Cypress and Cashmere Soap Project
This cold process recipe features three striking layers—earthy brown, forest green, and creamy white with poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation. Scented with our Cypress and Cashmere Fragrance Oil, it blends soft cashmere with crisp cypress and hints of bergamot and sandalwood for a cozy, sophisticated aroma that’s perfect for fall.
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What You Need:
Instructions
You will need:
- 12″ Tall Silicone Loaf Mold
- 33 oz. Raw Shea Quick Mix
- 4.5 oz. Sodium Hydroxide Lye
- 10 oz. Distilled Water
- 3 tsp. Sodium Lactate (optional)
- 2.25 oz. Cypress & Cashmere Fragrance Oil
- Hunter Green Mica
- Cappuccino Mica
- Poppy Seeds
COLORANT PREP: In two separate containers, mix 1/2 teaspoon of Hunter Green Mica and 1/2 teaspoon of Cappuccino Mica into 2 teaspoons of lightweight liquid oil. Use a mini mixer to get rid of any clumps.
FRAGRANCE PREP: Measure 2.25 ounces of Cypress and Cashmere Fragrance Oil into a glass container. Set aside.
SAFETY FIRST: Suit up for safe handling practices. That means goggles, gloves, and long sleeves. Make sure kids, pets, other distractions, and tripping hazards are out of the house or don’t have access to your space. Always make soap in a well-ventilated area.
Follow these steps:
1
Slowly and carefully add 4.5 ounces of lye to 10 ounces of water and gently stir until the lye has fully dissolved and the liquid is clear. Set aside to cool. Optional: Stir in 3 teaspoons of sodium lactate to help the soap harden and unmold more quickly.
2
Heat up the bag of Raw Shea Quick Mix in the microwave until it's clear. Measure out 31 ounces, set aside to let cool.
3
Set up your mold: Tilt your mold by elevating one side about an inch (books work well for this).
4
Once lye and oils have cooled to within 10 degrees of each other, add the lye to the oils and stick blend until you reach a thin trace. Whisk in your fragrance oil, mix well.
5
Separate the batter into three containers, about 15 oz (just under 2 cups) each. In the first container, mix in the Cappuccino Mica mixture. Leave the next container uncolored, stir in 1 tbsp of poppy seeds until evenly distributed.
6
Pour the brown layer into the tilted mold (step 5) and wait. Once the first layer is firm enough to hold its shape, switch to elevate the opposite side of the mold. Pour the uncolored poppy seed soap batter into the lowered side of the mold.
7
In the last container, add in the Hunter Green mica mixture and stir until combined. Make sure the poppy seed layer is set up enough before placing the mold flat on the table. Pour the green soap into the remaining portion of the mold.
8
Texture the top using a fork, then arrange star anise pods (or another dried botanical of your choice) down one side of the soap. Spray with alcohol and place on a heating pad to force gel phase. Let the bars cure for 4-6 weeks and enjoy!
Tutorial credits
Photographer: Hannah Wong
Cypress and Cashmere Soap Project
- LEVEL Intermediate
- TIME 1 hour
- YIELD About 10 Bars of Soap
Project Description
This cold process recipe features three striking layers—earthy brown, forest green, and creamy white with poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation. Scented with our Cypress and Cashmere Fragrance Oil, it blends soft cashmere with crisp cypress and hints of bergamot and sandalwood for a cozy, sophisticated aroma that’s perfect for fall.
Â
Â
You will need:
- 12″ Tall Silicone Loaf Mold
- 33 oz. Raw Shea Quick Mix
- 4.5Â oz. Sodium Hydroxide Lye
- 10 oz. Distilled Water
- 3 tsp. Sodium Lactate (optional)
- 2.25Â oz. Cypress & Cashmere Fragrance Oil
- Hunter Green Mica
- Cappuccino Mica
- Poppy Seeds
COLORANT PREP:Â In two separate containers, mix 1/2 teaspoon of Hunter Green Mica and 1/2 teaspoon of Cappuccino Mica into 2 teaspoons of lightweight liquid oil. Use a mini mixer to get rid of any clumps.
FRAGRANCE PREP: Measure 2.25 ounces of Cypress and Cashmere Fragrance Oil into a glass container. Set aside.Â
SAFETY FIRST: Suit up for safe handling practices. That means goggles, gloves, and long sleeves. Make sure kids, pets, other distractions, and tripping hazards are out of the house or don’t have access to your space. Always make soap in a well-ventilated area.
Follow these steps:
1
Slowly and carefully add 4.5 ounces of lye to 10 ounces of water and gently stir until the lye has fully dissolved and the liquid is clear. Set aside to cool. Optional: Stir in 3 teaspoons of sodium lactate to help the soap harden and unmold more quickly.
2
Heat up the bag of Raw Shea Quick Mix in the microwave until it's clear. Measure out 31 ounces, set aside to let cool.
3
Set up your mold: Tilt your mold by elevating one side about an inch (books work well for this).
4
Once lye and oils have cooled to within 10 degrees of each other, add the lye to the oils and stick blend until you reach a thin trace. Whisk in your fragrance oil, mix well.
5
Separate the batter into three containers, about 15 oz (just under 2 cups) each. In the first container, mix in the Cappuccino Mica mixture. Leave the next container uncolored, stir in 1 tbsp of poppy seeds until evenly distributed.
6
Pour the brown layer into the tilted mold (step 5) and wait. Once the first layer is firm enough to hold its shape, switch to elevate the opposite side of the mold. Pour the uncolored poppy seed soap batter into the lowered side of the mold.
7
In the last container, add in the Hunter Green mica mixture and stir until combined. Make sure the poppy seed layer is set up enough before placing the mold flat on the table. Pour the green soap into the remaining portion of the mold.
8
Texture the top using a fork, then arrange star anise pods (or another dried botanical of your choice) down one side of the soap. Spray with alcohol and place on a heating pad to force gel phase. Let the bars cure for 4-6 weeks and enjoy!
Tutorial credits
Photographer:Â Hannah Wong