Rice Bran, Buttermilk, Shea and Cucumber Soap Recipe

This soap recipe combines the moisturizing properties of rice bran oil, buttermilk, and shea butter with the refreshing scent of cucumber. Rice bran oil is rich in antioxidants and nourishing fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for dry, aging, or sensitive skin. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Shea butter is a natural ingredient that is known for its moisturizing and skin-healing properties. The addition of cucumber extract provides a light, refreshing scent and added hydration to the skin.

This soap is silky smooth, and lovely to use, it’s an old favourite of ours!  We have left this batch uncoloured as this gorgeous silky smooth soap is fabulous absolutely naked, but do colour your soap if you prefer a coloured soap.

Ingredients:

• 219g Coconut Oil
• 365g Olive Oil
• 219g Palm Oil, Sustainable
• 73g Rice Bran Oil
• 36.5g Shea Butter, Organic
• 128.5g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
• 160.5g Distilled Water
• 73g pureed fresh Cucumber – to be added to Sodium Hydroxide when cool
• 3 tablespoons Buttermilk Powder
• 109.5g hot Distilled Water – used to mix with the Buttermilk Powder and set aside to add at trace
• 33g/ml Cucumber Melon Fragrance
• Isopropyl alcohol
• 3 teaspoons Sodium Lactate Plus
• Flexible Mould – Loaf (Regular) or Wooden Loaf Mould with Silicone Liner

You might like to choose to use Essential Oils instead, for example:

• 11g/ml (1 – 2 teaspoons) Lime Essential Oil
• 15g/ml (2 – 3 teaspoons) Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the liquids

• Mix the Sodium Hydroxide and 220g Distilled Water and set aside to cool.
• Mix the Buttermilk Powder with 150g HOT Distilled Water and set aside.
• Puree the whole cucumber (including the seeds) and then weigh the slushy liquid into a small jug or cup.

Step 2

• When the lye water is at approximately 35°C carefully add the Sodium Lactate Plus. Now mix in the cucumber puree, stirring by hand.
• Then combine the lye water with melted oils and bring to light trace as normal. Add the buttermilk mixture and blend in using the stick blender – a couple of quick blasts will mix this through well.
• Then add Fragrance Oil (or the Essential Oils if you choose to use these), and stir through well to combine.
• Pour into the mould. Cover and insulate as usual.