Learning the Art of Cold Process For beginning soap makers, one will find that the easiest known method for soap making is the Cold process. This was named as such because no additional heat is given to the water and fat mixture considered as the base ingredients to making soap. Instead, the heat generated from the process is relied on to produce a chemical reaction strong enough to make soap. Sodium Hydroxide or the lye and water are added to the oil to undergo a process called saponification. In saponification, these ingredients mix in order to create hard, long lasting soaps the cold process is known for. While many still debate on what process for soap making is most effective, it is without contest that the cold process is easiest to do albeit a little longer. This is because the amount of time it takes for the lye solution to cool takes more hours. It is however known that soaps that use this process are smoother and creamier. Many professional soap makers recommend that the lye solution first and foremost be formed in order to let it cool longer in a safe place. Again, many are warned that soap making can be a dangerous and tedious task. The handling of Sodium Hydroxide used in the cold process must be meticulously measured. First off, it is recommended that safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and masks are used when handling the chemical involved because fumes coming from the lye mixture can irritate the respiratory system. Most soap makers or hobbyists use 4-10% amount of lye in their recipes so that excess fat still remains. The excess fat will give the soap its conditioning quality. Proper measurements should be done with whichever recipe the soap maker chooses. Excess lye that did not react to water and fat can irritate, and even burn, skin while not enough lye in the batch can make the soap too greasy for use. Next, the lye is set aside and in a separate pan, all essential oils are mixed together. It is up to the soap maker whatever fragrance or natural oil he or she wants to add. Once all oils are mixed, it is also set aside until it cools to approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, the lye mixture is poured carefully to the oil mixture and stirred vigorously until it produces a thin pudding-like substance called Trace. If one is stirring by hand, it takes about an hour for Tracing to occur. It is important to emphasize that the Lye should be poured in the oil mixture and not the other way around. Afterwards, the final mixture is then placed in molds and allowed to cool. Full Saponification will take about 4 weeks. For those who want to try the cold process, here is a base recipe for beginners: * 24 oz. olive oil Measure thoroughly. Good luck! | |
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