Turmeric Honey Cold Process Soap Recipe

Harness the natural beauty and benefits of turmeric and honey in this stunning golden soap. Turmeric provides a gorgeous natural color and powerful anti-inflammatory properties, while honey adds moisturizing and soothing benefits to the skin. Perfect for those with sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin, this recipe creates a luxurious bar that looks as good as it makes your skin feel. The warm golden hue develops as the soap cures, creating an eye-catching finished product.

Ingredients

Oils & Butters

• 20.0 oz (567g) olive oil
• 14.0 oz (397g) coconut oil
• 12.0 oz (340g) palm oil
• 9.0 oz (255g) palm kernel oil

Lye Solution

• 4.7 oz (133g) sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
• 11.0 oz (312g) distilled water
• 1 tsp (5ml) turmeric powder (whisked into lye solution after cooling)

Additives (Optional)

• 0.6 oz (17g) fragrance oil (honey, oatmeal milk, or vanilla scent recommended)
• 2.0 tbsp (30ml) raw honey (added at trace)
• Extra 0.5 tsp turmeric powder (for deeper color swirls)

Equipment Needed

• Digital scale accurate to 0.1 oz
• Two stainless steel pots
• Whisk for mixing turmeric
• Stainless steel spoon
• Stick blender (immersion blender)
• Thermometer
• Soap mold (preferably silicone for easy cleanup)
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Strainer or cheesecloth (optional, for smoother color)
• Heat gun (optional, for smoothing surface)
• Soap cutter or serrated knife

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Set up your workspace with all equipment organized and within reach. Ensure good ventilation, as sodium hydroxide releases fumes. Have vinegar nearby for accidental spills.

Step 2: Mix the Lye Solution

Pour 11 oz of distilled water into a heat-safe stainless steel pot. Slowly add 4.7 oz of sodium hydroxide while stirring constantly with a stainless steel spoon. The mixture will heat to 160-180°F. Once the lye is fully dissolved and the pot has cooled to approximately 100-110°F, whisk in 1 tsp of turmeric powder until no lumps remain. The turmeric will disperse throughout the lye solution, giving it a golden hue.

Step 3: Prepare All Oils

In a separate pot, combine:

• 20.0 oz (567g) olive oil
• 14.0 oz (397g) coconut oil
• 12.0 oz (340g) palm oil
• 9.0 oz (255g) palm kernel oil

Stir gently to incorporate all oils evenly. Slowly heat to 100-110°F, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and to keep the palm oil fully liquid.

Step 4: Check Temperature and Combine

Once both the turmeric-infused lye solution and oils reach 100-110°F, slowly pour the lye into the oils while stirring steadily. Keep stirring for about one minute to ensure full incorporation. The turmeric will begin to color the soap batter immediately.

Step 5: Stick Blend to Light Trace

Using your stick blender, pulse the mixture for 30 seconds on high speed. Stop and stir by hand for one minute. Repeat this pulsing and stirring pattern for 8-12 minutes until you reach light trace. The batter should resemble thin pudding with visible trails.

Step 6: Add Honey and Fragrance

At light trace, gently stir in 2 tbsp of raw honey. Don't use the stick blender at this point, as vigorous blending can cause the soap to accelerate to thick trace too quickly. Add your 0.6 oz of fragrance oil and stir thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. The honey will add a subtle sweetness to the scent.

Step 7: Create Color Variations (Optional)

For a more artistic look, reserve a small portion of soap batter (about 2 cups) and whisk in an additional 0.5 tsp of turmeric powder to create a darker golden batter. You can swirl this darker batter through the lighter batch for a beautiful ombré effect.

Step 8: Pour Into Mold

Pour the soap batter into your prepared mold. If creating swirls, pour the lighter batter first, then drizzle the darker turmeric batter in thin lines across the top. Use a skewer or stick to gently drag through the soap to create swirl patterns.

Step 9: Smooth the Top

Use a spatula to smooth the top of the soap. If desired, lightly spray with rubbing alcohol to remove air bubbles. For an extra-smooth finish, use a heat gun on low setting, passing it quickly over the surface.

Step 10: Insulate for Gel Phase

Wrap the mold with blankets or towels to insulate and encourage gel phase. This helps develop the turmeric color and ensures even saponification. The soap may become warm as the exothermic reaction occurs.

Step 11: Wait 24-48 Hours

Leave the soap undisturbed for 24-48 hours. You should not open or check on the soap during this time. The soap will heat naturally as saponification occurs, which is completely normal.

Step 12: Unmold the Soap

After 24-48 hours, carefully remove the soap from the mold. The turmeric color will have developed into a warm, beautiful golden tone. If the soap is still soft, wait another 6-12 hours before unmolding.

Step 13: Cut Into Bars

Using a soap cutter or sharp serrated knife, cut the loaf into 24 equal bars. The turmeric will have colored the entire bar beautifully. Clean your knife between cuts for cleaner, sharper edges.

Step 14: Air Cure

Place bars on a well-ventilated rack with space between each one. Cure in a cool, dry location (60-75°F) for 4-6 weeks. During curing, the turmeric color may deepen slightly, becoming even more beautiful.

Tips for Success

• Fresh turmeric powder gives better color than old, oxidized powder; check the "best by" date
• Turmeric can sometimes cause soap to accelerate to thick trace—work quickly but carefully
• Raw honey adds moisture, which is why this recipe has a standard water amount; don't change it
• The golden color develops during cure time; expect deeper, richer tones after 4-6 weeks
• This soap may stain lightly; warn users to keep it away from light-colored fabrics
• Store in a well-ventilated container to prevent moisture from accumulating

Variations

• Turmeric honey oatmeal: Add 1 oz of finely ground oatmeal at trace for gentle exfoliation
• Turmeric ginger soap: Replace honey fragrance with ginger essential oil for an energizing blend
• Turmeric milk bath: Add 1 tbsp of powdered goat milk or coconut milk at trace for extra creaminess
• Honey lavender turmeric: Combine honey fragrance with lavender essential oil for a spa-like bar

Cost Breakdown

Estimated Cost per Bar: $0.47

Related Recipes

• Basic Cold Process Soap - Plain base without turmeric
• Lavender Oatmeal Soap - Another natural colorant option
• Goat Milk Honey Soap - Combine goat milk with honey benefits

Skin Benefits: Turmeric is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Combined with honey's natural moisturizing and skin-soothing benefits, this soap is excellent for acne, eczema, and irritated skin. The golden color is entirely natural and develops from turmeric's curcumin content—no synthetic colorants needed.