Method

1. Clay water

   Disperse French pink clay in the distilled water until smooth.

2. Lye solution

   Slowly add sodium hydroxide to the clay water (never the reverse). Stir to dissolve and cool in a shallow water bath.

3. Melt solids

   On low heat, gently melt coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Remove from heat.

4. Add liquids

   Stir in olive and castor oils, scraping in every drop. Target ~38 °C (100 °F).

5. Match temps

   Ensure oils and lye are both ~38 °C (100 °F) and within ~10 °C (18 °F) of one another.

6. Emulsify

   Pour the lye into the oils and blend with an immersion blender to a light trace.

7. Scent

   Stir in your chosen floral essential oils until evenly incorporated.

8. Pour & decorate

   Fill the mould and top with dried petals if using.

9. Set & cure

   Unmould/slice after 48 hours; cure for 4 weeks before use.