Sign in
Register now
My Reward PointsUsing beeswax in soap-making might come as a surprise to some people. Beeswax is utilized in a variety of natural methods in our candles, lotions, and creams. However, soap and beeswax do not appear to be a suitable match. Surprisingly, beeswax is used in soap as an essential component. What do we know about beeswax?
Honey bees produce this natural wax. The sheets of honeycomb inside the hive are made of beeswax. Excess beeswax is left over from the honey extraction process when honey is extracted. Our bees work very hard to produce wax. This is an important hive product that should not be thrown away.
Why is Beeswax in Soap Making?
Beeswax has two major impacts on the soap. They have properties that are comparable to those of shea butter or mango butter, although they are more pronounced.
First, because it has a high melting point and quickly returns to a solid-state, it hardens the soap. This prevents the soap from crumbling and falling apart. Secondly, beeswax, like any other oil, butter, or wax used in soap, provides deep and intense moisturization to the skin.
DIY Beeswax & Honey Cold Process Soap Recipe
Once you've mastered the basics of soap making, it's time to add some extras like beeswax and honey. The honey will enhance the lather and give some moisturizing effects, while the beeswax will make the bar tougher.
Ingredients To Make Beeswax Soap Bar
- 358 grams of olive oil
- 225 grams coconut oil at 76 degrees
- 177 grams of palm oil
- 32 grams castor oil
- 7.2 grams of beeswax
- 270 ml distilled water, divided
- 111 grams lye (NaOH—sodium hydroxide)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons fragrance oil
Making Soap Recipe With Beeswax
- Fill a disposable paper bowl with lye and set it aside.
- Fill the lye-safe container with 150 ml distilled water. Place the container on a heat-resistant surface and pour the water over the dried lye crystals (never the other way around). Stir until all of the lye has dissolved. Allow the lye mixture to cool.
- Combine the honey and the remaining water in a microwave-safe container and whisk to combine. Microwave for a few seconds at a time until all of the honey has dissolved. Set it aside.
- Line the mould with freezer paper that has the glossy side facing up.
- All of the solid oils and beeswax should be heated in a stainless steel saucepan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe container. Once the solid oils have melted, pour them into the mixing container and add the liquid oils, stirring carefully to combine everything.
- Check both the lye and the oils for temperature. The recommended temperature for the oils is about 120 degrees to prevent the beeswax from solidifying. The idea is to keep the lye at the same temperature as the water.
- To the lye water, add the honey water that has been set aside.
- Using an immersion blender, combine the lye water into the oils. Add in the fragrance oil. Continue to mix.
- Scrape all of the soap residue from the pot before pouring the soap batter into the prepared mould. To eliminate any air pockets, tap the soap mould on the counter a few times. To keep some of the heat in, smooth down the top and cover the mould with a piece of cardboard.
- The soap should be cold, moderately firm, and ready to unmold and slice after about twenty-four hours. If it still appears a little soft, put it in the mould for another day or two and examine it again.
- Cut the soap into separate bars after it appears to be firm enough. Place the cut bars on freezer paper with enough space between them to dry and cure for approximately a month, turning them regularly to ensure equal drying on both sides.
- Your soap is now ready for use.
How To Make Beeswax Goat Milk Soap Bar
Goat milk has been gaining popularity in recent times. However, it actually has a long history of usage in skin care. Because of its lactic acid, goat milk is well known for being soothing and hydrating to human skin, as well as being able to remove dead skin cells and excess oils. Making soap using goat milk is super moisturizing & soothing.
Ingredients to Make Goat Milk Soap
- 85 ml almond oil
- 60 ml castor oil
- 295 ml coconut oil
- 295 ml olive oil
- 180 ml palm oil
- 90 ml shea butter
- 30 ml beeswax
- 150 ml lye
- 355 ml goat milk
- Stick blender
- soap mold
Making Soap Recipe With Goat Milk
- Freeze the goat milk for several hours, or until it reaches a slushy consistency.
- Stir in the lye until the partially frozen milk is completely mixed. It will melt, heat up, and possibly turn a different colour. Set aside in a secure location.
- Melt the oils, butter, and beeswax over low heat until they are totally melted and the temperature reaches 140 degrees. Allow cooling. Prepare your soap mould, as well as any colours or scents you'll be using.
- Pour the milk into the melted oils and combine with a stick blender once the milk and oils have cooled to about 110 degrees.
- Mix until "trace" is obtained, which means the soap thickens slightly and leaves a trail on top of the batter rather than sinking in completely. By hand, whisk in the chosen fragrance or colour.
- Pour into a soap mould and level out the top. To avoid cracking, place in the fridge or freezer. After 24 hours, remove the mould, cut into bars, and cure for 2 weeks before using.
How to use it?
If you're using the homemade beeswax & goat milk soap on your body, work it into a thick lather using a washcloth or loofah before applying it to damp skin. Wash your loofah with clean water after each usage, and use a clean cloth every time.
Easy Tips To Make Honeycomb Design
This is a mold method that can be used on any soap recipe, but it appears to work especially well with beeswax and honey. Cut two bubble wrap pieces to the same size as your soap mould.
One should go on the bottom of the mould with the bubbles facing up, and the other should go on top. This will produce a lovely honeycomb design on the top and bottom of the soap. It's a simple aesthetic, but while we're on the subject of beeswax and honey, why not try it out?. Let's look into the recipe.
Conclusion
Beeswax is one of nature's most useful products. Beeswax, in the case of soap making, is mostly used to harden the soap. It can give firmness and velvety texture to your bars in tiny amounts without compromising lather.
It also has a relatively high melting temperature, implying that soap must be made at a slightly higher temperature. Adding honey and goat milk into the recipe makes this beeswax homemade soap even more moisturizing and nutritious.
