Gather oils or fats, distilled water, lye, and optional natural additives
Put on gloves and eye protection
Measure all ingredients accurately by weight
Slowly add lye to distilled water, never water to lye
Stir until the lye is fully dissolved
Let the lye solution cool to room temperature
Melt or warm the oils or fats if needed
Combine the cooled lye solution with the oils
Blend until the mixture reaches trace
Add optional natural ingredients such as essential oils, herbs, or clays
Pour the soap batter into a mold
Cover and let it harden for 24 to 48 hours
Remove from the mold and cut into bars
Cure the bars in a ventilated area for 4 to 6 weeks
Store the finished soap in a dry place