A 100% olive oil soap recipe is also called a “Castile” soap recipe in English-speaking countries. But, not all soaps labelled “Castile” are truly 100% Olive Oil. I heard the stories about *real* Castile soaps.  The resulting bars were so gentle and mild, yet “slippery” and “low suds.” I had to try it for myself.  I’ve made many batches over the years since and have been very pleased with them. The following recipe is for 100% pure olive oil soap.
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Low Suds?

If you are new to soap-making, the term “low suds” might be confusing.  That means that it removes dirt, but it doesn’t make foam.  Americans often equate foam with cleaning power, but that’s not really true. Foam can be a disadvantage.  Think of those commercials and movie scenes where the washing machine is hopping and tossing suds everywhere, or those dishwashers filling the kitchen with foam.  Those devices require “low suds” soaps.

This olive oil soap recipe is kind of “low suds”–it’s true to some extent UNLESS you use one of those scrubby plastic bath puffs. With the puff, it is unbelievably sudsy. Also very sudsy as a shampoo bar. I don’t consider this a disadvantage. I love it.

Olive Oil Soap Recipe (Castile Soap)

  • 100 oz. olive oil
  • 12.6 oz. lye
  • 30 oz. water

Makes about 24 big, chunky, creamy-white, 4-plus oz. bars. Yum.

Notes:

  • Follow safe soapmaking procedures.
  • This site has excellent instructions on how to make soap.
  • I added no essential oils to this olive oil soap recipe, but a general guide for most essential oils is to add .5 oz. eo’s per pound of soaping oils. For this recipe you would need approximately 3.125 oz. of your favorite essential oil(s).  Round up and use 4 oz. for extra oomph.
  • I bring mine to a fairly thick trace so I can make some swirls reminiscent of the hot process ones.
  • Let your soap cure for about 6 weeks for the hardest, mildest bars.