Coffee Handmade Small Batch Cold Process Soap

Ingredients (INCI):
Saponified Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Brew, Fragrance, Kaolin, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Powder

Our coffee soap recipe is crafted with a thoughtful blend of nourishing coconut oil and olive oil, providing the perfect balance of cleansing and moisturizing properties. Other beneficial oils and butters in this own soap approach using cold process recipes include palm oil for a hard, lather-rich bar, shea butter and cocoa butter for luxurious moisture and a creamy texture, sunflower oil for a smooth, stable base, and sweet almond oil to enhance skin nourishment and improve the soap’s feel. This coffee soap is based on tried-and-true soap recipes, and there are many variations available for those interested in experimenting with different ingredients or styles.

For the coffee component, you can use plain brewed coffee, plain coffee, or instant coffee as a substitute for water in the lye solution to achieve different color variations, from light soap to a rich, dark bar. Real brewed coffee infuses the soap with natural antioxidants and creates the rich, earthy color, while finely ground coffee beans—prepared using a coffee grinder—add gentle exfoliation. When adding coffee grounds, it is best to use used coffee grounds or leftover coffee grounds rather than fresh coffee grounds to prevent bleeding and cosmetic issues. You can also incorporate black soap leftover, such as coffee grounds leftover from brewing, to add extra texture and a visually appealing effect to your soap bars.

To prepare the lye solution, we use sodium hydroxide lye and distilled water to create lye water, or substitute with a lye coffee solution by combining cooled brewed coffee with sodium hydroxide lye. When preparing the coffee and lye solution, always monitor the temperature closely and follow safety precautions, as the mixture can become very hot and darken significantly. It is important to allow the lye water or lye coffee solution to cool before mixing with oils to ensure safety and proper saponification.

We enhance the formulation with carefully selected essential oils, such as lavender or ylang ylang, for both scent and potential skin benefits. Essential oil is a key ingredient for fragrance and customization in soap making. Espresso fragrance oil is also a key scent component, and espresso fragrance oil proportionately is added to the soap mixture to achieve a balanced coffee aroma. Fragrance oil can be used to mask any unpleasant odors from the coffee and lye reaction, ensuring a pleasant final scent profile. Each ingredient is chosen for its skin-loving qualities, ensuring a bar that cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.

During the process, a stick blender is used to mix the oils and lye solution into a smooth soap batter, helping to achieve the desired consistency and fully incorporate colorants or additives. This coffee soap recipe is based on tried-and-true cold process recipes, designed for both effective cleansing and deep moisturizing.

Tip: To prevent soda ash and address soda ash formation during curing, spray the surface of the soap with isopropyl alcohol and ensure proper curing conditions. For a seasonal or visually striking design, consider a black soap fall look by swirling coffee and soap batter for a coffee-inspired aesthetic.

Note: If you are new to soap making, be sure to follow all safety guidelines and understand the basics of the process before getting started.

This coffee soap offers gentle exfoliation that helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and energized. The natural oils condition and nourish your skin, while the coffee grounds provide just the right amount of buffing action for a healthy, radiant glow. The rich lather cleanses effectively without over-drying, making it suitable for daily use on face and body. The invigorating coffee scent, enhanced by the distinctive coffee smell in the final soap, helps awaken your senses and adds to the sensory experience, making it perfect for morning routines, while the moisturizing oils leave your skin feeling soft and comfortable throughout the day.

Work the soap into a rich lather with warm water, either in your hands or with a washcloth. Gently massage the lather over your face and body, allowing the coffee grounds to lightly exfoliate your skin. Focus on areas that need extra attention, like elbows and knees, where the gentle scrubbing action is most beneficial. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow with your favorite moisturizer if desired. For best results, use daily as part of your morning routine to help energize and refresh your skin, or enjoy it as an evening treat to unwind with the comforting coffee aroma.

Customers are drawn to this coffee soap because it transforms an everyday routine into a moment of indulgence and comfort. The handcrafted quality and small-batch attention to detail create a product that feels truly special, while the familiar coffee scent brings warmth and coziness to the bathroom. People love how it gently exfoliates without harshness, leaving skin feeling pampered and renewed. The combination of traditional cold process craftsmanship with the beloved aroma of coffee creates a unique sensory experience that connects them to simple pleasures and mindful moments in their busy day.