Resin Soap Two Ways
Resin is sap from a tree. It cleanses the blood, increases circulation, moves obstructions, mends cuts, scraps, burns, bruises, and bites, etc. The following are two variations on creating soap from resin. You should choose your method based on whether you want an exfoliating effect.
One wonderful aspect of using resins in soap is the beautiful scent they naturally impart in your finished product. They being said, you can absolutely add fragrance. Personally, I like to build off the natural resin scent, creating a truly intoxicating soap aroma.
Ingredients:
2.9 oz lye
6.6 oz distilled water
8 oz coconut oil
8 oz olive oil
4 oz castor oil
2 tbsp finely ground resin (I’m using 2 tablespoons of myrrh in the first recipe, and 2 tablespoons dragon’s blood resin in the second method)
This method will give you an exfoliating resin soap.
SAFETY CHECK!
Weigh your lye and water, and in a well-ventilated, safe area outdoors, add your lye to your water, mixing thoroughly. Set this aside to cool. While your lye water is cooling, weigh your oils, blend these together, and set over medium heat until thoroughly melted. Remove from heat, and add essential oils for scent if you choose to do so.
Once your oils and lye water have both reached between 100°F and 110°F degrees, add these together. Add your resin and mix until relatively thick trace is achieved. Due to resin having a bit of density, this thickness is desirable to ensure your resin doesn’t sink while setting up.
Pour your soap into your pre-lined soap mold, set aside for at least 12 to 24 hours to harden, and then cut. Set aside to cure for 4 to 6 weeks in an undisturbed area. Enjoy!
Myrrh
Myrrh is wonderful for skin care—it works as an antibacterial, it’s moisturizing, circulation-enhancing, and toning in nature. It cleans up acne and blemishes very well because of its blood purifying properties. I break out for a week every month without fail and this soap is my saving grace at saving face! During summer, it helps stave off itchy issues such as bug bites and poison oak. I actually prefer using it over neem, as its smell is much more pleasing in a resinous way.
This method will give you a delightful resin soap without exfoliating properties.
SAFETY CHECK!
To start, weigh your lye, ground resin, and distilled water. Take to a safe, outside area and add your resin to the distilled water. Next add your lye, and stir well until your resin is melted. Set aside to cool. While your water/lye/resin blend is cooling, weigh your oils and keep over medium heat until thoroughly melted. Gently blend in your resin powder, stirring well. Take off heat and add essential oils for fragrance if you’re going to do so. Once both your water and oil have reached between 120°F and 130°F, mix them together, blending until trace had been reached—this will happen very quickly. Next, pour your mixture into a soap mold and set aside for 12 to 24 hours. Cut and cure for 4 to 6 weeks. Enjoy!!
