Honey & Beeswax Soap ++++++++++++++++++++ When added in small amounts, beeswax hardens soap, reduces the chance of soda ash, and adds label appeal. Because a portion of it saponifies (turns into soap when mixed with lye), beeswax is usually calculated into recipes at 0.5% to 3%. Be aware that more of a good thing isn't necessarily better in this case, as too much beeswax will reduce lather and make your soap feel draggy when rubbed across skin. Take special note of the higher temperatures required for this recipe and be prepared to work quickly. There's a learning curve when first working with beeswax, so it's suggested that you have a few successful batches of soap previously made before attempting this recipe. Ingredients: ------------ 9 oz (255 g) distilled water 3.85 oz (109 g) sodium hydroxide (lye) 7 oz (198 g) coconut oil (25%) 0.5 oz (14 g) beeswax (1.8%) 15 oz (425 g) olive oil (53.6%) 4 oz (113 g) sweet almond oil (5.4%) 1.5 oz (43 g) castor oil (5.4 %) 1 tsp (5 ml) honey mixed with 1 tsp (5 ml) warm water 1.06 oz (30 g) lavender essential oil (optional) YIELD: 7 TO 8 BARS OF SOAP (2.5 LBS/1.13 KG) Directions: ----------- Wearing protective gloves and eyewear, carefully stir the lye into the distilled water, then set the lye solution aside in a safe place to cool until the temperature drops to around 125 F (52 C). For this recipe, you wnat to work with higher temps than normal. The oils should be around 145 F (63 C) and the lye solution around 125 F (52 C). Melt the coconut oil and beeswax completely, then add to the other oils. Combine the warm oils with the lye solution. Using a combination of hand stirring and an immersion blender, stir the soap until it reaches a light trace. Because of the higher temperatures and beeswax, this soap will likely reach trace in under 1 minute, so be prepared to work fast when this happens. At trace, stir in the diluted honey and essential oil, if using, then immediately pour into a prepared loaf mold. If the room temperature is warm enough, you may not need to cover this soap. If the room temperature is cooler, or to ensure full gel phase, cover lightly with a sheet of wax or freezer paper, then a towel or light blanket. Peek at the soap every so often; if it starts developing a crack, uncover and move it to a cooler location. Keep the soap in the mold for 1 to 2 days, or until it's easy to remove, then slice it into bars when it's firm enough not to stick to your cutting tool. Cure on coated cooling racks or sheets of wax paper about 4 weeks before using.