Last month, I shared my confession of being a non-coffee-drinking soap maker. This month, I’m inviting you behind the scenes on the journey to creating one of my new favorites—Coconut Paradise Bar Soap.
Every soap I create begins with a scent I love. Then I think about what exfoliant would best complement that fragrance. I’ve always adored the scent and flavor of coconut, though I have to admit—I’m not a fan of the texture. I’ll happily sip a Piña Colada or enjoy a bowl of coconut rice, but you can keep the coconut shrimp and German chocolate cake! Still, making a coconut-scented soap? Total no-brainer.
The Exfoliant: Coconut Shell Powder
When it came to choosing an exfoliant, I had a good laugh because—again—coconut shell powder was the obvious choice. It’s a natural, gentle exfoliant that buffs away dead skin without being harsh, and it's easily sourced from one of my go-to suppliers, Bramble Berry.
The Secret Ingredient: Coconut Milk
Now for the juicy part—coconut milk. I always strive to make products that stand out. Adding milk to cold process soap isn’t new, but coconut milk brings something special. Here's why I fell in love with it for this bar:
- It’s rich in natural oils that hydrate and soften skin.
- The fatty acids, like lauric acid, help lock in moisture and create a creamy, indulgent lather.
- That lather not only cleanses effectively but does so without stripping your skin.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe irritation or sensitive skin (great for folks with eczema or psoriasis—though of course, XYSC makes no medical claims).
- It’s full of vitamins and minerals that nourish and protect the skin from environmental stressors and early signs of aging (again, XYSC makes no medical claims).
- Plus, it's vegan-friendly—an excellent alternative to goat milk in soapmaking.
A Lesson in Patience (and Chemistry)
Here’s where the process got interesting. Did you know that when using milk in your lye solution, it must be frozen first? Otherwise, the lye will scorch it—yes, burnt milk. And nobody wants that. So Coconut Paradise Bar Soap was definitely not built in a day. It took patience, freezer space, and a lot of love.
But trust me—it was worth it. The scent is like a mini tropical getaway, and the rich, creamy lather feels luxurious on the skin. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone else, Coconut Paradise is a perfect escape in a bar.
Special Treat: Buy One, Get One Free
If you’ve read this far, thank you! As a thank-you gift, I’m offering a BOGO deal just for you. Buy one bar of Coconut Paradise and get any other bar for free.
Use discount code: CoconutMilk at checkout.
Here’s to soft skin and small escapes—one shower at a time.
