One of the things I love most about our family is that the homesteading bug has spread to all of us — even Macky. While I'm out splitting wood and tending to the property, Macky has been experimenting with something a lot more hands-on and just as impressive: making homemade soap bars from scratch.
What started as a curiosity turned into a genuine skill. And the bars she's producing are not only better for your skin than the chemical-laden stuff from the store — they also make incredible gifts.
Why Make Your Own Soap?
Store-bought soaps are often packed with synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, and preservatives. When you make soap at home, you control exactly what goes into it. You can use natural oils, real essential oils, and ingredients you can actually pronounce. Your skin will notice the difference.
Beyond the health benefits, homemade soap is a legitimate homesteading skill. If supply chains get disrupted, knowing how to make soap is not a trivial thing. It's the kind of knowledge that was common a few generations ago and is being rediscovered by families like ours.
Macky's Process
Macky uses the cold process soap-making method, which involves combining lye (sodium hydroxide) with oils to trigger saponification — the chemical reaction that turns oils into soap. Once the soap is poured into molds, it cures for 4-6 weeks before it's ready to use.
Her base recipe uses a combination of coconut oil (for lather and cleansing), olive oil (for moisturizing), and palm oil (for hardness). She then adds essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus for scent, and sometimes includes natural colorants like activated charcoal, turmeric, or spirulina.
The Results
The bars have a creamy, rich lather that our store-bought soap just can't match. Friends and family who've tried them always ask for more. We've had people offer to buy them at farmers markets — which isn't a bad side hustle idea either.
Macky's gotten to the point where she's experimenting with swirl patterns, layering different scents, and even making specialty bars for sensitive skin. It's been a really cool thing to watch develop.
Want to Try It?
If you're interested in getting started with soap making, the learning curve isn't too bad once you understand the safety aspects of working with lye. There are some great books and starter kits that walk you through everything. Start with a simple recipe, follow the safety guidelines, and you'll have your first batch curing within a few hours.
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