Homemade Cold Process Glycerin Shaving Soap Recipe

This homemade cold process glycerin shaving soap recipe includes extra vegetable glycerin that’s added to the regular soapmaking oils during the soapmaking process. Typically this is usually only done for shaving soaps as the extra glycerin contributes to the bar’s humectant properties. As glycerin is naturally created as a byproduct of the saponification process, there’s already some level of glycerin in every bar of cold process soap. This glycerin shaving soap recipe simply expands on that.

In addition, using palm kernel oil in a cold process soap recipe also helps to boost the naturally occurring glycerin already found in cold process soap. I chose to use palm kernel flakes as I had that particular ingredient on hand. However, you’re welcome to swap it for regular palm kernel oil.

In addition to the vegetable glycerin included in this cold process glycerin shaving soap recipe, I also used marshmallow root powder. Marshmallow root powder has been shown to soothe and lubricate skin as well as soften and heal.

I’ve also included sunflower oil which is naturally high in vitamin E and helps to lend a stable lather with conditioning properties to cold process soaps.

If you’re interested in creating your own glycerin shaving soap recipe, I recommend using .5 oz. by weight of vegetable glycerin per pound of soapmaking oils.

Homemade Cold Process Glycerin Shaving Soap Recipe

© Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen

Ingredients:

18 oz. sustainable palm oil
5.4 oz. palm kernel flakes
7.2 oz. refined 76° melt point coconut oil
1.8 oz. castor oil
3.6 oz. sunflower oil

10.8 fluid oz. distilled water
5.1 oz. lye/sodium hydroxide

1.15 oz. vegetable glycerin
1.8 oz. marshmallow root powder
2.25 oz. fragrance oil of choice, optional

Soap Notes:

Because of the extra vegetable glycerin added to my glycerin shaving soap recipe, I discounted my water more than normal with the water at 30% of the oil weight.

Superfat/Discount = 8%

If you’re resizing this homemade cold process glycerin shaving soap recipe the vegetable glycerin was used at 3.19% of the oil weight and the marshmallow root powder at 5%.

If you are substituting palm kernel oil for the palm kernel flakes in this glycerin shaving soap recipe your lye amount won’t change. However, if you are sizing this recipe either up or down, you will need to run the numbers back through a lye calculator.

This cold process glycerin shaving soap recipe will yield 10-12 bars of soap approximately 4 oz. each depending on how they are cut and fits inside my DIY wooden loaf soap mold.

Instructions:

To make this homemade cold process glycerin shaving soap recipe, you’ll need to follow your basic cold process soapmaking method instructions. (If you’ve never made cold process soap before here’s a good, inexpensive beginner’s cold process soap recipe you can try.) Be sure to take all proper safety precautions when working with lye including goggles and gloves.

You’ll begin the soapmaking process for this glycerin shaving soap recipe by first measuring out the distilled water in fluid ounces. Pour into a heat safe pitcher. Next, using a digital scale weigh out the lye. Slowly pour the lye into the water in a well ventilated area and stir until all the lye has dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Now weigh out the palm oil, palm kernel flakes, coconut oil, castor oil, and sunflower oil using a digital scale and combine in a stainless steel pot. Heat until all of the oils have melted, then remove from heat and set aside.

Next weigh out your fragrance oil and vegetable glycerin in separate containers. Set aside. Also weigh out the marshmallow root powder and set aside. (You can also use essential oils in lieu of a fragrance oil, but you’ll want to use half the amount.)

Once the lye-water and soapmaking oils have cooled to around 90°-95°F you’re ready to make this glycerin shaving soap recipe.

Begin by adding both the glycerin and marshmallow root powder to the soapmaking oils. Mix with a stick blender until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Now slowly pour the lye-water into the soapmaking oils. Using your stick blender, mix until you reach a light trace, then add the fragrance oil. Mix again until the soap starts to thicken again and all ingredients are fully blended into the soap, then pour the soap into your prepared mold.

Because of the high palm content and the extra glycerin this cold process soap recipe does get rather hot. So you’ll either want to avoid covering and insulating this soap or pop into the fridge lightly covered to keep it from overheating and cracking on top or forming a heat tunnel.

After 24 hours you’re ready to unmold your glycerin shaving soap and cut it into bars. Allow your soaps to cure 4-6 weeks before use, then wrap and label as desired.

For more of my homemade soap recipes as well as bath and beauty DIY’s be sure to visit Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen. You can also follow me on Pinterest for collections of not only my homemade soap recipes and beauty DIY’s but also some of my favorites from around the web.

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