When considering biodegradable soap for camping, most agree that a solid soap is a better option than liquid. To create a soap that’s biodegradable, it’s important to pay attention to your choice of ingredients. Look for naturally occurring products and avoid artificial dyes and fragrances.
Choose the oils you will use understanding that different oils bring different qualities to your final product. For instance, coconut oil will increase the lather, while oils like olive or soybean will make the soap more moisturizing. To increase the hardness and stability of your soap add palm oil, beef tallow, or lard.
Lye is a necessary part of any homemade biodegradable soap recipe. You’ll need to use caution while handling it, but soap that is prepared well and cured will no longer be hazardous. Before you begin to make your soap, mix your lye solution. Be sure to wear goggles, apron, and gloves for safety. The common ratio is one part lye to three parts distilled water. When you mix the lye with water, there will be a chemical reaction causing the solution to climb in temperature (remember that horrible scene in Fight Club? The burn is real!).
In a pan, mix the combination of oils you’ve chosen and heat until they meet the desired temperature. This is usually around 95F for vegetable oil soaps, and 110F for those with animal fat. When the temperature of the lye solution and oil are both near the desired temperature, carefully pour the lye into the oils.
Continue to stir the mixture vigorously for the next 45-60 minutes. Test the biodegradable soap mixture by spooning a stream onto the mixture. If it stays on top for a moment before sinking, you’re ready for the next step. Now is the time to add essential oils, spices, or herbs to enhance the scent of your soap. Pour the mixture into molds and wrap in towels to keep the biodegradable soap warm for the next 48 hours.
With this method, your biodegradable soap should be ready for use and properly cured in three to four weeks. For efficiency, use a vegetable peeler to make soap leaves, eliminating the need to take the whole bar to bathe when you’re out in the woods.
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