How to Make Homemade Soap Using the Cold Process Method

Soap making can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and homemade soap can be a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. Soap can be made at home using natural ingredients such as oils, butters, and essential oils, and it can be made using either a cold process or hot process method. In this article, we'll focus on the cold process method.

What is the Cold Process Method?

The cold process method of soap making involves mixing together oils, butters, and a lye solution to create soap. The lye reacts with the oils and butters to create a chemical process called saponification, which produces soap and glycerin. The cold process method requires no external heat and allows the soap maker to have more control over the ingredients and design of the soap.

What You'll Need

To make soap using the cold process method, you'll need the following ingredients and equipment:

Oils and butters: You can use a variety of oils and butters to make soap, including olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Each oil or butter will contribute different properties to the finished soap, so you can choose a combination that suits your needs.

Lye: Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a necessary ingredient in soap making. It's important to handle lye carefully, as it can be caustic and can cause burns. Wear gloves and goggles when handling lye, and make sure to work in a well-ventilated area.

Water: You'll need water to mix with the lye to create the lye solution. Distilled water is best to use, as it doesn't contain any minerals or contaminants that could react with the lye.

Essential oils: Essential oils can be added to the soap for fragrance and skin benefits. Choose essential oils that are skin-safe and that have a scent that you enjoy.

Soap molds: You'll need a mold to pour the soap mixture into to set. You can use silicone molds, wooden molds, or plastic molds.

Kitchen scale: You'll need a kitchen scale to weigh the ingredients accurately.

Safety gear: As mentioned, it's important to handle lye and the soap mixture carefully, as they can be caustic. Wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves when making soap to protect your skin.
Instructions

Measure out the oils and butters: Weigh the oils and butters and place them in a heat-resistant container.

Prepare the lye solution: In a well-ventilated area, carefully measure out the lye and water. Slowly pour the lye into the water, stirring constantly until the lye is fully dissolved. Set the lye solution aside to cool.

Combine the oils and lye solution: Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils and butters, stirring constantly. Use a stick blender to mix the ingredients until they reach trace, which is when the mixture thickens and leaves a trail when drizzled on the surface.




Add essential oils: Once the mixture has reached trace, add the essential oils and stir well.

Pour into the mold: Carefully pour the soap mixture into the mold and smooth the top. Cover the mold with a towel or blanket and set aside to set for 24-48 hours.

Cut the soap: After 24-48 hours, the soap should be firm enough to cut. Carefully remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars using a soap cutter or a sharp knife.

Cure the soap: Place the soap bars on a rack or tray and set them aside to cure for 4-6 weeks. During this time, the soap will continue to saponify and become milder and harder.
Tips for Success

Follow the recipe carefully: It's important to measure the ingredients accurately, as using too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the final product.

Be safe: As mentioned, lye can be caustic and can cause burns. Handle it with care and wear protective gear when working with it.

Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different oils and butters, essential oils, and soap designs. This can help you find a combination that works for you and your skin.

Don't rush: The cold process method takes time, so be patient. The soap needs time to set and cure, so be sure to allow enough time for these steps.

Have fun: Soap making can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, so have fun and enjoy the process!