Olive Oil Soap Recipe: A Simple DIY for Soft, Moisturized Skin

Olive Oil Soap Recipe: A Simple DIY for Soft, Moisturized Skin

Olive oil soap is one of the most gentle and moisturizing handmade soaps, perfect for sensitive and dry skin. Known as Castile soap, this traditional soap is made with pure olive oil, creating a creamy, soothing lather that hydrates the skin without stripping its natural oils.

If you're new to homemade bar soaps, this easy DIY recipe is a great starting point. It uses simple ingredients, has skin-loving benefits, and produces a mild, long-lasting soap.

For a complete guide to homemade bar soaps, including the basics of soap-making, essential ingredients, and benefits, check out our Homemade Bar Soaps: Easy DIY Recipes & Benefits blog.

Why Use Olive Oil in Soap?

Olive oil has been used in skincare for centuries due to its hydrating and nourishing properties. It is an excellent choice for natural soap-making because:

  • Deeply Moisturizes – Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that hydrate the skin.
  • Gentle for All Skin Types – Ideal for sensitive, dry, and baby skin.
  • Long-Lasting Soap Bars – Produces a hard bar that lasts longer than many other oils.
  • Creates a Mild, Creamy Lather – Unlike coconut oil, which creates big bubbles, olive oil forms a luxurious, creamy foam.

Cold Process vs. Hot Process Olive Oil Soap

There are two main methods to make olive oil soap:

  1. Cold Process Soap – Requires curing for 4-6 weeks but results in a smooth, long-lasting bar.
  2. Hot Process Soap – Uses heat to speed up saponification, making the soap ready in 24-48 hours but with a more rustic texture.

This recipe follows the cold process method, as it produces a high-quality, traditional Castile soap with a luxurious feel.

Ingredients for DIY Olive Oil Soap

Base Ingredients:

  • 16 oz pure olive oil (extra virgin or pomace)
  • 6 oz coconut oil (for added hardness & lather)
  • 2 oz shea butter (optional for extra moisture)
  • 2.1 oz lye (sodium hydroxide)
  • 5 oz distilled water

Optional Additives:

  • 10-15 drops lavender essential oil (for a calming scent)
  • 1 tsp honey (for added moisture)
  • 1 tbsp finely ground oatmeal (for gentle exfoliation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

  • Wear gloves and safety goggles to handle lye safely.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area and cover surfaces with newspaper or plastic.
  • Have your soap mold, mixing bowls, and immersion blender ready.

Step 2: Mix the Lye Solution

  1. Slowly add lye to distilled water (never the other way around) while stirring.
  2. The mixture will heat up quickly—allow it to cool to 100-110°F.

Step 3: Heat Oils and Butters

  1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a pot over low heat.
  2. Add olive oil and mix well.
  3. Let the oils cool to 100-110°F (similar to the lye solution).

Step 4: Combine Lye and Oils

  1. Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while blending with an immersion blender.
  2. Blend until you reach "trace" (a pudding-like consistency).

Step 5: Pour into Mold

  1. If using essential oils or other additives, mix them in at this stage.
  2. Pour the soap mixture into a silicone soap mold and smooth the top.
  3. Tap the mold lightly to remove air bubbles.

Step 6: Cure the Soap

  1. Cover the mold with a towel and let it sit for 24-48 hours.
  2. Once hardened, remove the soap from the mold and cut into bars.
  3. Cure the bars in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks before use.

Tips for the Best Olive Oil Soap

✔ Use high-quality olive oil for the best results. Lower-grade oils may produce a softer soap.
✔ If the soap is too soft, increase the coconut oil ratio for a firmer bar.
✔ For a quicker curing time, try the hot process method instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does homemade olive oil soap last?
Properly cured olive oil soap lasts 6-12 months if stored in a cool, dry place.

Can I make olive oil soap without lye?
Traditional soap-making requires lye, but you can use melt and pour soap bases if you prefer to skip this step.

Why is my olive oil soap soft?
Olive oil soaps take longer to harden than other soaps. Allow at least 6 weeks for a firm bar.

Can I add other oils to this recipe?
Yes! You can experiment by adding castor oil for extra lather or cocoa butter for a firmer texture.

Final Thoughts

Making your own olive oil soap is a simple and rewarding way to create a gentle, nourishing bar perfect for daily use. With minimal ingredients and natural additives, this DIY soap is great for all skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin.

If you want to explore more DIY soap-making recipes, check out our Homemade Bar Soaps: Easy DIY Recipes & Benefits blog for more inspiration!

Back to blog