Homemade Cucumber Soap: A Cooling Recipe 🥒

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh cucumber (medium-sized)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or your preferred carrier oil)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup lye (sodium hydroxide)
• 3/4 cup distilled water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (peppermint or tea tree for cooling effect)
• Soap mold (silicone molds work best)
• Immersion blender
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, and long sleeves)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber Puree:
   • Peel and chop the cucumber into small pieces.
   • Blend it into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. Set aside.
2. Mix the Lye Solution:
   • Put on your safety gear.
   • In a well-ventilated area, slowly add the lye to the distilled water (never the other way around) while stirring constantly until it dissolves completely.
   • Let the solution cool down to about 100°F (38°C).
3. Melt the Oils and Butter:
   • In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and shea butter until fully liquid.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil.
   • Let the oil mixture cool to around 100°F (38°C).
4. Combine Lye Solution and Oils:
   • Slowly pour the cooled lye solution into the melted oils.
   • Use an immersion blender to mix until the soap mixture reaches a light trace (thick pudding consistency).
5. Add Cucumber Puree and Essential Oil:
   • Stir in the cucumber puree and essential oil until fully incorporated.
6. Pour into Mold:
   • Pour the mixture into your soap mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
   • Lightly tap the mold to release any air bubbles.
7. Curing Process:
   • Cover the mold with a towel and let it sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours.
   • Once hardened, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars if necessary.
   • Allow the soap bars to cure for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place. This ensures the lye is fully neutralized and the soap is ready for use.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to add natural colorants like spirulina (green) or turmeric (yellow) to enhance the visual appeal of the soap.
• Storage: Store the soap in a well-drained dish to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Enjoy the cooling and refreshing benefits of your homemade cucumber soap!