Avocado oil is celebrated for its numerous skin benefits. It is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. Additionally, its high-fat content makes it an excellent emollient, promoting soft and supple skin. When used in soap, avocado oil contributes to a creamy lather and a luxurious feel, making it a favorite among soap makers.

Here’s a simple recipe to make your own avocado oil soap. This recipe yields approximately 10 bars of soap, each weighing about 100 grams (3.5 oz).

180g (6.3 oz) Cold Pressed Avocado Oil
150g (5.3 oz) Coconut Oil
120g (4.2 oz) Olive Oil
90g (3.17 oz) Palm Oil
60g (2.1 oz) Canola Oil (substitute with Olive Oil for a face soap)
30g (1.05 oz) Cold Pressed Sesame Oil or Evening Primrose Oil (optional)
92g (3.17 oz) Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
222g (8.2 oz) Distilled Water
Essential Oils (Optional): 30 drops of Ylang Ylang, 15 drops of Rosemary, 15 drops of Eucalyptus

Safety goggles and gloves
Digital scale
Mixing bowls
Stick blender or hand mixer
Soap mold
Thermometer

Mix the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with distilled water in a well-ventilated area. It’s important to wear safety goggles and gloves, as lye can be caustic. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

In a separate bowl, measure out the avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, canola oil, and any optional oils. If needed, gently heat the solid oils until melted, then allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Once both the lye solution and oils are at similar temperatures (ideally around 100°F), slowly add the lye solution to the oils while stirring continuously. Use a stick blender to mix until you reach a light trace (when the mixture thickens slightly).

If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to add them. Blend them in thoroughly.

Pour the soap mixture into your prepared mold. Tap the mold gently to release any air bubbles.

Cover the mold with a towel to insulate it. Allow the soap to set for 12 to 24 hours before unmolding. After unmolding, cut the soap into bars and allow them to cure in a well-ventilated area for 4 to 6 weeks. This curing time allows the lye to neutralize and the soap to harden.

Safety First: Always wear protective gear when handling lye.
Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the temperature of your oils and lye solution. Ideally, they should be between 95°F and 105°F when combined.
Experiment with Additives: You can enhance your soap with natural colorants or exfoliants like oatmeal or dried herbs.
Test Small Batches: If you’re new to soap-making, consider starting with a small batch to practice your technique.

Making avocado oil soap at home is a rewarding and enjoyable process. Not only do you get to create a unique product tailored to your preferences, but you also reap the benefits of avocado oil for your skin. Whether you’re looking for a gentle facial soap or a luxurious body bar, this recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate the nourishing properties of avocado oil into your skincare routine. Enjoy your soap-making journey!