Summary of the soap‑making procedure described:
- Measure 210 g coconut oil and melt it to about 30–40°C to form liquid oil.
- Prepare lye solution by dissolving 34 g sodium hydroxide in 84 mL water (the solution is strongly exothermic).
- In a separate container, ensure the NaOH is fully dissolved in water.
- Heat the oil to ~40°C and add half of the sodium hydroxide solution, stirring vigorously to form a cloudy emulsion; target addition temperature ~60°C.
- Turn off heat and let the mixture cool slowly with stirring; the color lightens and the mixture thickens over about 20–35 minutes.
- When the mixture can no longer be stirred, prepare silicone molds and pour the soap; allow to set at room temperature for about 3 days (after 24 hours it will still be soft in the middle but firm enough to smooth the tops).
- Turn out the bars and wrap in polyethylene; cure for 2–3 weeks to complete the reaction and reduce residual sodium hydroxide, which can burn skin.
- The final product is a soap with a strong lather and a coconut aroma, using a previously prepared mixture.
