Cold process soapmaking is a rewarding and creative craft that allows you to create nourishing, beautiful bars of soap right in your kitchen. It involves mixing oils and lye (sodium hydroxide) to initiate the chemical reaction known as saponification, turning liquid ingredients into solid bars of soap. Unlike other methods, the cold process doesn’t involve external heat, making it a natural and customizable option for soapmakers.
If you’re ready to dive into soapmaking, this step-by-step guide will help you create your first batch of cold process soap safely and successfully. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, this process will ensure you get started on the right foot.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you start, it’s essential to gather all your materials. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Digital scale
- Stick blender
- Stainless steel or heat-resistant glass bowls
- Silicone or wooden soap molds
- Digital thermometer
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- Lye (sodium hydroxide)
- Distilled water
- Carrier oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, or shea butter)
- Essential oils (optional for scent)
- Natural colorants (optional for color)
Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated space, and have your safety gear (goggles, gloves, and long sleeves) ready. Handling lye requires caution, as it’s a caustic substance that can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin.
Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients Carefully
Accurate measurement is critical to soapmaking. Start by measuring your carrier oils and lye using a digital scale. Common carrier oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter provide moisturizing benefits and help create a firm, long-lasting bar of soap.
You’ll also need to measure the distilled water, which is used to dissolve the lye. Using distilled water ensures that no impurities interfere with the soapmaking process. Avoid using tap water, as it can contain minerals and other elements that may affect the quality of your soap.
Step 3: Prepare the Lye Solution
Next, it’s time to mix the lye with water. Always remember to pour the lye into the water, not the other way around, to avoid a dangerous chemical reaction. Stir the mixture gently until the lye is fully dissolved. The mixture will heat up rapidly, so allow it to cool to around 100°F to 120°F before moving on.
Be sure to use a heat-resistant container when preparing the lye solution, as the mixture will become quite hot. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure the lye is cooling as it should.
Step 4: Heat and Combine the Oils
While the lye solution is cooling, heat your oils. Combine your carrier oils in a separate heat-resistant bowl and gently warm them until they reach a temperature between 100°F and 120°F. You can use a microwave or stovetop for this step, but be sure to monitor the temperature carefully.
Once the oils are at the desired temperature, and your lye solution has cooled to the same range, it’s time to combine them. Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils, stirring gently as you go.
Step 5: Blend to "Trace"
Using a stick blender, mix the oils and lye together. At first, the mixture will be thin and watery, but as you blend, it will start to thicken. The goal is to reach a point called "trace," where the mixture is thick enough that when you drizzle it across the surface, it leaves a trace or visible line.
Be patient while blending, as reaching trace can take anywhere from a few minutes to 15 minutes, depending on your recipe. If you’re adding essential oils or colorants, this is the time to do so. Simply stir them into the mixture once you’ve reached trace.
Step 6: Pour the Soap into Molds
Once your soap has reached trace and you’ve added any optional ingredients, pour the mixture into your prepared soap molds. Tap the molds gently on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped inside.
If you’re feeling creative, you can add decorative touches like swirls or textures on the surface of the soap. Cover the molds with plastic wrap or a towel to insulate the soap as it begins to harden.
Step 7: Let the Soap Set and Cure
Cold process soap needs time to harden and cure. Allow your soap to set in the molds for 24 to 48 hours. After this period, the soap should be firm enough to remove from the molds and cut into bars. However, the soap is not ready to use just yet.
Cold process soap requires a curing time of 4 to 6 weeks to allow the excess water to evaporate and for the soap to fully harden. During this time, the soap’s pH level will neutralize, making it safe for use. Store your soap bars in a cool, dry place with good airflow, turning them occasionally to ensure they cure evenly.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Homemade Soap
After the curing period, your cold process soap is ready to use! Enjoy the satisfaction of using a natural, handmade product that’s free from synthetic additives and full of skin-loving ingredients. You can experiment with different oils, scents, and designs in future batches to make soaps that suit your skin type and preferences.
Conclusion
Cold process soapmaking is a fulfilling and creative way to craft your own luxurious, natural soaps. By following these simple steps, you can produce high-quality soap bars that are gentle on your skin and better for the environment. Once you get the hang of the process, you’ll find endless opportunities to customize your soap with different oils, colors, and fragrances. So grab your safety gear, gather your ingredients, and get started on your first batch of organic cold process soap today!
If you would like to learn how to make soap, check out my course here.
