The Art of Soap Making: Techniques and Tips

3 min read

Looking for ways to enhance your soap-making skills?

This blog delves into the most popular soap-making methods, including melt-and-pour, hot and cold processes, and the simple rebatch method. 

1. Melt-and-Pour

One of the easiest and quickest techniques in the world of soap-making, the melt-and-pour method has definitely struck a liking to many individuals who were new to soap-making. It generally involves exactly what the name suggests: melting and pouring of an already saponified base. There are no rules when it comes to the melt-and-pour method, you’re free to explore the boundless ways to create your personalized soap!

Confused about how to master the melt-and-pour method? We’ve got you!

The best way to create soap using this method is to 

a) Melt your base properly using a double boiler. 

b) Cut the soap into minimal pieces for quicker melting.

c) Avoid any further addition of any butter or oils, as they may make the hardening of your soap difficult.

d) Keep the scent ratio of your fragrance and essential oils upto 3% (no more than 3% of the total weight of the soap is made up of these oils)

Pro tip: Spray alcohol for better results!

2. Cold Process

The cold process is also known as the oldest and most traditional way to make soap. In the cold process, soap is made by combining fat or oil (animal or plant-based) with lye, a nasty caustic substance. Additionally, essential oils and colorants are used to make the soap more appealing. This process triggers a chemical reaction called saponification, which takes up to 48 hours. A slow curing process of about 3-6 weeks takes place, resulting in the product we recognize as soap.

What makes the cold process differ from melt-and-pour?

The main difference between the two methods is the use of lye, which for some people, may be too complicated to handle. The time frame between both soap processes is also one of the reasons why people tend to stick to the shortcut method: melt-and-pour. While the cold process is literally making soap from scratch, the melt-and-pour tends to be just adding a few more nourishments to an already saponified base. The biggest disadvantage, however, is the fact that melt-and-pour soaps do not last as long as cold-process soaps do, mainly because cold-process soaps are left to cure to become denser and harder, thus reducing water content in them.

3. Hot Process

We have previously compared the cold-process and melt-and-pour soap-making methods, but what is the hot process exactly? The hot process involves using an external heat source to bring the soap to a "gel" phase, unlike the cold process which relies on internal heat generation. Soaps made using the hot process method have a more rustic appearance and do not typically allow for intricate swirl designs like those created with the cold process. However, the advantage of the hot process is that the soap does not require a long curing time and can be used the very next day.

So…how exactly do I make soap using this process?

Before we delve into the prospects of the HP, let’s ensure we wear our safety goggles and gloves because – safety first! The soap in this process can get concerningly hot, so exercise extreme caution and carefully handle it.

Step 1: Prepare your lye solution (making sure it’s the right temperature to prevent a soapy disaster)

Step 2: Heat your oils up to 150℉ and add the lye solution, allowing it to cool for at least an hour (do not exceed a higher temperature than this)

Step 3: Blend, blend, and blend! (until the batter emulsifies and turns opaque)

Step 4: Cover and cook your soap for at least 30-60 minutes, until you start to see a gel formation

Step 5: Stir the batter a couple of times and do not add fragrance or essential oils until the soap has cooled down moderately (this puts the soap at risk of not having enough scent or effect, you can even add stuff like honey into your soap, but not when it’s too hot, as it may brown)

Step 6: Allow it to cure and you’re all set to use your homemade soap.

4. Rebatch Method

The simplest method for soap-making, also known as the rebatch method, requires minimal effort. It's an effortless way to create your favorite soaps with no additional work needed.

What makes the rebatch so unique?

Versatility! Versatility is what makes it super efficient especially for beginners who want to experiment with new textures and it also saves a lot of time and money! It’s also a fun way to be creative with colors, additives (like coffee grounds as exfoliators), and botanicals. Rebatch soap is the best way to recycle old soaps together to make a new and unique brand new soap and adjust it to your own liking. It can also serve as an interesting activity on boring, rainy days.

Which technique are you going to try? Leave a comment!

 

How To: A Beginner’s Guide to DIY Soap Making

"Soap making is a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity, where science meets art most delightfully” 

(2 mins read)

Is making soap at home easy?

The answer is simple: Yes!

Making soap at home may sound complex, but it’s one of the simplest crafts, with a touch of chemistry, so don't worry about setting your kitchen on fire!

This blog explores the easiest and most efficient ways to make soap from the comfort of your own home, all you need are the right supplies and the right techniques! 

How to Make Soap

The most common soap-making technique involves using a glycerin/goat milk/shea butter soap base, known as the "melt and pour method." This method consists of melting the base and pouring it into molds. 

According to research, most soap companies don’t even use a proper soap base in the manufacturing of their soaps. Alternatively, you can make your own soap base using lye, fat, and water. Any fat or oils such as palm oil or coconut oil can be used in this process. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and steps required, as follows;

Ingredients:

●     Lye (sodium hydroxide)

●     Coconut oil

●     Olive oil

●     Water

●     Essential or fragrance oils

●     Soap-based coloring

●     Dried herbs (e.g lavender, lemongrass)

●     Silicone molds

Step # 1: Preparing the Lye Solution

To prepare the lye solution, simply mix the lye with water. It's important to be cautious while doing this and ensure that no lye comes into contact with your skin. The lye solution will look cloudy at first, but will clear up eventually.

Step # 2: Preparation of Oils 

Measure the amount of coconut and olive oil you will be mixing with the lye solution. It is better to mix both the oils warm or at room temperature. Stir well.

 

Step # 3: Combining the Ingredients

Combine the lye and oils in a pot and blend using a blender at a moderate speed until the mixture starts to look opaque. Keep blending until the soap emulsifies to a trace, which is the point where the chemical reaction completes itself to make soap, even if you stop blending.

 

Step # 4: Beautifying the Soap Batter

Feel free to get creative with your ideas at this stage! Divide the soap mixture into different bowls and experiment with your preferred essential oils (e.g., peppermint and lavender). You can also opt for fragrance oils as they have a longer-lasting scent than normal essential oils. Use soap-based coloring or iron oxide/mica power to color the soaps to your liking. Additionally, you can add dried lavender, dried lemon slices, or any other herbs of your choice. Go crazy!

 

Step # 5: Molding the Soap

Pour the batter into silicone molds of your desired shapes and sizes, avoid metal or tin. Wooden or plastic molds should be lined with parchment paper. Let the soap set in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours. It may take up to two weeks to fully cure.

And voila! There you have it, your very own homemade soap.

 

Tips and Tricks for DIY Soap-Making

1. For ease, use the melt-and-pour method with a pre-made soap base, adding your favorite oils and scents.

2. Always prioritize safety by wearing glasses and gloves, and working in a well-ventilated area.

3. Be cautious with lye; rinse with cold water if it comes into contact with your skin.

4. Use heat-resistant utensils to avoid accidents!

 

Happy soap-making!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Rich History of Soap: From Ancient Origins to Modern Day

2 mins read 

The story of soap is a fascinating journey that spans millennia and continents. While its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, evidence suggests that soap-like substances were being used as early as 2800 BCE in ancient Babylon. These early concoctions, often referred to as "soap," were made from a mixture of animal fat and wood ash. Interestingly, they were primarily employed for medicinal purposes rather than personal hygiene.

As civilizations advanced, so did the art of soap making. The ancient Egyptians, known for their advanced hygiene practices, incorporated soap into their daily routines. They used it to cleanse their bodies, wash their linens, and even treat certain skin conditions. The Greeks and Romans also embraced the practice, incorporating it into their public baths and personal hygiene rituals.

During the Middle Ages, soap making became a specialized craft, often practiced by guilds or families. The production process remained relatively unchanged for centuries, relying on traditional methods of boiling animal fat and lye. The resulting soap was often a dark, tar-like substance that was not particularly pleasant to use.

The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in the history of soap. Technological advancements, such as the steam engine and improved chemical processes, enabled the mass production of soap. This shift led to a decline in the popularity of homemade soaps and a surge in the availability of commercially produced products.

In the 20th century, the soap industry continued to evolve, with the introduction of new ingredients, fragrances, and packaging. The development of synthetic detergents provided a more efficient and affordable alternative to traditional soaps, especially for laundry purposes. However, the demand for natural and handmade soaps has seen a resurgence in recent years, as consumers seek products that are free from harsh chemicals and prioritize sustainability.

Today, soap remains an essential part of our daily lives, used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and a variety of other purposes. Its history, from ancient Babylon to the modern day, reflects the evolution of human civilization and our ongoing pursuit of cleanliness and well-being.

Embark on this amazing journey of cleansing with BLISS BARS today. 

The Science Behind Soap: Understanding the Cleansing Process

1 min read

Have you ever wondered how soap works its magic in removing dirt and grime from your skin? It all comes down to a fascinating chemical reaction.

Soap is made up of molecules called surfactants. These surfactants have a unique structure: one end is hydrophilic, meaning it loves water, while the other end is lipophilic, meaning it loves oil. When you lather soap with water, the hydrophilic ends of the surfactants are attracted to the water molecules, forming a soapy solution.

When you apply this soapy solution to your skin, the lipophilic ends of the surfactants are drawn to the oily dirt and grime on your skin. These oily particles become trapped between the hydrophilic and lipophilic ends of the surfactant molecules, forming a micelle.

The micelle, now carrying the dirt and oil, is repelled by the water molecules and is easily rinsed away, leaving your skin clean and refreshed. This is the basic science behind how soap works.

The effectiveness of a soap can depend on factors such as the type of surfactants used, the pH of the soap, and the presence of additional ingredients like moisturizers or exfoliants. Understanding the science behind soap can help you make informed choices about the products you use for your skin.