The following are some basic safety precautions. Do not attempt to make soap unless you are familiar with the soap making process. The use of stainless steel equipment is recommended. Never use aluminum which will react with lye or plastics that are not heat safe and can melt under the extreme temperatures generated by the lye solution.
Protect your work area. Raw soap can damage unprotected surfaces.
Always wear safety goggles and neoprene gloves and appropriate clothing that covers all exposed skin.
Slowly and carefully add lye to the liquid, stirring well. Set aside out of reach from the curious to cool down between 100° F to 125° F.
Combine oils in a separate pot and heat gently. Once the fats and oils are melted allow the temperature to cool down to 100° F to 125° F.
Add lye solution to the melted oils stirring carefully. Do not splash while combining the mixtures. Stir until the mixture traces, which is thick enough to show the liquid soap make a design if it is drizzled from a spoon onto the liquid mixture.
Tracing can take over an hour for some recipes.
Once tracing occurs additions such as herbs, spices, grains, scent or additional nourishing oils may be added and quickly incorporated into the mix.
Pour raw soap into your prepared molds. After a few days the soap can be turned out of the mold. If the soap is still too soft, allow it to cure for a few days to firm the outside. Cut soap into bars and set the bars out to cure and dry.