Tomato Paste Soap

Finished Tomato Soap

I get asked on a regular basis what kind of soap I tend to make the most. That is the hardest question to answer because I am always trying something new. One of my most recent experiments has been with using tomato paste in soap.

It makes such a beautiful color. I recommend no more the 0.75 oz of tomato paste per pound of fats. Just remember, the color of the soap is not UV stable so if you store your soap in an area that gets lots of light, don’t be surprised if the color fades.

Recipe:

Now to make our tomato soap! Weigh your oils into a microwave safe container. While the oils are heating in the microwave, weigh out your lye and mix with your water. Remember to add your lye to your water, not the other way around. Safety first!

Allow the lye solution and oil mixture to cool. When your oils are around 100°F-110°F, add your lye solution to your oils. Using your immersion blender, mix your soap until you reach a light trace.

Add your tomato paste at this point. If you will be using any fragrance or essential oils, add them at this point too. Once the tomato paste is fully distributed, pour your soap into a mold.

Allow your soap to sit in the mold undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Then cut into bars and place out on a shelf where they can dry. I like to use cardboard boxes under my soap so I don’t damage my shelves. You can use your soap immediately but it will last longer if you allow it to dry completely. Remember that the color from tomatoes is not UV stable. Store in a dark area for bolder color.