Hot Process Soap

A Complete Guide on How to Make Soap using Hot Process and Natural Ingredients

If you are looking to make your own moisturizing soap using natural ingredients, then hot process soap making is a great technique to explore. Crafting your own soap not only allows you to tailor the ingredients to suit your skin, but also provides a creative outlet for DIY enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps on how to make soap using the hot process method with a focus on natural ingredients that are gentle and moisturizing for your skin.

Choosing Natural Ingredients

Before diving into the process of making soap, it's important to carefully select natural ingredients that will benefit your skin. Some common natural ingredients you can use include olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. These ingredients offer moisturizing properties and can cater to different skin types.

Hot Process Soap Making Process

1. Preparing Your Work Area: Make sure your work area is clean and organized. Gather all the necessary equipment including a stainless steel pot, silicone spatula, digital thermometer, and soap molds.

2. Weighing Ingredients: Start by measuring out the oils and butters according to your soap recipe. This step is crucial for achieving the right balance of fats in your soap.

3. Mixing the Ingredients: In a stainless steel pot, melt the oils and butters over low heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it doesn’t exceed 180°F (82°C).

4. Mixing Lye Solution: In a separate container, carefully mix the lye with water following safety precautions. Allow the lye solution to cool down to around 100°F (38°C).

5. Combining Oils and Lye Solution: Slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils while stirring continuously. Use a stick blender to emulsify the mixture until it reaches trace – a stage where the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.

6. Cooking the Soap: Transfer the soap batter into a slow cooker or a double boiler to cook the soap. Cook on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until the soap reaches a gel-like consistency.

7. Testing for Doneness: Perform a zap test to check if the soap is fully saponified. To do this, touch a small amount of the soap batter to your tongue. If it doesn’t zap or tingle, your soap is ready.

8. Adding Essential Oils and Extras: Once the soap is fully cooked, you can add essential oils, herbs, or other additives for fragrance and exfoliation.

9. Molding and Cutting: Pour the soap batter into molds and allow it to cool and harden for 24-48 hours. Afterward, unmold the soap and cut it into bars.

10. Curing Process: Place the cut soap bars on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area for 4-6 weeks to allow the soap to cure and fully harden before use.

By following these steps, you can create your own moisturizing soap using the hot process method with natural ingredients. Experiment with different oils, scents, and additives to customize your soap and enjoy the benefits of a handmade skincare product. Dive into the world of soap making and unleash your creativity while caring for your skin with nourishing and gentle homemade soap.