Apple cider vinegar, often known as ACV, is a popular ingredient in the kitchen for its various benefits, but it can also be used in personal care products! This vinegar has been a natural remedy for skin conditions for generations. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar make it a great addition to soap-making.
So, what’s the easiest way to incorporate it into soap? Let’s take a look!
What Are The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Soap?
So, what exactly can apple cider vinegar do for your skin? While scientific evidence is lacking, the antimicrobial nature of the vinegar could potentially help with the following:
- ACV may assist in combating bacterial infections due to its potential antifungal properties.
- ACV’s antifungal properties may help relieve dandruff by targeting the Malassezia fungus.
- Consider using ACV to retain the skin’s natural acidity, preventing dryness and damage.
- ACV’s antifungal properties may aid in treating conditions like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
- Applying ACV as a spot treatment for pimples and warts may help clear bacteria and viruses, though scientific evidence is lacking.
In addition to the apple cider vinegar in this particular recipe, I’ve added tea tree oil and lavender oil to give it an extra therapeutic kick and a great smell. Tea tree oil is a popular remedy for acne, toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, dandruff, lice, bad breath, and more. Lavender boasts natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities that can soothe sunburns, diminish scarring, and effectively reduce skin inflammation.
To Lye, or Not To Lye?
When looking into soap recipes, one of my major concerns is that most used lye, which is super caustic and can cause chemical burns. However, after much research and experimenting, I’ve found a way to make soap that doesn’t involve contact with lye directly at all. This is the method I went with as I have animals at home and have no desire to keep harsh chemicals around where small creatures could access it.
Lye, or sodium hydroxide, is vital in soap-making to start the process that changes fats and oils into solid soap bars in a process called saponification. If lye isn’t used, you’d pretty much just have a bunch of loose oils floating about in a runny solution. Soap can’t be made without lye, as it’s the key alkaline substance needed for this change. While there are alternatives like potassium hydroxide for liquid soaps, all solid soaps need some type of lye for this chemical change. Working with lye requires strict safety precautions because it can cause harm. Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye gear is crucial to avoid contact with this harsh substance. Good ventilation and a tidy workspace also help lower the chances of accidents.
If that all sounds a bit too much, you can follow this recipe and do what I did: opt for melt-and-pour soap bases. These can be a safer choice since they already contain lye, removing the need to deal with the caustic substance directly. These bases offer a simple and convenient option for soap makers, as the lye is already mixed in. Many different bases are available online; I went with a goat’s milk base for mine. By choosing bases with ingredients like goat’s milk or oils, you can customize soaps for desired effects like moisturizing, lather, and skin benefits, all while avoiding the risks of raw lye.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Cider Vinegar Soap
Ingredients:
- ½ pound melt and pour soap base
- 30 drops of essential oils (I used tea tree and lavender)
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Optional: Decorative or exfoliating ingredients like oats, soap, salt, coffee grounds, and flowers.
Instructions:
1. Begin by melting the soap base using a double boiler or microwave. I prefer the double boiling method for easier monitoring.
2. Stir until mostly melted.
3. Incorporate the apple cider vinegar.
4. Introduce the essential oils and mix thoroughly.
5. Pour the blend into clean, dry molds. Silicone molds are the most convenient option.
6. Let the bars cool on the benchtop for 30 minutes until they start to set, then transfer them to the fridge.
7. After 1 hour, remove the soaps from the molds and wrap them in nonstick paper or wrappers if you aren’t using them immediately.
8. Your handmade soap is best used within 6 to 8 weeks.
What if I Want a Liquid Apple Cider Vinegar Soap?
You can make liquid ACV soap by adding apple cider vinegar and essential oils to liquid Castille soap. Dr. Bronners is an excellent brand to start with. If you decide to go down this road, mix two parts soap with one part ACV, add your essential oils, and shake well. You can thin the mixture out a bit with distilled water or thicken it using salt.
Related Recipes
Watch the Video Version Here:
How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Soap With Just 3 Ingredients!
Ingredients
Instructions
Ingredients (Yields 4 soaps or 8 mini soaps, depending on mold used):
- ½ pound melt and pour soap base
- 30 drops of essential oils (I used tea tree and lavender)
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Optional: Decorative or exfoliating ingredients like oats, soap, salt, coffee grounds, and flowers.
Instructions:
- Begin by melting the soap base using a double boiler or microwave. I prefer the double boiling method for easier monitoring.
- Stir until mostly melted.
- Incorporate the apple cider vinegar.
- Introduce the essential oils and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the blend into clean, dry molds. Silicone molds are the most convenient option.
- Let the bars cool on the benchtop for 30 minutes until they start to set, then transfer them to the fridge.
- After 1 hour, remove the soaps from the molds and wrap them in nonstick paper or wrappers if you aren’t using them immediately.
- Your handmade soap is best used within 6 to 8 weeks.
FAQs
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) in soap making offers several benefits, including helping to balance the skin’s natural pH, providing mild exfoliation, and potentially aiding in acne-prone skin management due to its antimicrobial properties.
The soap batter might initially have a vinegar scent, but this usually dissipates during the cooling process. The final product does not retain the vinegar smell, especially if essential oils or fragrances are used.
Apple cider vinegar soap is suitable for most skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin. However, individuals with sensitive skin should test the soap on a small area first, as the vinegar might cause irritation for some people.
