The Lime & Matcha Radiance Soap is designed to awaken the skin and senses. Inspired by traditional South Asian beauty rituals and modern wellness science, this artisanal soap cleanses, detoxifies, and invigorates the skin with natural botanicals. Lime provides a clarifying citrus punch that lifts impurities, while matcha — powdered green tea — floods your skin with antioxidants, supporting elasticity and cell repair.
Ideal for oily, acne-prone, or dull skin types, this soap bar contains no artificial preservatives and celebrates the synergy between cultural wisdom and functional beauty. Its vibrant green hue and uplifting scent create a spa-like experience in your daily routine.
🧴 INGREDIENTS:
🛁 Base Oils:
- 200g coconut oil (cleansing and moisturizing)
- 150g olive oil (nourishing, high in antioxidants)
- 50g castor oil (adds creamy lather)
- 100g shea butter (hydration and skin barrier support)
🧪 Lye Solution:
- 80g sodium hydroxide (NaOH, for saponification)
- 200ml distilled water
🌱 Active Botanicals:
- 2 tsp matcha green tea powder (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich)
- 1 tbsp lime zest (gentle exfoliation and brightening)
- 20 drops lime essential oil (clarifying, energizing)
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil (natural preservative and skin-nourishment)
🖌 Optional Additions:
- 1 tsp French green clay (deep pore cleansing)
- A few drops of green mica or spirulina for natural coloring
- Dried mint or lime slices for decoration
🧑🔬 INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Lye Solution
- Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully mix sodium hydroxide into distilled water (never the reverse). Stir until dissolved.
- Set aside to cool to around 100°F (38°C). Always work in a well-ventilated space.
Step 2: Melt the Oils
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and castor oil together.
- Add olive oil and stir until the mixture reaches approximately 100°F — matching the temperature of the lye solution.
Step 3: Blend Lye with Oils
- Pour the lye solution slowly into the oil mixture, stirring continuously.
- Use an immersion blender in short pulses until the mix reaches “trace” — a pudding-like consistency that leaves a mark on the surface when drizzled.
Step 4: Add Actives
- Stir in matcha powder, lime zest, and vitamin E oil.
- Add lime essential oil and any optional coloring or clay.
- Mix thoroughly but gently to maintain trace without over-blending.
Step 5: Pour & Decorate
- Pour the mixture into silicone soap molds or a lined loaf mold.
- Tap gently to release air bubbles. Decorate tops with lime slices or mint leaves if desired.
Step 6: Cure & Cut
- Cover mold with a towel or wrap, allowing it to sit for 24–48 hours until firm.
- Remove from mold and slice into bars.
- Allow soap to cure in a cool, dry space for 4–6 weeks for complete saponification and hardening.
🌸 BENEFITS & SKIN EFFECTS:
- Lime Zest & Essential Oil: Exfoliates dead skin cells, improves clarity, and refreshes dull skin.
- Matcha Green Tea: Neutralizes free radicals, boosts circulation, and calms inflammation.
- Olive & Coconut Oils: Maintain skin’s moisture barrier and softness.
- Vitamin E: Protects skin against oxidative stress and supports healing.
🧼 Usage & Storage:
Use daily or 3–4 times per week for gentle cleansing. Store soap bars on a well-drained soap dish to prevent melting. These bars make great gifts too — wrap in parchment with a sprig of dried mint for a rustic finish!