Cold Process Handmade Soaps

Methods in Soap Making

Two popular methods of making soap are the cold process and hot process. We can use fresh ingredients like milk and plants in cold process method. This method requires the curing process of 4-6 weeks. The hot process is like the cold process, but the ingredients are subject to heat to speed up the saponification. We can use almost immediately a hot process soap after making. It does not require curing time.

Cold Process Method

Cold process soaps are made by mixing oils and sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) to create a chemical reaction called saponification. The reaction produces heat, glycerin and soap. We choose the oils, butters, fragrance, colorants, and other ingredients to formulate the recipe for making cold process soaps.

Handmade soaps using the cold process method are a great way to create natural soaps using nourishing oils and butters. Botanicals such as rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano can be infused in oil to make cold process soaps. Roses and lavender are favorite additions to cold process handmade soaps. This cold process method is best for preserving the benefits of plant-derived oils and butter.

Soaps made with the cold process method requires 4-6 weeks to cure. The curing process allows the saponification to complete and excess water to evaporate. The fully cured soap bar will last longer and does not melt away quickly in the shower.

Benefits of Cold Process Soaps

Cold process soap is good for the skin because it is made from natural ingredients and does not contain harmful chemicals that are toxic to humans. Glycerin is a natural by-product that is produced during saponification. It is also a humectant that is beneficial to the skin.

The nourishing plant oils and butters in handmade soaps create a rich creamy lather that is moisturising to the skin. Cold process soaps do not have the chemicals that are found in shower gels that can strip away the natural oils on your skin. Using cold process soaps may prevent skin irritation, dryness and other allergies.

Check out Braulio & Co for their moisturising handmade soaps that are great for all skin types.