Creating the Pastel Peaks soap allows you to bring the soft, soothing tones of pastel colors into your bath routine. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the gentle aesthetics of pastel soaps, combined with the creative flair of peaked designs. Whether you're a seasoned soap maker or a beginner, this recipe, along with the tips that follow it, will help you perfect your craft and produce stunning, pastel-colored soap.
INFORMATION
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Yield: 8 Bars
TIMING
- Prep Time / Clean Up: 45 Minutes
- Perform Time: 2 Hours
- Total Time: 2 Hours, 45 Minutes (longer if putting through gel, which is recommended)
- Cure Time: 4-6 Weeks
SUPPLIES
- Goggles
- Extra Long Disposable Nitrile Gloves (easily found in dishwashing section at local supermarket)
- Digital Scale
- Digital Thermometer or Infrared Thermometer
- Stick Blender
- 1 x 2 Quart Glass Mixing Bowl or Microwavable Plastic Bowl
- 5 x Funnel Pitchers (or other similar containers)
- Small Containers (for holding ingredients) (You will be splitting the cooled lye water, so you will need 4 containers for that. We used pint size jars. See supplies photo.)
- Spatulas / Scoops
- Wax Paper
- 5 x Zipper Bags (for mixing Colorants)
- Pipettes for Fragrance
- Bulb Syringe (as for babies, to blow off excess coconut carbon / activated charcoal)
- 2 x Fine Mesh Strainers (Stainless Steel)
- Paper Towels
- 8” Tall & Skinny Mold (If you don’t have an eight inch Tall & Skinny Mold
- Heating Pad (extra large is best) (Optional)
- Timer (Optional)
- Plexiglass (easily bought and cut at your local hardware store) (cut to fit top of mold) (Optional) or Cardboard
- Plastic Wrap (Optional)
- Ruler
- Towels/Blankets (Optional)
- Knife or Wire Soap Cutter
- Vegetable Peeler (Optional)
- Soap Planer (Optional)
INGREDIENTS
- 6.5 oz / 184 g Cold Distilled Water (Water as a percent of oil weight: 25%)
- 3.6 oz / 103 g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) (6% Super Fat/Lye discount)
- 1 tsp / 10 g Sodium Lactate 60% (Optional) (helps soap to harden and release from mold sooner) (1 teaspoon Per Pound of Oils (PPO)) If not available, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon salt per pound of hard (saturated) oils in distilled water and cool before adding lye. For this recipe use a heaping 1/8 teaspoon.)
- 6.5 oz / 184 g Coconut Oil (25%)
- 7.8 oz / 221 g Lard
- 1.3 oz / 37 g Avocado Oil (5%)
- 1.3 oz / 37 g Castor Oil (5%) (plus an additional amount to mix with colorants)
- 9.1 oz / 258 g Olive Oil (35%)
- 2.1 oz / 61 g Modern Muse Fragrance (6%)
- 1/16 tsp Neon Bright Green Powder (1/8 tsp PPO)
- 1/4 tsp Groovy Green Mica (1/2 tsp PPO)
- 1/2 tsp Ultramarine Pink (1 tsp PPO)
- 1/2 tsp Pretty in Pink Mica (1 tsp PPO)
- 1/2 tsp and 1.5 tsp Titanium Dioxide
- Around 1 tsp Smooth Coconut Carbon
- 1 tsp Peppermint Leaves (1/2 tsp PPO) (ground and sifted through a fine mesh strainer)
DIRECTIONS
Before starting this tutorial please make sure to read all instructions.
You should have a basic understanding of making cold process soap before you begin this tutorial.
It is always a good practice to put any new recipe through a soap calculator like the one found at
http://soapcalc.net/calc/SoapCalcWP.asp.
Step 1 – Gear up for SafetyPut on your long sleeves, long pants, shoes, safety goggles, and gloves. Work in a well ventilated area that is free from distractions.
Step 2 – Measure IngredientsMeasure cold distilled water into funnel pitcher.
Measure coconut oil and lard into the 2 quart container.
Carefully measure avocado oil, castor oil, and olive oil into one funnel pitcher.
Measure these amounts into individual zipper bags (try not to get the colorant into the corners of the bags), then add the amount of castor oil in parenthesis:
- 1/2 tsp Pretty in Pink Mica (around 1-1/2 tsp castor oil)
- 1/2 tsp Ultramarine Pink Pigment (around 1-1/2 tsp castor oil)
- 1/16 tsp Radioactive Green Neon Pigment and 1/4 tsp Groovy Green Mica (around 3/4 tsp castor oil)
- 1/2 tsp Titanium Dioxide (around 1.5 Tbsp castor oil)
- 1.5 tsp Titanium Dioxide (around 2 Tbsp castor oil)
Next, measure remaining ingredients into separate containers, measuring the sodium hydroxide (lye) last.
Step 3 – Make Lye SolutionGently add the sodium hydroxide to the cold distilled water, stir gently to avoid splashing. Make sure to avoid breathing any fumes. Stir until mixture is dissolved. (Please note that when lye is added to the water it will heat up very quickly. For this reason, never use a glass container for mixing your lye and water, and always add lye to water and not the other way around because of the potential lye volcano. Just remember, “Snow falls on the lake.”)
Set aside in a safe place that is well ventilated to cool with your measured sodium lactate.
Step 4 – Make Oil SolutionMelt measured coconut oil and lard in microwave in 30 second bursts until mostly melted. Stir to completely melt. Microwave again if necessary.
Then add measured avocado oil, castor oil, and olive oil to the melted coconut oil and lard. Add fragrance. Stir until mixture is completely clear. Microwave again if necessary.
Step 5 – Prepare ColorantsMix bags of colorants with hands until all the colorant is completely dispersed and no clumps remain. Pay special attention to the titanium dioxide and ultramarine pink as these are harder to incorporate.
Step 6 – Weigh and Divide IngredientsWeigh oil solution and subtract the weight of your container. Divide this amount by 4 and record the amount. Measure this amount into 4 funnel pitchers.
Add the sodium lactate to the cooled lye solution. Stir. Set a funnel pitcher on the scale and zero scale. Add fine mesh strainer and strain lye solution into pitcher. Remove strainer divide this amount by 4 and record amount. Next, set your 4 containers on the scale and zero scale. Measure the recorded amount into each container, zeroing scale after each pour.
Arrange your measured ingredients as shown below with an oil solution, a lye solution, a colorant
Achieving Perfect Pastel Soap Tones
The key to successful pastel soap is mastering the color mixing. Use a light hand when adding pigment—pastel colors should be soft and subtle. For the pastel pink soap, a tiny amount of pink mica or pigment goes a long way. Make sure to thoroughly mix the colorant with a small amount of soap base before incorporating it into the larger batch to avoid clumps and ensure a uniform color.
Mastering Peak Formation Between Layers
To create visually striking peaks between each layer of your Pastel Peaks soap, it is essential to control the consistency and timing of your pouring technique. Ensure each layer of soap batter achieves a slight trace—thick enough to form peaks, yet fluid enough for easy manipulation. After pouring a layer, use a spoon or spatula to gently coax the soap into peaks before it begins to set. This technique not only prevents the layers from blending into one another but also helps achieve the dramatic, textured peaks that are characteristic of this soap design. The careful timing and handling enhance the tactile and visual complexity of your pastel-colored soap, making each bar a unique piece of art.
Cutting and Curing
Once your soap has hardened, cut it into bars using a sharp, clean knife or soap cutter to ensure smooth edges that showcase the beautiful pastel peaks. Allow the soap to cure for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place. This curing process is essential for a harder, longer-lasting bar that's gentle on the skin.
FAQs About the Pastel Peaks Recipe
What are the best colorants to use for achieving pastel tones in soap?
For pastel-colored soap, it's best to use micas or oxides. These provide a vibrant, even color that can be easily adjusted to achieve a soft pastel look. Remember, a little goes a long way—start with a small amount and increase as needed.
How can I ensure my pastel soap doesn't fade over time?
To maintain the vibrant yet soft hues of your pastel soaps, store them out of direct sunlight. UV light can cause the colors to fade. Also, using a UV inhibitor in your soap can help protect the colors for longer-lasting beauty.
Can I add different fragrances to my Pastel Peaks soap? What works best?
Yes, adding fragrance oils can enhance your soap-making experience. For pastel soaps, consider light floral or citrus scents to complement the delicate appearance. Ensure the fragrance oil is compatible with soap-making and won't accelerate trace or discolor your product.
