Traditional cold process soaps are crafted using a method that maintains the integrity of the oils and retains natural glycerin, resulting in a highly moisturizing and gentle bar.
Purpose and Formulation: The cold process method involves mixing carefully selected oils (such as olive, coconut, shea butter, or castor oil) with a lye solution (sodium hydroxide and water). This mixing triggers a chemical reaction called saponification, which transforms the oils into soap and glycerin. Crucially, in cold process soap making, the heat generated is kept low, ensuring that the beneficial properties of the oils are preserved. Furthermore, the soap maker often uses a “superfatting” technique, meaning slightly more oil is used than needed to react with the lye. This excess oil remains unsaponified in the final bar, providing extra conditioning and moisture. After pouring the mixture into molds, the soap requires a curing period of four to six weeks. This long cure time allows the water to evaporate, creating a harder, milder, and longer-lasting bar with a pH level that is gentle on the skin. Due to their high content of natural glycerin and nourishing unsaponified oils, these soaps are highly prized by individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.
