make sure the chia and oil are disbursed throughout the soap.
With a waiting mold ready and using a heat protective cloth or oven mitt, pour the mixture into the mold.
Make sure to fill. If using 4 oz molds this recipe will make 4 bars total.
Benefits of Lemon, Chia and Shea Butter Blend
Shea butter itself is excellent for those who suffer from dry skin. Shea butter helps create an emollient that can help soften and smooth dry skin. It is safe for all skin types while also being anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory.
Lemon can be a powerful anti-fungal agent in soaps helping prevent infection from common strains of bacteria. While also providing a light citrus scent to the bar of soap. Lastly, chia seed, which is something I have been asked about most whenever sharing a soap with them. Since this is a soap that benefits dry skin issues, chia seed has been added to act as an extra exfoliant. I think it also makes the soap bar look a little extra pretty with the seeds.
FAQ
Can I use another essential oil?
Yes! You most definitely can. I often use lavender and even sweet orange. I would like to try a grapefruit myself for fun. All will work just fine for this recipe.
What are the chia seeds for?
Chia seed is added for exfoliant purposes and to add a bit of texture to the bar. I like the way the seeds look in the bar. If you would prefer not to have the exfoliant factor, just simply omit it from the recipe.
I see other types of melt-and-pour bases, can I use olive oil or goat milk for this recipe?
You sure can and I often do like to switch up with the goat milk base for my soaps. The olive oil will work just fine too. It all depends on what you are going for in your bars. The goat milk aids in exfoliation and the shea butter is better for moisturizing. Switch it up when you feel like it. The company I linked here also sells those types in the 5 lb and 2 lb blocks.
How to store these?
Store these bars in a cool dry place away from moisture or extreme temperature changes. A hall closet or pantry works great as these are usually in common areas where the temperature is consistent. I keep them wrapped in parchment paper or ziplock bags when storing.
How long is the shelf life for these bars?
Homemade soap bars typically have a shelf life of up to one year. Since the essential oils can go rancid. The best way to test the soap is to see if it still lathers or if you notice any bad smells.
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Melt and Pour Soap Base Shea Butter 5 lbs
Melt and Pour Soap Base Shea Butter 2 lbs
My Favorite Lemon Essential Oil
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Lemon Chia Shea Butter Soap Bars
simple soap bars made with lemon, chia and shea butter
Ingredients
- 1 lbs block of shea butter melt and pour soap base
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 1 tsp of chia seeds
Instructions
- Begin by cutting up the soap base into cubes.
- Place them in a heat-resistant glass bowl.
- Using the double boiler method, fill a small pot with a few inches of water.
- Place the bowl over the pot and heat over medium heat.
- Place a piece of foil on top to help the heating process.
- Stay by the stove and uncover the bowl to stir occasionally.
- When the soap base is melted, drop in the essential oil and chia seeds.
- Mix well with a rubber spatula to ensure the ingredients are distributed throughout the base.
- Taking a heat protective cloth or oven glove, remove the bowl from the heat and pour the mixture into a waiting soap mold.
- If using a 4 oz mold, this mixture will make approximately 4- 4 oz bars of soap.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 45 minutes before removing them from the mold.
- The bars are ready when firm to the touch.
- Store in a cool dry place.
Notes
**See the links under the tools you may need
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