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How To Make Simple & Gentle Cold Process Soap
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own soap but were intimidated by all the technical steps and precise measurements involved? Cold process soap making doesn't need to be as complicated or stressful as people make it out to be. In this post, I'll share how you can make simple cold process soap that's gentle and creamy using a few basic ingredients. Through slowing down and appreciating the process, you'll discover that soap making can be a meditative and rewarding creative outlet.
We'll mix up a small batch using olive oil, coconut oil and palm oil for a moisturising cleanser with a a gentle lather. It'll be perfect for nourishing your skin and providing a soft cleaning experience. So grab an apron, roll up your sleeves and get ready to de-stress while crafting something beautiful!
What ingredients are gentle for soap making?
Soap making is a delicate art that requires careful consideration when it comes to choosing ingredients. The wrong combination can result in a harsh and drying soap that can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. However, with the right ingredients, you can create a gentle and nourishing soap that will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated. Although this recipe is a simple one we wanted to talk through some of the best choices if you want to take your soaps to the next level...
Firstly, one of the key components for creating a gentle soap is choosing the right kind of oils. Natural plant-based oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil are all excellent choices for soap making. These oils are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help to nourish and protect the skin. They also have low comedogenic ratings which means they won't clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
Additionally, adding soothing ingredients like honey or oatmeal to your soap recipe can also contribute to its gentleness. Honey has natural antibacterial properties which make it an excellent ingredient for cleansing soaps without stripping away essential moisture from the skin. Oatmeal is known for its ability to calm irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, using natural colourants such as clays or herbal powders not only add aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the gentle nature of soaps. Clays like kaolin or bentonite help detoxify the skin while adding moisture at the same time. Herbal powders like aloe or rose petal not only provide beautiful colours but also contain calming properties that soothe inflamed or acne-prone areas on your body.
Another crucial factor in creating gentle soaps lies in using lye (sodium hydroxide) correctly during the saponification process.This process involves mixing lye with water then combining it with oils which creates a chemical reaction turning them into solid bars of soap.During this process,the correct amount of lye must be used otherwise there could be excess unreacted lye in the soap that can irritate or burn skin.Luckily there are many lye calculators available online that help you determine the precise amount of lye to use based on your chosen oils.
Furthermore, superfatting, which is adding extra fats or oils to your base recipe, can also contribute to a gentle soap. This helps ensure that all of the lye is completely consumed during the saponification process and leaves behind extra nourishing ingredients for your skin.
In conclusion, creating a gentle soap involves carefully selecting oils and butters, incorporating soothing additives like honey and oatmeal, using natural colourants such as clays and herbal powders, calculating and measuring lye correctly,and utilising superfatting techniques. By paying attention to these key factors in soap making, you can create a bar of soap that not only cleanses but also nurtures your skin with its gentle yet effective formula. Say goodbye to harsh chemical-filled soaps and hello to a healthier way of cleansing with these top ingredients for gentle soap making.
Ingredients for Gentle Cold Process Soap:
• 140g Olive Oil, Pomace
• 100g Palm Oil, White
• 80g Coconut Oil, White Standard
• 45g Sodium Hydroxide
• 105g Cold, Clean Water
Equipment for Gentle Cold Process Soap:
• Stainless Steel Saucepan
• Whisk
• Heatproof Jug
• Spatula
• Rectangle Mould
This recipe makes 4 x 100g bars of soap.
If adding scent always check the IFRA and legal limits for your chosen fragrance or essential oil.
How To Make Gentle Cold Process Soap...
- Firstly, prepare and clean your working area, and source all equipment needed. Make sure you are wearing all your safety gear including safety glasses, gloves, and full sleeves.
- Measure out your Water into a jug, then carefully add in your Sodium Hydroxide and whisk, stirring all the time. Be careful not to breathe the vapour, hold your breath and stir until all the sodium hydroxide has dissolved and there are no lumps stuck to the bottom of the jug. The solution (now known as Lye) will heat up to nearly 200°F (95°C) and will need to be left to cool. Place the jug in a large bowl of cold water, being careful not to 'float' it.
- Next, weigh out your Olive, Palm and Coconut Oil into a saucepan. Place on a low heat until completely melted, then let cool.
- Once your oils and lye are at the same temperature, between 50-70°C is good, you can mix. Pour your lye into your oils and start mixing straight away with a balloon whisk to ensure the mixture all starts to chemically react and combine.
- Stir the mixture briskly. You will notice the solution starts to turn opaquer and as the minutes pass it will start to thicken into a custard like consistency. This is known as trace.
- If adding colours, fragrance or essential oil this is the stage to do so.
- Once you are ready, carefully pour your soap mix into your mould.
- Next, you need to leave your soap to cure. Insulate with old towels or a blanket for a faster gel and leave at room temperature until the soap has solidified. For this small-batch, setting should be no more than 24 hours. Larger batches can take longer.
- After 24hrs, your soap has had enough time to initially gel. Gently remove it from the mould allowing the air into the gaps to help release the soap. If you pull away from the edges and you feel the mixture is sticky or too soft, leave your soap for another 24-48hrs.
- Once released from your mould, you will need to leave your soap in a warm dry place to cure for four weeks.
- Once cured you can enjoy your Simple & Gentle Cold Process Soaps!
Does cold process soap contain lye after saponification?
Ah, the age-old question that plagues many soap making enthusiasts - "Does my cold process soap contain lye after saponification?" Well, buckle up my friends because we are about to dive deep into the world of saponification and understand exactly what happens during this magical chemical reaction.
First, let's start with the basics. What is lye? Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), is a caustic alkali substance that is essential for the process of soap making. It has been used since ancient times by civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans to create their own soaps.
Now onto saponification - the process through which oils/fats combine with lye to form soap. During this reaction, triglycerides (fatty acids) in oils/fats react with an alkaline substance like lye to form three molecules of soap and one molecule of glycerin. This means that yes, there will be some trace amount of lye left in your final product, but fear not - it plays a crucial role in creating a high-quality bar of soap.
But wait, you may be thinking "Isn't lye harmful for our skin?" Well, not when used correctly in soap making. During saponification, all the molecules get broken down and reformed into something new. The end result is no longer just pure lye but rather a gentle and safe combination of natural ingredients that work together to cleanse and nourish our skin.
Furthermore, it's important to note that all modern-day cold process soaps go through a curing period where any excess water or remaining traces of lye evaporate completely from the bars before they are ready for use. So rest assured my fellow soapy friends - your handmade cold process soaps do not contain any harsh chemicals but rather wholesome ingredients carefully crafted together with love.
Now, let's talk about the importance of lye in soap making. Without lye, there simply cannot be soap. It is the key ingredient that transforms a mixture of oils into a luxurious and cleansing bar of soap. So instead of fearing lye, we should appreciate and respect its role in creating our beloved soaps.
In fact, did you know that most commercially available "lye-free" soaps are actually made with alternative chemical bases such as sodium lactate or glycerin? These may sound like better options but they still contain chemicals that have been produced in a lab rather than being derived from natural sources like lye.
Remember, it's not something to fear but rather embrace as an essential element in the art of soap making. So go forth and continue creating your own all-natural and nourishing bars of goodness with confidence!
Is palm oil in cosmetics cruelty free?
Palm oil has been a widely debated topic in recent years due to its impact on both environmental and ethical concerns. So, is palm oil used in cosmetics truly cruelty-free?
Firstly, let's establish what exactly palm oil is. Palm oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the fruit of the African oil palm tree. It is used in various industries, including food production and cosmetics, due to its high yield and versatility.
Now coming to the core of your question - yes, most palm oils used in cosmetics are indeed considered cruelty-free. This means that they do not directly involve or harm animals during their production process. However, there are still some factors that need careful consideration.
One major concern with palm oil production is its effect on wildlife habitats. The growing demand for this versatile ingredient has led to deforestation at an alarming rate, destroying natural habitats of endangered species such as orangutans and tigers. This raises questions about whether we can truly call products containing palm oil 'cruelty-free' when their production contributes to wildlife destruction.
To combat this issue, many cosmetic companies have started using sustainable sources of palm oil or opting for alternative ingredients altogether. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was formed specifically to promote sustainable practices within the industry and ensure ethical standards are met throughout the supply chain.
Moreover, certified products with RSPO trademark guarantee that they have been produced without causing harm to forests or animals living within them. Which our palm oils do!
In conclusion, palm oil itself is not inherently cruel or harmful to animals. However, the way it's produced and sourced can have significant ethical implications. Therefore, when buying a product containing palm oil, make sure to look for RSPO certification and ensure that the company has transparent and ethical policies in place.
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