In this method; The equivalent alkali calculated with oil is mixed. The alkali-oil mixture is mixed until completely emulsified. Condensation of the mixture is the most easily visible sign of emulsification. When mixed sufficiently, the density of the mixture becomes custard. For fragrance, flavored oils (bay, almond) can be added to the mixture at the beginning of the process. Liquid additives such as essential oils and solid additives such as herbs are added when the mixture first starts to condense. The mixture is poured into molds and kept at room temperature for 12-48 hours to continue saponification.
In milk soaps or other soaps with added sugar, there is no need to wait as sugar increases the reaction rate. After the storage period, the soap is taken from the mold and cut according to the usage length. The soap is safe to use at this stage, as the saponification reaction is complete. However, soaps produced by the cold method are left to dry for 2-6 weeks before being put into use. In this process, traces of alkali residues are also consumed by the saponification reaction and excess water evaporates. The most important part of the method is the calculation of caustic. Each oil is saponified with different amounts of caustic. If the correct calculation is not made, it remains in the excess caustic structure. Many handmade soaps are produced this way.
What is the difference between the cold process and the hot process methods ?
A cold process soap is a handmade soap which follows a manufacturing process known as “cold” as opposed to the hot process which is industrial.
As you know now, the saponification reaction is exothermic whatever the soapmaking process chosen, cold or hot.But the difference with the industrial process, which supplies more than 80% of the soap in the world, is the fact that the mix is heated during the saponification reaction from 176°F to 248°F (80°C to 120°C). The heat accelerates the soapmaking process, the soap is cooked and quickly usable.
But this soapmaking process, due to the heat, alters all the benefits of the vegetable oils. Moreover, the glycerin is removed from the soap as it obstructs the machines (so you lose all the moisturizing and softening benefits) and it is sold separately because of its high market value.
On the contrary, the cold soapmaking process does not involve heating the mixture. The oils are blended with the sodium hydroxide releasing heat until the mixture reaches the consistency of custard. Then the preparation is placed in the molds for 24 hours / 48 hours to allow the saponification reaction to continue.
After this time, the bars of soap are unmolded, hand cut, and allowed to dry for at least 4 weeks.
What are the benefits of a cold process soap?
- The artisanal cold process soapmaking guarantees the preservation of the vegetable oils’ benefits thanks to the low temperature used during the production.
- Cold process soap is naturally glycerin enriched, the perfect moisterizing and softening agent for all kind of skins, above all dry skins.
Cold process soap is a skin care in itself.
- The cold process is an environmental-friendly soapmaking process which allows 100% biodegradable soap.
- No Soap&Soap product is tested on animals(CRUELTY FREE)
- Each cold process soap is completely unique both concerning the recipe and the design, and is handcrafted and inspired by the soapmaker himself!
