The Cold Process is another method of soap making which does not require an external heat source to begin saponification, or in other words, the chemical reaction that creates soap. It is the process of making soap from scratch with distilled water, lye, and fats and is considered to be the purest and most basic form of soap. It can be formulated to hold essential oils for conditioners and extra fragrances, which is known as superfatting.
Whether you use the hot process or cold process to make soap, the one common requirement you will need is a good quality oil. At first, the best oils to use were in the form of animal fats, such as, lard or tallow, but now with the rise of vegetarianism and the use of more non animal based products, the more popular oils are vegetable oils. The favorites among soap makers being olive oil, palm and coconut oil. Keep reading for an extended list of more oils you can use.
Having a lye calculator is another vital requirement when using the cold process to make soap. This will allow you to determine the exact quantity of lye that is needed for a given amount of each type of fat being used. As a reminder, you must be extremely careful when handling lye as it can be a very dangerous chemical, so read the instructions and warnings listed on the back of the lye container.
To avoid having the lye getting too hot to handle you can do one of the two following things:
1. Instead of using luke warm water use cold water
2. Mix the lye solution and let it settle overnight
If you choose the second option, remember that the fats and the lye need to be at the same temperatures (at about 100 degrees F) so you may have to reheat the lye solution. The next step is to combine the fats with the lye solution.
Is there an alternative to using only water to dissolve the lye you ask? The answer is absolutely! Below is a list of other options you have to create unique soaps that you can sell or just give away as sensational gifts:
1. Soy or Goats Milk
2. Herbal Infusions
3. Vegetable based juice
4. Fruit Juices
Adding an additional 10% of oil to the solution can prevent from any extra lye remaining in the soap. After about a month, the lye will have already combined with the oils and the final result would be a great quality batch of homemade soap. With the soap at this finished state, the soap no longer will contain lye since the oils have already been saponified.
The list below are the most widely used oils for soap making. They are considered to be the best oils to use with the first two being the most common:
1. Coconut oil
2. Palm
3. 100% Olive Oil
4. Almond Oils
5. Canola Oils
6. Sesame Oil
Why even make your own soap as opposed to buying the commercially made soap? Apart from saving yourself some money you also get the extra benefit of better skin. Homemade soap tends to be fresh, contain more natural elements, and is also more versatile so you can even use it to wash your hair.
Adding natural herbs with a combination of natural fruit juices and vegatable juices really gives your soaps a uniqueness. A natural glycerin is formed from the cold process method that is much less drying to the skin. Use soap that is hand made with all natural ingredients and natural oils and your skin will thank you for it.
The cold process method of soap making is often avoided and ignored by most soap makers because of the potential dangers of handling lye, but if the proper precautions are taken there is little risk and the resulting soap that is created is unique and delightful and can be offered for sale or can be given away as really nice gifts.
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