Basic Soapmaking

Basic recipes and instructions for making soap

Soapmaking Recipes

Choosing soap recipes

We have compiled a list of fun soap recipes and instructions that will introduce you to how to make soap.

We suggest that you read the instructions before picking a recipe to see if the method matches what you want to do.

Melt and Pour Soap

choosing soap making recipes, melt and pour method

This method consists of using pre-made soap products or ready-made blocks (goat’s milk, olive oil, glycerin) and melting them in the microwave or double-boiler.

Once the soap base is hot and liquid you can then add color (comestible dyes or natural colorants), scents (fragrance or essential oils), exfoliants (such as oatmeal, dried herbs), butters and oils (jojoba oil, vitamin E or buttermilk) to soften and smooth the skin.

Once your soap has been poured into the molds (candy molds, plastic dishes and containers or purchased soap molds) and allowed to dry, you have usable soaps.

Time Required: Soap can be made in about 60 to 90 minutes.

Skill level and soapmaking instructions: Everyone can do it! Get your kids involved or have a glass of wine!

Product: Soap is ready right away and you can be very creative with this method especially if you have access to fun molds.

Soapmaking supplies: Craft store and your own kitchen equipment should be enough.

Benefits:

  • Ease and simplicity
  • Fast set up and quick clean up
  • Do not need to use lye (sodium hydroxide)
  • Versatile and creative, you can make it personal
  • Product is ready right away!

Melt and pour soap recipes

Cold Process Soapmaking (CP)

This method allows you to make soap from scratch using a process called saponification. Saponification involves dissolving lye (sodium hydroxide) in liquid (most often water, tea, frozen goat milk). The lye solution is then added to melted oils (coconut oil, palm, lard, etc).

Working with lye requires care because of the strong fumes and risk of skin burns, but overall is an easy process that allows you to control exactly what goes into your soap. You can add coloring, fragrance, herbs, exotic oils and/or butter. The soap is poured into silicon or wooden molds for larger batches which are later cut. Cold process soap requires time to cure.

Time Required: Soap is made in a two step process, making the soap then un-molding and cutting for curing. Each can take a few hours, better to have a half a day or whole evening.

Skill level and instructions: You need to follow the directions to set up. You need to understand and use safety precautions when handling lye (sodium hydroxide). No kids helping out and no wine!

Product:

  • Soap will require a minimum of 3 to 6 weeks to cure. Some recipes require much longer.
  • You need to plan ahead if you wish to gift soap to family and friends.
  • You can achieve handmade soaps that are incredible! The process allows you to grow and perfect your own signature soaps.

Supplies: Grocery store, hardware store (lye) and you may need to research soapmaking suppliers for oils and additives.

Benefits:

  • If you can follow a recipe you can make cold process soap
  • Sky is the limit about personalizing your soaps! You decide how much lather and how long the bubbles should last.
  • Product last longer than other types of soap and can be tailored to benefit people with skin conditions.

Cold Process Soap Recipes

 

Hot Process Soap (HP)

hot process soap making recipes

This is the oldest method and is almost identical to the cold process method above. The difference is that with this method you use heat in order to speed up the saponification process. No complex heating systems are required; a stovetop, a crock pot or microwave will suffice. Within a few hours the soap may be un-molded and sliced into bars.

Time Required: Soap is made in a two step process, making the soap then un-molding and cutting for curing. This can take a few hours, better to have a half a day or whole evening.

Skill level and instructions: You need to follow the directions in the soap making recipe. Gather all your supplies and set up. You need to follow safety precautions when handling lye (sodium hydroxide). No kids helping out and no wine!

Product: All the benefits of cold process soap without having to wait for your soaps to cure.

Supplies: Grocery store, hardware store (lye) and you may need to research soapmaking suppliers for oils and additives.

Benefits:

  • If you can follow a recipe you can make hot process soap.You do need to follow precautions and some elbow grease is required.
  • You decide how much lather and how long the bubbles should last. You can make products that are handmade with artistic quality.
  • Soap with little or no cure time!
  • Product lasts longer than other types of soap and can be tailored to benefit people with skin conditions.

Hot Process Soap Recipes

Liquid Soap

Liquid soap is a 2 or 3 step process which uses the hot process method. A paste is created and diluted to become liquid. Liquid soap is a different type because the fatty acids of the oils are neutralized by a different type of lye (potassium hydroxide). Fragrance, color and additives can be added to create a whole line of products.

Time Required: This can take a half to a full day of preparation and cooking.

Skill level: The soapmaking process requires some planning and reading. It can be a little tricky at first.

Product: Amazing liquid soap that brings you a whole new world of possibilities. You will save a significant amount of money.

Supplies: Grocery store, hardware store (lye) and you may need to research soapmaking suppliers for oils and additives.

Benefits:

  • Tap into a whole new world of products to give away of sell.
  • Inexpensive to make.Have more natural products for all your needs.
  • Great for sustaining your soap making learning curve.
  • Productlast longer than other types of soap and can be tailored for benefits forpeople with skin conditions.

Liquid Soap Recipes

Recipes