Regular Cucumber Soap

Step 1: Prepare Oils​

1. Chop or grate tallow and shea butter into small pieces
2. Melt tallow and shea butter together in slow cooker or double boiler
3. Add coconut oil (if solid) and melt
4. Stir in olive oil and castor oil
5. Cool to 100-110°F

Step 2: Prepare Lye Solution​

1. Measure 70% of your water (keep cucumber juice separate)
2. Add lye to water slowly (NEVER water to lye)
3. Stir until dissolved - solution will get very hot
4. Place container in microwave with door cracked for safety
5. Allow to cool to 100-120°F (20-30 minutes)
6. Slowly stir in cold cucumber juice
7. Final temperature should be 100-110°F

Step 3: Make Soap​

1. When oils and lye solution are similar temperatures, slowly pour lye into oils
2. Blend with stick blender until light trace (pudding consistency)
3. Mix bentonite clay with small amount of cucumber juice to make smooth paste
4. Add clay paste and vegetable glycerin to soap batter
5. Blend briefly to incorporate
6. Pour into mold
7. Cover with plastic wrap and towel
8. Allow to saponify 24-48 hours before unmolding

Step 4: Cure​

• Cut into bars
• Place on racks with good air circulation
• Cure 6-8 weeks minimum for mildest soap
• Test pH before use (should be 9-10)