Frankincense

In this lecture series, I explain how to make soap using a number of oils, frankincense powder and sodium hydroxide. I measured 500 g of palm oil, 400 g of olive oil, 300 g of coconut oil, and 50 g of castor oil. The castor oil improves soap foam.  I then measured 40 g of frankincense powder. Frankincense benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, and defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes. We started using it in the soap-making process to accentuate these cosmetic benefits. I measured 10 g of cinnamon, 10 g of clove and 30 g of tangerine essential oils to improve soap fragrance.  I then measured 177 g of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) "lye" and added it to 475 g of iced water. I mixed the water and NaOH in open air. Remember to use lab glasses, face mask and gloves while dealing with this mixture since it is toxic.

I mixed my measured ingredients. First, I added the frankincense powder to the mixture of oils I measured initially (palm oil, olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil). I then added the "lye" solution to the oil and frankincense powder mixture once their temperatures matched. I mixed the solution and finally added the essential oils and dyes. Once the solution became a thick liquid, I added it to the soap mold.