How to Make Hot Process Soap

Learning how to make hot process soap is not difficult. In fact this ancient process of soap making goes back centuries. The most difficult part about making hot process soap is getting it out of the molds. But we’ll get to that later.

Step one. The first step is to gather your equipment and your ingredients. The equipment that you will need for this process includes a large pot and a heat source, stirring sticks, a soap mold, and wax paper. A crock pot, double boiler, or microwave safe container and a microwave all work great. For your hot process soap you will need water, fats, lye, fragrance, and colorants. For a list of ingredients and measurements you will need to find a hot process soap recipe.

Step two. The second step is to add your water to your pot and gently heat it. Add in your lye and allow it time to dissolve. Next add in your fatty acids like coconut oil, sesame oil, and shea butter.

Step three. The third step is to allow your soap mixture to boil and toil until it reaches saponification. Saponification is complete when the soap begins to form inside your vat.

Step four. After your mixture finishes saponification you will want to remove it from its heat source and pour it, or spoon it into your lined soap molds. Lined wooden soap molds work best for hot process soap. Allow your soap to set up and then un-mold them. At this stage your soap will be sticky. However, after it cures for three to four weeks it will dry out enough to remove the stickiness from its texture.

Bookmark this at Del.icio.us