Hello, aspiring soap makers! Today, we're going to dive into the fascinating world of cold process soap making. This traditional method offers endless creative possibilities and allows you to control every ingredient that goes into your soap. Let's get started!
Understanding the Cold Process Method
Cold process soap making involves mixing fixed oils (like olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter) with an alkali (sodium hydroxide or lye) to initiate a process called saponification. This chemical reaction turns the oils into soap, and the lye is entirely consumed, leaving you with a gentle, natural bar of soap.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cold Process Soap Making
Safety First
Before you begin, ensure you have the following safety gear:
- Gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Safety glasses
- Apron
Always work in a well-ventilated area and keep vinegar nearby to neutralize any lye spills.
Equipment
- Digital scale
- Stainless steel soap pot
- Heat-resistant plastic or silicone spatulas
- Immersion blender
- Soap mold
- Parchment paper or freezer paper
Ingredients
For our beginner recipe, we'll use a simple combination of oils:
- 100g Olive Oil
- 100g Coconut Oil
- 50g Shea Butter
- 50g Castor Oil
- 65g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
- 150g Distilled Water
- Essential oils for fragrance (optional)
- Natural colorants (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Workspace: Cover your workspace with newspaper or a washable cloth. Have all your tools and ingredients within reach.
-
Measure Your Ingredients: Using a digital scale, measure all your oils, lye, and water accurately.
-
Prepare the Lye Solution:
- Slowly add lye to the water (never the other way around) while stirring gently.
- Allow the lye solution to cool down to around 100°F (38°C).
-
Prepare the Oils:
- Melt and combine the coconut oil and shea butter in your soap pot.
- Add the olive oil and castor oil.
- Heat the mixture gently until it reaches around 100°F (38°C).
-
Mix the Lye Solution and Oils:
- Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while stirring gently.
- Use an immersion blender to mix until the soap batter reaches "trace" – this is when the mixture thickens and leaves a trace or imprint on the surface.
-
Add Fragrance and Colorants (optional):
- Once you reach trace, add your chosen essential oils and natural colorants. Mix well.
-
Pour into Mold:
- Pour the soap batter into your prepared mold.
- Tap the mold gently to remove any air bubbles.
-
Insulate and Cure:
- Cover the mold with a towel or blanket to insulate it.
- Let the soap sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours.
- After this time, unmold the soap and cut it into bars if necessary.
- Allow the soap to cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks. This allows the soap to harden and become milder.
Beginner Recipe: Simple Olive Oil Soap
- 400g Olive Oil
- 50g Castor Oil
- 65g Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
- 150g Distilled Water
Follow the step-by-step guide above to create this simple, moisturizing soap.
Conclusion
Cold process soap making is a rewarding hobby that allows you to create unique, natural soaps tailored to your preferences. With practice, you'll become more comfortable with the process and can start experimenting with different oils, additives, and designs. Happy soap making!
Disclaimer: Always handle lye with care, as it is a caustic substance that can cause burns if mishandled.
Always remember: Safety first, soap second.
With sudsy love,
Annie, Soap Artisan & Blog Writer