Rose Clay and Charcoal Soap Project
These bars have activated charcoal sprinkled in between the layers to create rustic stripes. Charcoal also binds to dirt and oil in the skin and brings them to the surface.
The rose clay in this recipe is dispersed in distilled water rather than oil to help compensate for the absorption properties. The clay, along with Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil, will cause the trace to become thick rather quickly. For this design that’s totally okay. The bars are meant to have a natural and rustic look to them, so you don’t need to worry about the layers being straight or the top being smooth.
After a few washes, the red rose petals will fall off. But, we think they are totally worth it – they really are the cherry on top! When it’s time to cut the bars, the rose petals can get caught under the knife and create drag marks. We threw caution to the wind and used the Multi-Bar Cutter. That created drag marks on about half the bars. But, we think they actually contribute to the natural look and feel. Depending on your preference, cut the bars on the side to avoid the drag marks or embrace them by cutting straight down.
What You Need:
Lots of Lather Quick Mix - 54 oz
Sodium Hydroxide Lye
Rose Clay - 1 oz
Fired Up Fuchsia Colorant - 1 oz
Activated Charcoal - 1 oz
Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil - 3.5 oz
10 inch Silicone Loaf Mold
Red Rose Petals - 3 oz
Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- Lots of Lather Quick Mix - 54 oz
- Sodium Hydroxide Lye
- Rose Clay - 1 oz
- Fired Up Fuchsia Colorant - 1 oz
- Activated Charcoal - 1 oz
- Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil - 3.5 oz
- Red Rose Petals - 3 oz
EQUIPMENT:
- 10 inch Silicone Loaf Mold
Instructions
You will need:
- 10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
- 36 oz. Lots of Lather Quick Mix
- 11.8 oz. Distilled Water
- 5.2 oz. Sodium Hydroxide Lye
- 2 tsp. Rose Clay + 2 Tbsp. Distilled Water
- 1/2 tsp. Fired Up Fuchsia Colorant
- Activated Charcoal
- 2 oz. Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil
- Rose Petals
- Optional: Powder Duster
COLOR PREP: Add 2 teaspoons of rose clay to 2 tablespoons of distilled water. Stir until there are no chunks. Then, disperse 1/2 teaspoon of Fired Up Fuchsia into 1/2 tablespoon of sunflower or sweet almond oil (or any other liquid oil). Use a mini mixer to help get rid of any clumps. Have a couple teaspoons of activated charcoal nearby to sprinkle in between layers, and rose petals nearby to place on top.
FRAGRANCE PREP: Measure 2 ounces of Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil into a glass container. Set aside.
SAFETY FIRST: Suit up for safe handling practices. That means goggles, gloves, and long sleeves. Make sure kids, pets, other distractions, and tripping hazards are out of the house or don’t have access to your space. Always make soap in a well-ventilated area.
Follow these steps:
1
Slowly and carefully add 5.2 ounces of lye to 11.8 ounces of water and gently stir until the lye has fully dissolved and the liquid is clear. Set aside to cool. Optional: Add 2 teaspoons of sodium lactate to help the bars harden more quickly.
2
Fully melt the bag of Lots of Lather Quick Mix until there is no cloudiness. Give the bag a good shake to mix, and measure 36 ounces into a large heat-safe container. Slowly add the lye water to the oils and stick blend until thin trace.
3
Add all the dispersed rose clay and 1 teaspoon of the dispersed Fired Up Fuchsia Colorant. Use a whisk to mix.
4
Add the Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil and whisk to mix.
5
Use a spoon or spatula to add about 1/3 of the soap into the mold. Tap the mold firmly on the counter to help get rid of bubbles. Use a spoon to spread soap in the bottom and then use it to create texture. We aren’t going for perfectly straight lines, so just have fun with the shape!
6
Add a small amount of the activated charcoal into the powder duster and lightly dust it over the top of the soap. Do your best to only apply a thin layer. If too much charcoal is applied, the soap layers may not stick together.
7
Use a spoon to add about 1/3 of the soap on top of the first layer and spread it out evenly. Then, create texture with the spoon.
8
Tap the mold firmly on the counter to help get rid of bubbles. Dust another thin and even layer of charcoal onto the second layer. Spoon the remaining soap into the mold, spread it out evenly, and create texture.
9
Sprinkle rose petals on top of the entire loaf, concentrating them in the center. Gently press the petals into the soap to help them stick. Spritz with 99% alcohol to help prevent soda ash. Allow the soap to stay in the mold for about 1-3 days. Unmold and cut into bars. If you want to prevent drag marks from the petals, lay the loaf on its side and cut. If you don't mind that look, cut from the top down.
Tutorial credits
Photographer: Amanda Kerzman
Rose Clay and Charcoal Soap Project
- LEVEL Intermediate
- TIME 2 hours
- YIELD About 3 pounds of soap
Project Description
These bars have activated charcoal sprinkled in between the layers to create rustic stripes. Charcoal also binds to dirt and oil in the skin and brings them to the surface.
The rose clay in this recipe is dispersed in distilled water rather than oil to help compensate for the absorption properties. The clay, along with Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil, will cause the trace to become thick rather quickly. For this design that’s totally okay. The bars are meant to have a natural and rustic look to them, so you don’t need to worry about the layers being straight or the top being smooth.
After a few washes, the red rose petals will fall off. But, we think they are totally worth it – they really are the cherry on top! When it’s time to cut the bars, the rose petals can get caught under the knife and create drag marks. We threw caution to the wind and used the Multi-Bar Cutter. That created drag marks on about half the bars. But, we think they actually contribute to the natural look and feel. Depending on your preference, cut the bars on the side to avoid the drag marks or embrace them by cutting straight down.
You will need:
- 10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
- 36 oz. Lots of Lather Quick Mix
- 11.8 oz. Distilled Water
- 5.2 oz. Sodium Hydroxide Lye
- 2 tsp. Rose Clay + 2 Tbsp. Distilled Water
- 1/2 tsp. Fired Up Fuchsia Colorant
- Activated Charcoal
- 2 oz. Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil
- Rose Petals
- Optional: Powder Duster
COLOR PREP: Add 2 teaspoons of rose clay to 2 tablespoons of distilled water. Stir until there are no chunks. Then, disperse 1/2 teaspoon of Fired Up Fuchsia into 1/2 tablespoon of sunflower or sweet almond oil (or any other liquid oil). Use a mini mixer to help get rid of any clumps. Have a couple teaspoons of activated charcoal nearby to sprinkle in between layers, and rose petals nearby to place on top.
FRAGRANCE PREP: Measure 2 ounces of Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil into a glass container. Set aside.
SAFETY FIRST: Suit up for safe handling practices. That means goggles, gloves, and long sleeves. Make sure kids, pets, other distractions, and tripping hazards are out of the house or don’t have access to your space. Always make soap in a well-ventilated area.
Follow these steps:
1
Slowly and carefully add 5.2 ounces of lye to 11.8 ounces of water and gently stir until the lye has fully dissolved and the liquid is clear. Set aside to cool. Optional: Add 2 teaspoons of sodium lactate to help the bars harden more quickly.
2
Fully melt the bag of Lots of Lather Quick Mix until there is no cloudiness. Give the bag a good shake to mix, and measure 36 ounces into a large heat-safe container. Slowly add the lye water to the oils and stick blend until thin trace.
3
Add all the dispersed rose clay and 1 teaspoon of the dispersed Fired Up Fuchsia Colorant. Use a whisk to mix.
4
Add the Rosehip Jasmine Fragrance Oil and whisk to mix.
5
Use a spoon or spatula to add about 1/3 of the soap into the mold. Tap the mold firmly on the counter to help get rid of bubbles. Use a spoon to spread soap in the bottom and then use it to create texture. We aren’t going for perfectly straight lines, so just have fun with the shape!
6
Add a small amount of the activated charcoal into the powder duster and lightly dust it over the top of the soap. Do your best to only apply a thin layer. If too much charcoal is applied, the soap layers may not stick together.
7
Use a spoon to add about 1/3 of the soap on top of the first layer and spread it out evenly. Then, create texture with the spoon.
8
Tap the mold firmly on the counter to help get rid of bubbles. Dust another thin and even layer of charcoal onto the second layer. Spoon the remaining soap into the mold, spread it out evenly, and create texture.
9
Sprinkle rose petals on top of the entire loaf, concentrating them in the center. Gently press the petals into the soap to help them stick. Spritz with 99% alcohol to help prevent soda ash. Allow the soap to stay in the mold for about 1-3 days. Unmold and cut into bars. If you want to prevent drag marks from the petals, lay the loaf on its side and cut. If you don't mind that look, cut from the top down.
Tutorial credits
Photographer: Amanda Kerzman