In today’s wellness-focused world, the fusion of therapeutic ingredients in daily essentials offers a refreshing touch of luxury.
One such merging is the introduction of CBD into personal care, particularly, into the age-old favorite: soap.
“Lather, Rinse, Relax” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a testament to the transformative bathing experience you can craft right in your home.
As you get into this guide on how to make CBD soap from scratch, you’ll not only uncover the simple steps to blend CBD’s soothing properties with the cleansing virtues of soap, but also embark on a journey to elevate your daily routines into moments of serene self-care.
Ready to transform your bath time? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Understanding CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a “high” effect. Instead, it is known for its potential therapeutic benefits, which include reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving sleep quality.
CBD is extracted from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants, which are a type of cannabis plant that contains very low levels of THC. This means that CBD products made from hemp plants are legal in many countries, including the United States.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate many bodily functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep. By interacting with the ECS, CBD may help regulate these functions and promote overall wellness.
There are many different types of CBD products available, including oils, capsules, and topicals.
When it comes to making CBD soap, the most common type of CBD extract used is CBD oil.
Benefits of CBD Soap
CBD soap is a great way to incorporate the benefits of CBD into your daily skincare routine. Here are some of the benefits of using CBD soap:
1. Reduces Inflammation
CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an excellent ingredient for soap. When applied to the skin, CBD can help reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling. This makes it an excellent option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
2. Moisturizes Skin
CBD soap can help keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. CBD oil is rich in fatty acids, which can help keep your skin soft and supple. Additionally, CBD oil can help regulate oil production in the skin, which can help prevent dryness and flakiness.
3. Relieves Pain
CBD has been shown to have pain-relieving properties, which can be beneficial for people with sore muscles or joint pain. When used in soap, CBD can help provide localized pain relief.
4. Anti-Aging Properties
CBD is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can help fight free radicals that contribute to the aging process. Regular use of CBD soap can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking youthful and radiant.
5. Soothes Skin Conditions
CBD soap can be beneficial for people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and itching.
Overall, CBD soap can be a great addition to your skincare routine. It can help reduce inflammation, moisturize skin, relieve pain, provide anti-aging benefits, and soothe skin conditions.
Ingredients Needed
To make CBD soap, we will need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list of what you will need to get started:
- Soap Base: This will be the foundation of your soap. You can choose from a variety of soap bases, such as glycerin, goat milk, or shea butter. Make sure to choose a soap base that is suitable for your skin type.
- CBD Oil: This is the star ingredient that will give your soap its therapeutic properties. You can use either full-spectrum or isolate CBD oil, depending on your preference.
- Essential Oils: These will add fragrance to your soap and can also provide additional benefits for your skin. Some popular essential oils for soap making include lavender, peppermint, and tea tree. Our Prosper Wellness CBD oil already contains organic peppermint oil for a cooling, therapeutic experience.
- Colorants: These will give your soap its color. You can use natural colorants, such as turmeric or beetroot powder, or synthetic colorants, such as mica or oxide pigments.
- Herbs and Botanicals: These can add texture and visual interest to your soap. Some popular options include dried lavender buds, rose petals, and chamomile flowers.
- Lye: This is a key ingredient in soap making that helps to create the chemical reaction that turns oils into soap. Make sure to handle lye with care, as it can be dangerous if not handled properly.
- Distilled Water: This will be used to dissolve the lye and create the soap mixture.
When choosing your ingredients, make sure to source them from reputable suppliers, like Prosper Wellness. This will ensure that you are using high-quality ingredients that are safe for use on your skin. Additionally, make sure to follow all safety precautions when working with lye and other potentially hazardous ingredients.
Choosing the Right CBD Oil
When it comes to making CBD soap, choosing the right CBD oil is crucial. Not all CBD oils are created equal, and using the wrong one can result in a subpar soap. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a CBD oil for your soapmaking project:
Extraction Method
The extraction method used to obtain the CBD oil can affect its quality and purity. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard for producing high-quality CBD oil.
This method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to extract the CBD from the plant material. Other extraction methods, such as solvent extraction, can leave behind harmful residue in the oil.
CBD Concentration
The concentration of CBD in the oil can also impact the effectiveness of your soap. Look for a CBD oil with a high concentration of CBD per milliliter. This will ensure that your soap has a sufficient amount of CBD to provide its potential benefits.
Carrier Oil
CBD oil is typically mixed with a carrier oil to make it easier to use and apply. The carrier oil used can affect the texture and properties of your soap. Some popular carrier oils for CBD oil include coconut oil, olive oil, and hemp seed oil.
Third-Party Testing
It is important to choose a CBD oil that has been third-party tested for purity and potency. This ensures that the oil contains the amount of CBD advertised and is free of harmful contaminants.
When selecting a CBD oil for your soapmaking project, we recommend using one from Prosper Wellness.
Our CBD oil is CO2 extracted, has a high concentration of CBD per milliliter, uses hemp seed oil as a carrier oil, and is third-party tested for purity and potency.
Using a high-quality CBD oil like this will help ensure that your CBD soap turns out great.
How to Make CBD Soap
Making CBD soap is a simple process that requires a few basic steps. Here we go!
Yield: Approximately 10-12 standard soap bars.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of your chosen Soap Base (glycerin, goat milk, or shea butter)
- 2-3 tablespoons of Prosper Wellness CBD Oil (adjust based on personal preference)
- Essential Oils of choice (if you want an additional fragrance to the peppermint from your CBD oil)
- Colorants of your preference (either natural or synthetic)
- Herbs and Botanicals (optional)
- 0.5 pounds (approximately 8 oz.) Lye (sodium hydroxide)
- 1.2 pounds (approximately 19 oz.) Distilled Water
Instructions:
- Safety First: Before you begin, wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from the lye. Always work in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets.
- Prepare the Lye Solution: Slowly and carefully, pour the lye into the distilled water (never the other way around) while stirring. The mixture will heat up and fume. Continue stirring until fully dissolved and let it cool.
- Melt the Soap Base: In a large pot or a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt down your chosen soap base. If using a pot, keep the heat low to avoid burning.
- Add CBD and Essential Oils: Once the soap base has melted, stir in the Prosper Wellness CBD oil. If you’re adding other essential oils for fragrance, mix them in now.
- Introduce Colorants: If you’re using colorants, add them to the melted soap base and mix thoroughly until your desired color is achieved.
- Lye-Soap Base Mixture: Once the lye solution has cooled down to about 100°F to 115°F (and the soap base is around the same temperature), slowly pour the lye solution into the soap base while stirring.
- Blending: Using a stick blender, blend the mixture until it reaches a light trace. This means the soap has thickened slightly, resembling a thin pudding.
- Add-In Herbs/Botanicals: If you’re using herbs or botanicals, fold them into the mixture now.
- Pour and Mold: Pour the soap mixture into molds. Tap the molds gently on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles.
- Curing: Allow the soap to harden in the molds for 24-48 hours. Once hard, remove the soaps from the molds and let them cure in a dry place for 4-6 weeks. This allows the soap to complete its saponification process and become gentler on the skin.
- Enjoy: Once fully cured, your CBD-infused soap is ready for use. Lather, rinse, and experience the serene relaxation that comes with every wash!
Note: Always run your recipe through a soap calculator to ensure safety and proper saponification, especially if making modifications.
Storing Your CBD Soap
Once you have made your CBD soap, you want to ensure that it stays fresh and effective for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to store your CBD soap properly:
Keep it Dry
CBD soap can dissolve and lose its effectiveness if it is exposed to water or moisture for an extended period. Therefore, it is essential to keep your CBD soap dry and away from water. After use, make sure to store your soap in a dry place where it can dry out completely before the next use.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
CBD soap can also lose its potency if it is exposed to heat or sunlight for an extended period. Therefore, it is best to store your soap in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or drawer. Avoid storing your soap in direct sunlight or in a warm or humid environment.
Use a Soap Dish
Using a soap dish can help keep your CBD soap dry and prevent it from sitting in a puddle of water. A soap dish with drainage holes is ideal as it allows the soap to dry out between uses.
Label and Date Your Soap
If you plan on making several batches of CBD soap, it is essential to label and date each batch. This way, you can keep track of when the soap was made and ensure that you use the oldest soap first. Additionally, labeling your soap can help prevent confusion if you have different types of soap or if you give some away as gifts.
The Final Word
Making homemade soaps can be a delightful and rewarding journey, especially when you’re adding the therapeutic touch of CBD.
Not only does this DIY CBD-infused soap allow you to customize your skincare regimen, but it also ensures you’re nourishing your skin with natural, top-quality ingredients.
Every time you reach for your handcrafted soap, you’re getting more than just a cleanse; you’re experiencing a spa-like retreat right in your home.
So, the next time you wish to elevate your bathing routine or gift someone a slice of relaxation, remember this recipe.
And, if you’re looking for the finest quality CBD oil, remember to check out Prosper Wellness to enrich your creations even further.
Happy soap-making!