Natural soaps are now quite popular because of their many benefits in protecting the skin and minimizing the impact on the environment. Among them, pineapple soap is an attractive choice because of its gentle fragrance and wonderful nutrients from nature.
Housewives can also make soap at home with simple steps to create a safe and benign product to use.
To make naturally scented pineapple soap, housewives need to prepare some ingredients including:
110gr NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)
250gr coconut oil
150ml olive oil
250ml distilled water
30ml pineapple juice
10ml pineapple essential oil
Turmeric powder or matcha powder can be used to create a natural green or yellow color.
Next, prepare tools such as heat-resistant bowls, stirring rods, scales and soap molds, and equip yourself with gloves, masks and goggles.
Select a heat-resistant bowl, slowly pour the NaOH into the distilled water and stir well. Once the mixture is hot, let it cool and maintain the temperature around 38 - 40°C. This is an important step and should be done in a well-ventilated area.
Add the coconut oil and olive oil to another bowl, then heat over low heat to mix the oils together. When the oil mixture reaches around 38 - 40°C, everything will easily mix with the NaOH to make the soap making process easier.
When both mixtures reach the same temperature, slowly pour the NaOH solution into the oil mixture and stir well. You can use a hand mixer on low speed to quickly thicken the mixture. A uniform consistency will help the saponification process go smoothly.
Add pineapple juice and pineapple essential oil to the soap mixture, continuing to stir until the ingredients are completely combined. Pineapple juice is known to provide natural bromelain enzymes to help soften and cleanse the skin, while pineapple essential oil creates a light fragrance.
If you want to color the soap, you can add a little turmeric powder or matcha powder to create an eye-catching yellow or green color.
Pour the soap mixture into the prepared mold, then tap gently to remove air bubbles. Choose a cool place, away from direct sunlight and let the mixture cure for about 24 - 48 hours until the soap is hard.
Then take the soap out of the mold and cut it into small pieces for use. Housewives should also note that the soap should be kept in a cool, dry place and incubated for 4-6 weeks before use. The long incubation time will help reduce the pH of the soap, making it safe for the skin when used.
