Turmeric Papaya Cold Process Soap

I love to add fresh ingredients to my soaps. It’s a fun way to try something new on a whim since most fruits and veggies are easy enough to come by. I also find that they can bring interest and label appeal to your soaps. In this recipe I’m trying something a little more exotic: papaya paired with turmeric. The result is a wonderfully creamy and nourishing turmeric papaya soap.

Turmeric is a spice who’s key ingredient curcuma has long been praised for it’s anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. In skincare products it is said to have the ability to brighten and renew the skin. Turmeric happens to also be a great natural colorant for soap. It can give you shades that range from light yellow to deep orange depending on how and how much you use.

The second special ingredient in this soap is fresh papaya. Papaya contains the enzyme papein which is used as a natural exfoliant in skincare products. It gently removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter, softer and glowier skin. Like most produce, papaya contains sugar which is great for giving soap lather a really nice boost.

So, you’re ready to make some turmeric papaya soap? Me, too. Let’s go.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you will I earn a commission if you decide to click through and make a purchase.

If you’ve never made cold process soap before I urge you to read through my lye safety tips, recommended gear and beginner’s tutorial first.

What you’ll need: 

• digital scale
• stick blender
• 2 medium heat resistant containers (one for the lye solution, one for the base oils)
• spatula
• blender or food processor
• sifter
• freezer paper
• empty Pringles can
• tape

Recipe (makes 5-6 average sized turmeric papaya soap bars):

This recipe uses a lye concentration of 40% and is superfatted at 5%.

• distilled water: 3.7 oz / 105 g
• lye: 2.5 oz / 70 g
• coconut oil: 5.5 oz / 155 g (31% of the oils)
• pomace (olive oil): 5.5 oz / 155 g (31% of the oils)
• shea butter: 4.6 oz / 130 g (26% of the oils)
• sesame oil: 1.1 oz / 30g (6% of the oils)
• castor oil: 1.1 oz / 30 g (6% of the oils)
• papaya puree: 2 oz
• turmeric powder: 1 1/2 tsp
• lemongrass essential oil: 20 g

Instructions:

Preparing the Mold:

1. Cut out a piece of freezer paper about 7 x 9 Inches
2. Cut the bottom of the Pringles can off, so that the remainder measures about 7 Inches tall
3. Firmly tape the cap on (you don’t want any soap batter seeping out at the bottom)
4. Line the can with freezer paper – the coated side facing inward

Making the Papaya Puree:

1. Scoop and weigh out about 3 ounces of papaya pulp from a fresh papaya fruit
2. Place it in a food processor or blender
3. Blend until puree looks smooth and liquidy
4. Strain the puree through a sifter, discard stringy and chunky pieces
5. Measure the remaining pulp to make sure you have the right amount left

Making the Soap:

1. Gear up for safety: goggles, gloves, long sleeves!
2. Prepare the lye solution in a small container and set aside
3. In a medium sized container measure and melt the coconut oil and shea butter over low heat
4. Add pomace (olive oil), castor and sesame oil and essential oil
5. Add papaya puree and turmeric powder to the melted oils, mix both in very well using your stick blender (you want a smooth mixture without clumps)
6. Wait until lye solution and oils have cooled down to at least 100 degrees F
7. Combine lye solution and melted oils and butters by stick blending until medium trace
8. Pour the batter into the mold (lined Pringles can) and tap it down to release any air bubbles
9. Insulate the mold with a heavy towel
10. After 18 – 24 hours remove from mold by gently pushing the soap out from one end
11. Cut turmeric papaya soap into bars and cure for 3-4 weeks

Want more awesome natural soap recipes? Why don’t you give these a try:

• Cucumber Mint Soap
• Triple Lavender Infused Soap
• Watermelon Lime Soap