1. Before you start making soap have all utensils and equipment ready on the workbench, within easy reach. Make the necessary ingredient measurements from the recipe.

2. Using a grinder or pistil grinder grind the pollen and set aside.

3. Weigh the amount of caustic soda and water separately.
In a heatproof bowl add the distilled water, over which, in an airy room, add the Sodium hydroxide a little at a time and stir slowly, carefully, until it is completely dissolved and the solution becomes transparent. Allow the solution to cool to about 40°C.

4. Transfer the oils, shea butter and lanolin to a container with a volume greater than 1 litre, preferably 1.5-2 litres, and heat until the composition becomes fluid. Allow to cool to 40°C.

5. Slowly pour the sodium hydroxide solution over the oils. Both must be of similar temperature. Place the blender in the bowl and blend until the composition becomes the consistency of a more liquid pudding, at which point add the ground pollen, honey, turmeric and the two natural fragrances. These are incorporated into the soap mass by slow, thorough mixing.

6. Transfer the composition to the soap mould, and shape the surface of the soap using a strip of bubble wrap, which is placed halfway along the length of the soap mould. Shape the surface of the remaining uncoated soap with a teaspoon.

7. Cover with foil and leave for 2 days in a cool place. Once the soap has hardened, remove from the mould and cut to the desired size.
The soap is then left to mature in a well-ventilated space on shelves or in covered boxes (but not closed to allow air circulation). Maturation takes a minimum of 4 weeks from the date of production, during which time the soap is not used as it is still reactive.

Tools needed: 1 heat-resistant pot (1.5 l); block soap mold; wooden soap cutter box; straight soap cutter; reusable filter; spatula; kitchen blender, a piece of bubble wrap