Hello, soap enthusiasts! Today, we're going to dive into the fascinating world of hot process soap making. This method is a favorite among many soap makers due to its quicker cure time and unique aesthetic. So, let's get started!
Understanding the Hot Process Method
Hot process soap making involves cooking the soap batter to accelerate saponification, the process where oils and lye turn into soap. This method is excellent for those who want to use their soap sooner, as it can be ready in just a few days compared to the traditional cold process method, which takes 4-6 weeks to cure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hot Process Soap Making
Ingredients:
- 300g Olive Oil
- 200g Coconut Oil
- 100g Shea Butter
- 120g Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
- 280g Distilled Water
- Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils (optional)
- Colorants (optional)
Equipment:
- Slow Cooker or Double Boiler
- Stick Blender
- Digital Scale
- Safety Gear (Gloves, Goggles, Apron)
- Soap Mold
Instructions:
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Safety First: Put on your safety gear. Always remember to handle lye with care.
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Prepare Lye Solution: In a well-ventilated area, slowly add lye to the distilled water (never the other way around) and stir until the lye is fully dissolved. Allow the solution to cool.
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Melt Oils: Combine olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter in your slow cooker or double boiler. Heat until all the oils are melted.
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Mix Lye Solution with Oils: Slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils. Use your stick blender to mix until you reach a light trace (when the mixture thickens slightly).
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Cook the Soap: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook the soap batter, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour or until the soap reaches a gel-like consistency and becomes translucent.
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Add Extras: Once the soap is fully cooked, you can add essential oils, fragrance oils, or colorants. Mix well to incorporate.
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Mold the Soap: Pour the soap batter into your mold. Tap the mold gently to remove any air bubbles.
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Cure the Soap: Allow the soap to cool and harden in the mold for 24 hours. Unmold the soap and cut it into bars. Hot process soap can be used right away, but it benefits from a short cure time of about a week to allow excess water to evaporate.
Recipes to Try
Lavender Dream Soap
- Add 20 drops of lavender essential oil and a pinch of dried lavender buds to the cooked soap batter.
Peppermint Refresh Soap
- Add 15 drops of peppermint essential oil and a small amount of green mica for color to the cooked soap batter.
Citrus Burst Soap
- Add 10 drops of lemon essential oil, 10 drops of orange essential oil, and a small amount of yellow mica for color to the cooked soap batter.
Hot process soap making is a rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful, customized soaps. Happy soaping!
Always remember: Safety first, soap second.
With sudsy love,
Annie, Soap Artisan & Blog Writer