Easy Handmade Coconut & Palm Kernel Oil Cleaning Soap Recipe | Multipurpose, Sensitive Skin Friendly & Fragrance Free

This two-oil soap recipe is a go-to for anyone looking for an effective, budget-friendly cleaning solution for the home. Whether you need to wash dishes, freshen up napkins and rugs, or even launder clothes, this gentle, fragrance free bar gets the job done without the harsh chemicals. (Note: This soap isn’t intended for bathing.) Let’s dive in!

Why Coconut & Palm Kernel Oil?

Think of these two oils as a dream team for a bubbly, cleansing bar:

• Coconut Oil: The superstar for big, fluffy lather and excellent cleaning power.
• Palm Kernel Oil: Boosts lather and adds hardness, ensuring a longer-lasting bar while remaining gentle on surfaces and skin.

Together, they create a bar that cleans effectively for household tasks while being kind enough for sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Handmade Coconut & Palm Kernel Oil Cleaning Soap

• 30% Coconut Oil (RBD)
• 70% Palm Kernel Oil

Per ~970g of oils (for the mold dimensions below):
• 291.06g Coconut Oil
• 679.14g Palm Kernel Oil
• 328.59g Distilled Water
• 164.29g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)

Calculate to your desired superfat (I like 5%) with “Water as % of Oils” set around 30% (or use your preferred method). Always run these numbers through a trusted soap calculator for accuracy.

The Soap Mold I Used

This is the loaf mold I used, but feel free to use any mold you have on hand:

Dimensions:

• Height: 3 inches
• Width: 2.75 inches
• Length: 10.5 inches

If you’re using a mold with different dimensions or want to adjust your batch size, be sure to recalculate your oil, water, and lye amounts. Learn more about soap calculation methods.

What You’ll Need

• Digital scale (accuracy is crucial!)
• Immersion blender
• Heat-safe containers
• Silicone spatulas & soap mold
• Safety gear: gloves, goggles, and long sleeves

Let’s Make Some Cleaning Soap!

Before you start, ensure your ingredients are measured and your workspace is set up. Soap-making can move quickly once you combine your oils and lye solution!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Safety First: Put on your gloves and goggles. Keep vinegar or water nearby to neutralize any accidental lye spills.
2. Prepare Your Lye Solution: Slowly add the lye (sodium hydroxide) to the distilled water—never the other way around. Stir gently in a well-ventilated area. The solution will heat up; let it cool to around 38°C (100°F).
3. Melt & Combine Oils: If your coconut or palm kernel oil is solid, gently heat until melted. Combine them in a heat-safe container.
4. Bring to Trace: When the lye solution has cooled, carefully pour it into your melted oils. Use an immersion blender to mix until you reach a thin trace (a light, pudding-like consistency).
5. Optional Add-Ins: If you prefer, you can add fragrance, but I keep this recipe fragrance free to ensure it remains gentle for both sensitive skin and cleaning delicate fabrics. (Remember, this soap is meant for cleaning—not for bathing.)
6. Pour & Tap: Pour the soap batter into your mold, tapping it gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. A quick spritz of rubbing alcohol on the surface can help reduce soda ash.
7. Insulate & Wait: Cover or insulate your mold (towels work great) and let it saponify for 24–48 hours.
8. Unmold & Cure: Once firm, unmold your soap and slice it into bars. Let them cure for 4–6 weeks in a cool, dry place to improve hardness and cleaning efficiency.

And that’s it! You’ve created a batch of multipurpose, gentle, and fragrance free cleaning soap perfect for dishes, napkins, rugs, and even clothes.

Prefer a visual walkthrough? Check out the video below for a step-by-step demo:

Shelf Life & Storage

Cold process soap has a high pH and low water content, making it self-preserving. Properly cured bars can last for years, especially if you let them dry between uses. If you notice any orange spots (a sign of rancidity), it’s time to toss them.

Substitutions & Final Notes

• If you don’t have palm kernel oil, you can swap in palm oil or more coconut oil, but be aware that this will change the bar’s hardness and cleaning properties. Always recheck your recipe with a soap calculator.
• Want to add color? Try incorporating a bit of clay or mica at trace. Adjust the amount based on your desired hue.
• If you prefer a gentler bar for certain surfaces, increase your superfat or consider adding a conditioning oil like olive oil. Recalculate accordingly!

Enjoy your new multipurpose cleaning soap! I love hearing how your batches turn out, so feel free to share your results or any fun variations you create. Happy soaping!