how to make soap

The Cold Process is another method of soap making which does not require an external heat source to begin saponification, or in other words, the chemical reaction that creates soap. It is the process of making soap from scratch with distilled water, lye, and fats and is considered to be the purest and most basic form of soap. It can be formulated to hold essential oils for conditioners and extra fragrances, which is known as superfatting.

The most common requirement when it comes to either the hot process of cold process of soap making is a good quality soap. Animal fats were considered to be the best at first, especially lard and tallow. However, now with the trend toward non animal based products and vegetarianism, the use of vegetable oils has become very popular, with the favorite being olive, palm and coconut oil. Continue reading for an extended list of the best oils to use.

One important necessity when using the cold process to make soap is a lye calculator. It's with this tool that you will be able to determine the exact quantity of lye that is required for any given amount of fat. Just keep in mind that lye can be a very dangerous chemical so it's important to read the instructions and warnings on the back of the container.

To avoid having the lye getting too hot to handle you can do one of the two following things:

1. Use chilled water instead of luke warm water

2. Mix the lye solution one day ahead of time

If you choose the second option, remember that the fats and the lye need to be at the same temperatures (at about 100 degrees F) so you may have to reheat the lye solution. The next step is to combine the fats with the lye solution.

Is there an alternative to using only water to dissolve the lye you ask? The answer is absolutely! Below is a list of other options you have to create unique soaps that you can sell or just give away as sensational gifts:

1. Whole Milk

2. Any Herbal Infusion

3. Vegetable Juices

4. Fruit Juices

Adding an additional 10% of oil to the solution can prevent from any extra lye remaining in the soap. After about a month, the lye will have already combined with the oils and the final result would be a great quality batch of homemade soap. With the soap at this finished state, the soap no longer will contain lye since the oils have already been saponified.

The list below are the most widely used oils for soap making. They are considered to be the best oils to use with the first two being the most common:

1. Coconut oil

2. Palm

3. 100% Olive Oil

4. Almond Oil

5. Canola

6. All Sesame Oils

So....Why use natural soap? How does natural handmade soap differ from commercially made soap? A bar of handcrafted soap is good for the skin, natural, and versatile. If your soap is handmade it tends to be fresh and contain more natural elements.

Adding natural herbs with a combination of natural fruit juices and vegatable juices really gives your soaps a uniqueness. A natural glycerin is formed from the cold process method that is much less drying to the skin. Use soap that is hand made with all natural ingredients and natural oils and your skin will thank you for it.

The dangers of handling lye is what has caused most soap makers to frown upon the cold process method. Now its is true that lye can be an extremely dangerous chemical, but taken the right precautions minimize the risk and resulting in unique and decorative soaps that you can be proud of.

make your own soap

make your own soap

Need more help to make soap with the cold process technique? Learn Dawn Washelski's secrets to creating unique homemade soap with FREE video tutorials.

how to make soap: how to make homemade soap

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