All About Cold Process Soap
What is Cold Process Soap?
What is cold process soap?
Cold process soap is a type of soap made through a natural chemical reaction between oils, water, and lye. Unlike commercial soaps, which often contain synthetic detergents and chemicals, cold process soap is made with natural ingredients.
How is cold process soap different from other types of soap?
Cold process soap is made from scratch and requires a curing period to ensure that it is gentle on the skin. It allows for more customization in terms of colors, scents, and ingredients compared to melt-and-pour or glycerin soaps.
Ingredients and Benefits
What ingredients are commonly used in cold process soap?
Common ingredients include a variety of oils (such as olive, coconut, and palm), lye, water, and additives like essential oils, herbs, and natural colorants.
What are the benefits of using cold process soap?
Cold process soap is often richer in natural glycerin, which is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also allows for the use of natural ingredients, making it a good choice for those who prefer organic or vegan products.
Safety and Usage
Is lye safe to use in soap?
Yes, when handled correctly, lye is safe to use in soap making. The saponification process transforms the lye and oils into soap and glycerin, meaning there is no lye left in the finished product.
How should I store my cold process soap?
Cold process soap should be stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure it is not sitting in water to prolong its lifespan.
Do you make lye-free soap?
Yes and no. Soap - by definition - cannot be made without lye. However, the saponification process transforms the oils and lye into soap, so there is no lye left after the process completes. Other commercially made bars are made without lye using synthetic detergents but they are not technically soap.
Customization and Shelf Life
Can I request custom cold process soaps?
Yes, we offer custom orders for cold process soaps. Please contact us for more details on how to customize your soap.
What is the shelf life of cold process soap?
The shelf life can vary depending on the ingredients used, but generally, cold process soap can last from 6 months to 2 years.
Curing Process
What is the curing process?
After the soap is made, it needs to sit undisturbed for several weeks. This allows the water content to evaporate, resulting in a harder, longer-lasting bar of soap.
Can I use the soap immediately after it's made?
Soap needs around 48 hours for saponification to complete. After that, it is safe to use. However, it needs to cure for 4-6 weeks to ensure a long lasting, rich lathering bar. If you use it before 4-6 weeks, it will not last very long at all!
Ordering and Shipping
How long will it take to receive my cold process soap?
We will only list the soaps for sale when they are ready to ship. In some cases, we will offer a pre-order with a clearly stated ship date.
Do you offer samples?
Yes, we offer samples of our cold process soaps. Please contact us for more information.