Faced with financial challenges and a lack of income from social media, a Cuban woman known on TikTok as Normita has taken to crafting homemade soaps to sell. In a bid to generate income amidst Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, she shares her creative process using readily available ingredients.
In a video uploaded to her TikTok account, Normita provides a detailed tutorial on how she makes these soaps right from her home. Her process begins with grating a bar of commercial soap, which she then dissolves in a liter of boiling water. She mixes in a tablespoon each of salt, sugar, baking soda, and vinegar to create her homemade soap concoction.
According to Normita, the finished product is versatile enough for hand-washing clothes, scrubbing pots, and even bathing, although she notes that these uses are based on her own experience rather than any formal safety testing.
“They come out smelling great and work wonderfully,” she assures viewers, proudly demonstrating the final product. She emphasizes the soap’s impressive lather and shine: “It creates a lot of foam, and this little soap gives such a shine it's like a mirror.”
The Broader Context of Cuba's Hygiene Product Shortage
Normita’s initiative is a response to the severe scarcity of hygiene and cleaning products in Cuba. Back in November 2025, reports emerged about soap being distributed in Las Tunas after more than eight months of empty shelves in local stores.
Beyond the scarcity, exorbitant prices further complicate access to these essentials. As reported by Infobae, a Cuban citizen, aged 68, lamented, “If I buy soap, I can’t eat.” At the time, a single bar of soap could fetch up to 400 Cuban pesos.
Across social media, Cubans are sharing similar inventive solutions to the lack of basic goods. In one instance, a young man demonstrated how he used rainwater to do laundry with his grandmother, while another woman shared her strategy of stockpiling soap and toothpaste for times of need.
Normita's Vision for Economic Empowerment
Normita hopes to transform her soap-making into a reliable source of income. Her video has piqued the curiosity of many viewers eager to learn her method.
She invites her followers to engage with her by commenting, “Let me know in the comments if you want me to explain the recipe more thoroughly.”
FAQs About Homemade Soap-Making in Cuba
What ingredients does Normita use for her homemade soap?
Normita uses a grated bar of commercial soap, a liter of boiling water, and a tablespoon each of salt, sugar, baking soda, and vinegar to create her homemade soap.
Why are hygiene products scarce in Cuba?
Cuba faces a significant shortage of hygiene products due to economic challenges and supply chain disruptions, leading to extended periods without available stock in stores.
How are Cubans coping with the lack of basic goods?
Cubans are finding creative solutions, such as making homemade products, using natural resources like rainwater, and rationing or stockpiling essential goods when available.