Cold press soap making is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to create your own unique bars of soap using natural ingredients. Here is a basic recipe for making cold press soap:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz of vegetable oil (such as olive, coconut, or avocado)
• 6 oz of lye (sodium hydroxide)
• 12 oz of distilled water
• Essential oils or fragrance oils for scent (optional)
• Herbs, flowers, or other natural ingredients for color and texture (optional)

Equipment:

• Safety goggles and gloves
• Scale
• Heat-proof container for mixing lye and water
• Stainless steel or plastic mixing spoon
• Soap molds (can be purchased or made from a cardboard box lined with plastic wrap)

Instructions:

1. Put on safety goggles and gloves. In a well-ventilated area, carefully measure and mix the lye and distilled water in a heat-proof container. Stir until the lye has completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
2. While the lye mixture cools, measure and mix the vegetable oil in a separate container.
3. Once both the lye mixture and oil mixture have cooled to room temperature (around 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit), slowly pour the lye mixture into the oil mixture while stirring.
4. Use a stick blender to mix the ingredients until they reach “trace,” which is when the mixture thickens and leaves a distinct trail when drizzled on the surface.
5. At this point, you can add any essential oils or fragrance oils for scent, as well as any herbs, flowers, or other natural ingredients for color and texture, if desired.
6. Pour the mixture into the soap molds and cover with plastic wrap. Allow the soap to harden for 24-48 hours.
7. Once hardened, remove the soap from the molds and let cure for 4-6 weeks.

Congratulations! You have just made your own cold press soap. Enjoy using it or give as a gift!

Note: Soap making is a chemical process involving lye, which is a highly caustic substance and should be handled with care. Always use gloves and safety goggles, and follow the instructions carefully.