Overview of three ways to make soap

There are three different ways to make soap at home. We will cover some quick points, pros and cons to each process. Let's start with two of the most common processes.

Melt and Pour

The melt and pour process is where you buy the bases already made from a manufacturer. Then you can customize by adding additional oils, colors and scents to achieve the desired soap. The pros are its quick and easy for those who do not have time to make soap from scratch. There is no risk of working with chemicals as the process is already completed by the manufacture.

Con is you do not choose the ingredients in the base and may contain some harmful ingredients. Second, many soap makers who sell at markets claim this is homemade. In my personal opinion, this is not homemade soap. Yes, there is some work needed before selling but the soap is not made from scratch. The hard work is already completed. The vendor is just adding colors and scents. Though this process is completely fine for those you want to make soap for personal uses.

Cold Process

Another common process to make soap is cold process. With this process you are working with lye that transforms the oils into soap. Necessary in the soap making process. Working with the oils and lye in the cold process does require specific temperatures throughout the process.

Pros are you can add colors and incorporate designs within the soap. Most common process for soap makers who enjoy the creative side of soap making. Cons are the soap needs 4-6 weeks to cure before use. The lye is active and can burn someone is used within this timeframe. With the long curing time you need storage space until the soap is safe for use.

Hot Process

Least common way to make soap is the hot process but is the method I choose. Requires oils to melt within a crockpot while the lye mixture is cooling. After the lye mixture is cooled and oils are melted then the two are combined. The mixture cooks for about an hour and is ready to mold.

Pros are the soap is ready to use within days after the soap has dried. The lye is cooked during the hot process which no longer is active and safe to handle. Another bonus it is easy process throw in a crockpot and cook while you do other tasks around the house. The soap has a rustic appearance which may appeal to some individuals.

Con is there is no ability to do designs and colors. One time I tried to add a green color, and the final outcome looked as if the soap had mold. With the hot process the soap molds quickly, which does not allow the time to add color.

Final Thoughts

Each process has pros and cons, consider which process is the best suitable for you. Please do more research on each process to fully understand. I provide a quick overview to understand the basics and the process I use for my soap making.

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