Handcrafted soap can be made from scratch, by either hot or cold process, or created from a ready-made soap base. The method(s) chosen by a soapmaker are based on personal preference and the desired end result. In some cases, a final soap may contain both soap from scratch and ready-made soap base.
Handcrafted soaps made from scratch require three ingredients to become soap: oil (animal or vegetable oil, not petroleum-based oil), water and lye. These three ingredients, mixed together in correct proportions, combine and chemically change into soap – a process called “saponification”. They may include other ingredients to provide additional benefits or to color or scent the soap, but these are not part of the chemical process that results in basic soap.
The term “cold process” refers to the fact that no heat is applied during soapmaking.
The lye solution is normally cooled to room temperature before it is added to the oils. The oils are then heated as necessary to melt any solid fats or butters and generally cooled to between 80° – 110° F, depending on the recipe formulation.
Once the lye solution and oils are at the desired temperature, they are combined together and mixed. As mixing continues, the mixture will gradually thicken. It will also get warmer, sometimes quite hot, depending on the starting temperature and the formulation. This is the chemical reaction of the oils and lye becoming soap.
Once the mixture has reached “trace” (the point at which mixture dribbled from a spoon will leave a brief trace on the surface), any other ingredients (scent, color, herbs, clays, etc) are added to the soap and thoroughly incorporated.
“Hot process” soap refers to the fact that an outside source of heat is applied to make the soap.
With hot process soap, the lye solution and oils are mixed together and then an outside source of heat is used to keep the temperature up. The added heat reduces the time needed to ensure the chemical process (saponification) is completed.
Once the soap is completed, it is still in liquid form because of the higher temperatures (essentially, it is soap in a “melted” form). When fully saponified, it can be poured into molds in the same manner as cold process soap, and cut as needed when cooled and hardened.
Because hot process soap is fully saponified when poured into the molds, no additional time is needed in the molds to complete the process. Hot process soap may still be cured to allow additional water evaporation to harden the bars, although less curing time, if any, is generally needed.
Once the bars, whether made by cold or hot process are sufficiently cured and hardened, they can be packaged as desired and, of course, used!
Ready-Made soap base is already soap, so all the steps necessary to producing the soap itself are eliminated. The soapmaker’s concentration can be focused on the artistic, aesthetic and beneficial aspects of the soap.
Also referred to as “melt and pour” or “MP” soap, ready-made soap base comes in a solid block. Following the manufacturer’s directions, the soap is heated up in order to melt it into a liquid state. At that point, colors, scents and other ingredients can be added to the soap. Once the additives are incorporated into the soap, it is poured into molds and allowed to cool and solidify. Once hardened, it can be unmolded and is ready for packaging and/or use.
Ready-Made Soap base is available as both clear or opaque soap and is especially useful for specialty shaped soaps for which a wide variety of individual molds are available. With the versatility of ready-made soap base, soapmakers have a wide range of creative possibilities, including placing colorful embeds of soap or even toys in soap or producing soaps that look like food or other items.
Coconut oil soap
Coconut oil soap offers plenty of health benefits. It moisturizes the skin, makes it firmer and clearer and prevents the appearance of pimples, acne and various skin conditions.
Soap with juniper oil
Spruce soap contains collagen. It is an ideal product for problematic acne prone skin. Helps to cleanse excess fat on the skin. Soap is made up of 100% natural vegetable oils. Does not contain animal grease, abrasives, preservatives or perfumes.
Goat’s milk soap
One of the most popular natural cosmetics used by women today is goat’s milk soap. Since goat’s milk contains a lot of vitamins and natural ingredients, soap made from it can make your face skin soft, healthy and beautiful. Goat’s milk soaps are most often made from fresh goat’s milk, combined with edible oils such as sunflower, soybean and palm, and sodium hydroxide. Goat milk serves as a softener that gives the skin its natural moisture and soothes it.
Activated charcoal and soap are two contraindicated ingredients at first glance. However, activated charcoal is often used in formulas for making soap. Activated charcoal soap is recommended for people suffering from acne and blackheads. Many people who have used this soap confirm its effectiveness in acting on problematic facial skin.The main reason for adding activated charcoal to cosmetics (activated charcoal shower gel) is its enhanced cleansing and hydrating effect. Activated charcoal soap deep cleanses the pores of impurities, removes excess sebum from the skin and dead cells. The skin becomes smooth and clear. In addition, activated charcoal is a natural ingredient that gently cleanses and hydrates the skin.You can buy this soap in some specialist stores or order it online.
Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild
184 Edie Rd Ste A
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866