Insider Feature: Dr. Jenelle Kim on Making Soap at Home

As many of us are making the effort to wash our hands more frequently, it’s become apparent that store-bought hand soaps can leave your skin feeling dry and uncomfortable. Making your soap at home can not only save money but also allows you to choose the ingredients that your skin appreciates the most. 

Whether you choose to make soap for yourself or as a gift, there are easy ways to make a hand soap that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft. For detailed instructions on DIY soap-making, check out this Insider article where JBK Wellness Labs Founder and Lead Formulator Jenelle Kim’s shares her favorite ways to make soap at home. 

Dr. Kim highlights that the equipment and ingredients to use are:

• ⅔ cup coconut oil (helps to produce lather) 
• ⅔ cup olive oil
• ⅔ cup other liquid (like almond, grapeseed, sunflower or safflower oil)
• ¼ cup lye – also called 100% sodium hydroxide 
• ¾ cup cool water (use distilled or purified)
• Quart canning jar
• Pint canning jar
• Soap molds
• Gloves and protective goggles

Making soap at home is easy when you’re following instructions, but certain ingredients have to be handled properly to get the best results. That’s why Dr. Kim explains the unique purpose behind each item in the mixture and how to protect yourself when handling sensitive ingredients such as Lye. 

Dr. Kim’s cold process method is one of the most efficient and fun ways to make soap at home. We hope you enjoy it!