Making soap at home using natural ingredients like Shea nut butter and watermelon is not only a creative project but also a healthy way to care for your skin. Shea butter is well known for its moisturizing and healing properties, while watermelon is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and hydrating elements. Combining the two in a soap creates a nourishing, gentle, and refreshing cleanser that’s perfect for all skin types.

Ingredients

Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make Shea nut butter and watermelon soap:

Base Ingredients:

200g Shea nut butter (raw and unrefined preferred)

300g coconut oil or olive oil (for lather and conditioning)

100g castor oil (optional, adds lather)

85g sodium hydroxide (lye)

200ml distilled water or watermelon juice (freshly strained)

Add-ins (Optional):

2 tbsp watermelon puree (for color and skin benefits)

A few drops of essential oils (e.g., lavender, peppermint, or tea tree)

Natural colorants (e.g., pink clay or beetroot powder)

Dried herbs or flower petals for decoration

Instructions

🧪 Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon Juice

Blend fresh watermelon and strain it to remove pulp.

Use this juice as part or all of the liquid for your lye solution (you can also freeze it into cubes to avoid scorching when mixing with lye).

🧂 Step 2: Mix the Lye Solution

Caution: Always add lye to liquid (never the other way around), and wear gloves and goggles.

Slowly add the lye to the watermelon juice (or water) while stirring.

Allow it to cool in a well-ventilated area.

🧈 Step 3: Melt the Oils and Butters

In a large stainless steel pot, melt the Shea nut butter, coconut oil, and any other oils you are using.

Let the mixture cool to about 100–120°F (37–49°C).

🌀 Step 4: Combine Oils and Lye Solution

When both the oils and lye solution are at similar temperatures (around 110°F), slowly pour the lye into the oils.

Use a stick blender to blend until it reaches “trace” — a pudding-like consistency.

🍉 Step 5: Add Watermelon and Other Add-ins

Add your watermelon puree, essential oils, and colorants at trace.

Mix gently until well combined.

🧼 Step 6: Pour into Mold and Cure

Pour the soap mixture into a silicone or wooden mold.

Tap it to remove air bubbles and decorate the top if desired.

Cover and let it rest for 24–48 hours.

🌬️ Step 7: Unmold and Cure

Once solid, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars.

Cure the bars for 4 to 6 weeks in a dry, cool area with good air circulation. This allows the soap to harden and the lye to fully neutralize.

Benefits of This Soap

Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing to dry or irritated skin.

Watermelon: Adds antioxidants, light fruit acids, and hydration for a refreshing cleanse.

Natural oils: Provide lather, conditioning, and skin-nourishing fats.

Tips

Always use a digital scale for precise measurements.

Don’t rush the curing process—fully cured soap is gentler and lasts longer.

Label your soap with the date it was made for easier tracking.

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