Soap Making Processes Comparison

 As people discover the amount of chemicals that are in commercially prepared soaps, they are looking for alternatives that will be gentler and better for their skin. Depending on how adventurous you are, there are a few different ways to make your own soap, so you know what is in it. A beginning soap maker might start with the melt and pour method, and move to the cold process as they become more familiar with soap making. If you want to use the same method the early settlers used, the hot process can be learned.

Melt and Pour Method
Buy a solid soap base at a local arts and craft store. Be sure to look at the ingredients, remember one of the reasons you are doing this is to avoid chemicals. Melt the base into a liquid; you can use a microwave for this. Once this is done, you can add any colors or fragrances you want. Pour it into molds, adding decorative touches if desired, and let harden. This melt and pour method is simple, and makes a great family project.

Cold Process
This is the most popular method for home soap makers. It requires more attention, and can be dangerous if not done carefully. It also allows the soap maker more choice in the ingredients of the end product because you are making the soap base. You will be mixing a very high pH substance, lye, with a low pH substance, fats or oils. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and goggles while working with these. Once both the acid and base are at 95 degrees you will mix them together by pouring the lye solution into the liquid fats and stirring constantly until the mixture starts to saponify. You can tell this is occurring when a bit drizzled from your spoon into the pot floats briefly before sinking. Now add any colors, fragrances or beauty products. Pour the mixture into molds, wrap, and let harden for about 36 hours. Remove from the molds and let cure. After about 5 weeks, your soaps are ready to use.

Hot Process
In this process, the soap cures as it hardens, saving the 5 weeks. Start as in the cold process, but mix the lye and fat without regard to their temperature. The mixture will separate into three layers. Heat this to bubbling and watch for the layers to start to swirl together. Let cool down and repeat until the layers are all mixed into one uniform mixture. Glop the mixture into molds and let harden. Once hardened, you need to check the pH of any hot process soap before using.