Tallow Shampoo Bars

Step 1

Weigh tallow, coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil, and put into a crockpot on high, or a pot on the stove on low heat.

Step 2

Weigh the water in a heat safe container or sturdy plastic bucket, and weigh lye separately.

Step 3

Once oils are melted, check the temperature. You want the oils to be 100 degrees F. Let oils cool if necessary.

Step 4

Once oils are at 100 degrees F, take the lye and water outdoors. Wearing gloves and safety goggles, carefully and slowly pour the lye into the water. Stir gently.

Step 5

Once the lye water has turned from cloudy to clear, leave it to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Carefully pour the lye water into the oil mixture.

Step 7

Use an immersion blender to mix the shampoo bar mixture. After a few minutes, it will grow creamy, and start to thicken. Mix until it has reached “trace,” the light pudding consistency.

Step 8

Add the essential oils and blend again to incorporate.

Step 9

Pour shampoo bar mixture into molds, top with wax paper, and wrap molds in towels.

Step 10

After 24 hours, remove soap from mold and slice into bars. Let cure in an area with good air flow for 4 weeks.