Get You Health

Cold Process Soap Making, Melt And Pour And Rebatching Soap - Easy As Pie!

Cold Process Soap:

The type of soap my Great-Grandma made is called "Cold Process" soap (commonly referred to as "CP" soap). It is made by combining fatty acids (oils) and sodium hydroxide (lye) together. Fatty acids can be Almost Any oil - from beef tallow to Olive Oil to hemp oil. The combinations for making Your Own personal recipe are endless.

Cold process soapmaking is a combinations of an art and science. The condensed version of this type of soapmaking is that there is a certain proportion of lye (sodium hydroxide) and water to fatty acids that forms a chemical reaction called "saponifaction." During saponification, the oils and lye mix and become soap - the process takes approximately six weeks to fully complete.  Soap has to harden and dry before it can safely be used.

Cold process soapmaking requires the use of lye (you can't buy it just anywhere anymore) and the use of safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves. Please do not attempt to make cold process soap without researching the method thoroughly. Cold process soap is known for its hard, long lasting quality. Depending on the oils used, the bar can have great lather (coconut oil has excellent lathering properties), be incredibly mild (olive oil is renowned for its gentle qualities) or be very moisturizing (with the addition of oils, such as shea and Cocoa Butter or hemp oil).

Tips

• Using a stick blender rather than rubber utensils can make the mixture reach trace far more quickly.
• Measure out your oils before hand to make things move more efficiently.
• It is difficult to get the soap to trace if the ingredients cool down too much. Both the lye/water mixture and the oils should be no less than 100 degrees fahrenheit each when they are ready to be combined.
• A large plastic bowl may also be used for the lye/water mixture, rather than glass.

• Lye is extremely caustic. Do not make soap with children or pets present. Keep vinegar on hand in case of lye exposure to the skin.

• Always wear safety equipment - safety goggles and rubber gloves.

• The soap mixture will still be caustic as you pour it into the molds. Handle with care.  

Equipment you will need:

A 4-6 cup lye resistant container for mixing lye and water.  This container must be made of stainless steel, glass or heat resistant (212 degrees F) plastic.  It must not be made of aluminum or tin.

Another large heat resistant container or pot (stainless steel, enamel or plastic will work) for mixing the soap

A large saucepan for heating up the oils

Heavy Duty rubber spatulas or wooden spoons for mixing

A good quality scale for measuring ingredients (it's nice to have one in ounces and another in grams if possible)

A soap mold - can be anything from a Rubbermaid(tm) type container to a wooden tray or even a heavy duty cardboard box.  Use your imagination and be on the look out for containers that will make nice molds.  It is adviseable to use something flexible so that the soap will come out easily with a little twist.

Wax paper or a plastic bag to line the molds with to prevent leaks and deterioration of the mold itself.  Replace cardboard molds when warped to avoid unshapely bars. We line our molds with wax paper for ease of  "plopping" out the soaps.

Two thermometers for checking the temperatures of the oils and the lye solution - the type used for candy making will work best (220 degrees F)

Goggles and rubber gloves

Melt and Pour Soap:

Technically, all Hand Made soap is "Glycerin Soap." In many commercial soaps, all the extra glycerin (formed naturally by the cold process soapmaking method) is harvested from the soap. Thus, all real handmade soap is glycerin rich (since handmade soapmakers don't take glycerin out of their soap).

In today's market, the term "Glycerin Soap" is commonly used to refer to clear soap. Generally, the clear soap has extra glycerin added to it to produce a very nourishing, moisturizing bar. Glycerin is a "humectant." It draws moisture to itself; the theory is that if you wash with glycerin soap, a thin layer of glycerin will remain, drawing moisture to your skin.  But, if the bar is opaque (ie, goat milk soap, etc.) it just has ingredients like milk or herbs that have darkened and thickened it.  The color doesn't have to be "clear" to be a true glycerin bar that is good for your skin.

Many kinds of soap base can be purchased in large blocks to be melted down, colored and fragranced, and scraped into molds (or used to make loaves of soap to be sliced). This type of soap is called "Melt and Pour" and the artistry of melt and pour is called "Soap Casting." Melt and Pour is gaining in popularity because of its ease of use. There are no significant safety measures (other than basic common sense - don't put your hand in the hot soap, don't cut your finger off with the knife, etc...) needed for soapcasting. Children can do it. It's a great outlet for creative types. You can stamp, color or mold your soap into anything your imagination conjures up.

Rebatching Soaps:

Rebatching is another form of cold process soapmaking. You make your cold process soap from scratch, grate it up, place it over a heat source in a kettle, (or your microwave) with a little liquid (water works very well), and the mixture melts down into a mushy mess to which you add herbs or colorants and fragrances. This method is often used to preserve the scent or the healing properties of some Essential Oils.  You can also rebatch to save that "ugly bar" of cold process soap that you can't give away.

What you Need for the method shown below:

• A cheese grater
• boiler or broiler bag with twisty tie
• a large pot (like you'd boil spagetti noodles in)
• a pound or two of used or "ugly" soap shavings
• 4 ounces of liquid (milk, water, tea, etc.)
• a mold for soap - NOT made of aluminum, zinc, copper, Teflon, or iron (we prefer WOOD)
• wax paper
• stainless steel or heavy plastic large spoon
• rubber/latex gloves
• pot holder 

**BOIL IN BAG METHOD**:  One of the most foolproof methods I have found for rebatching soaps is to shred your soap base or bars with a cheese grater or other device. 

I usually make 2 lbs at a time to keep it simple, add approx 1/2 cup of water or milk.  Use more liquid if the soap is really hard.  Cured soap will take more liquid to melt it with.  Fresher soap base will need less liquid to melt.  Use a broiler bag or boiling bag (like you cook a turkey, chicken or roast in) and tie it shut. 

Bring a large pot of water (about 3-4 inches of water will do, just enough to float your bag of soap) to a slow, bubbly boil.  Just steaming, is my advice.  Place the bag in the hot water for about 15 minutes (set your timer and don't walk away too fast!).  Take the bag out of the water when the timer goes off and using a pot holder (be careful because it's HOT) kneed the bag until the soap has fewer lumps.  Place back in the pot for 10-15 more minutes.  Keep an eye on it, it will get darker and liquid like pudding. 

When it is uniformly melted, open the bag carefully (my husband and I do this as a team) and add your colorants, fragrance or essential oils, herbs, flower petals, whatever blows your skirt up... seal the bag again or hold it firmly by the open end and knead the contents again until mixed.  

Cut the end of the bag off, like a pastry bag... and place over your molds.  Squeeze or let the soap run out (depending on the size of the hole you cut, it will come out really fast or really slowly).  It will set up in approx 24 hours.  You can then pop it out of the molds to dry on wax paper for 1 day to 3 weeks, depending on how long it takes for it to set up, you can use it pretty quickly.

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR SOAPS AT OUR SHOP ON BONANZLE!  LOW PRICES ON HANDMADE SOAPS, EVEN SOAPS FOR OUR DOGGIE FRIENDS!  We have other handmade beauty products, like creams and lotions, lip balms and spa clay facial masks!  Check it out at http://www.NeeNeesSoapShop2.blogspot.com .  Thanks!

About the Author

We are located in the Piney Woods of East Texas. We are a small, locally owned and operated home business. Our products are all from the finest quality ingredients and many are made when you order them! All our lotions and soaps are handmade with fresh goat's milk and the finest quality vegetable oils. God Bless You! http://www.NeeNeesSoapShop2.blogspot.com

Anoush... Bora Bora Organic Hemp Swirled Soap

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

HANDMADE SOAPS Certified Organic VEGAN All Natural $3.24 Time Remaining: 7d 6h 27m Buy It Now for only: $3.24 Buy It Now

Hemp Oatmeal Sandalwood Olive Oil 2 Natural Soap Bars Skin Repair No Lye $15.99 Time Remaining: 18h 41m Buy It Now for only: $17.69 Buy It Now

Green Tea Seaweed Emu Hemp Soap 1 Large bar Detox Anti Oxidant Organic Seaweed $3.70 Time Remaining: 22d 23h 59m Buy It Now for only: $3.70 Buy It Now

Dr Bronners Magic Soaps 18 in 1 Hemp Pure Castille Soap Organic Coconut Olive $12.99 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 5m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now

Handmade Tahitian Vanilla Emu Hemp Soap 4 to 55oz bar Light Exfoliating Soap $3.75 Time Remaining: 23d 11m Buy It Now for only: $3.75 Buy It Now

Castile Liquid Soap Almond Hemp Organic by Dr Bronners 32oz Liquid $13.04 Time Remaining: 10d 20h 1m Buy It Now for only: $13.04 Buy It Now

Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Haitian Vetiver Soap 5 oz $2.99 Time Remaining: 14d 22h 32m Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now

Dr Bronners 18 in 1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap $9.49 Time Remaining: 23d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $9.49 Buy It Now

4oz 100 PURE UNREFINED Hemp Seed OIL LOTION SOAPS $4.99 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 48m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now

One With Nature Hemp Soap 1 bar $3.99 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 14m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now

Erotic Green Tea Organic Hemp Oil Soap 57 Oz $6.95 Time Remaining: 14d 2h 56m Buy It Now for only: $6.95 Buy It Now

Homemade All Natural Cannabis Flower Organic Hemp Oil Soap Bar with Patchouli $3.00 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 59m Buy It Now for only: $3.00 Buy It Now

Cusp Natural Products Hemp Soap Bag $8.50 Time Remaining: 23d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $8.50 Buy It Now

DrBronners Soap HEMP PEPPERMINT Pure Castile CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE 5 Oz BAR $2.99 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 18m Buy It Now for only: $3.49 Buy It Now

DR BRONNERS PURE CASTILE SOAP 18 IN 1 HEMP UNSCENTED BABY MILD 32 FL OZ $9.99 Time Remaining: 26d 17h 10m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now

Homemade Goats Milk Soap PEACE GOATS Hemp Oil All Natural Handmade Craft $2.50 Time Remaining: 25d 1h 46m Buy It Now for only: $2.50 Buy It Now

Nubian Heritage 5 oz Bar Soap $3.25 Time Remaining: 18d 22h 14m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 Buy It Now

DETOX Handmade LOAF SOAP Hemp oil Green Tea Basil Rosemary Orange + Essl Oils $18.90 Time Remaining: 18d 21h 15m Buy It Now for only: $18.90 Buy It Now

Homemade Soap BAMBOO HEMPBIG 55oz Bars HANDMADE $3.50 Time Remaining: 22d 2h 26m Buy It Now for only: $3.50 Buy It Now

2 LBS HEMP MELT and POUR SOAP BASE $9.95 Time Remaining: 14h 16m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now

BAY RUM Natural Handmade SOAP w Myrrh Kiwi Honey + HEMP JOJOBA NEEM OILS $4.79 Time Remaining: 12d 22m Buy It Now for only: $4.79 Buy It Now

HEMP SOAP one 4oz BAR SCENTED OR UNSCENTED $4.65 Time Remaining: 8d 5h 26m Buy It Now for only: $4.65 Buy It Now

Homemade All Natural Nag Champa Patchouli Soap Made w Shea Butter Hemp Oil $6.00 Time Remaining: 22d 19h 58m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now

Tea Tree Pure Castile Hemp Liquid Soap by Dr Bronners 4 oz $3.29 Time Remaining: 21d 12h 28m Buy It Now for only: $3.29 Buy It Now

3 NEW Dr Bronners 18 In 1 Hemp Lavender Unscented Organic Oils Magic Soap Lot $32.99 Time Remaining: 26d 1h 27m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 Buy It Now

Dr Bronners All One Hemp Pure Castile Soap Baby Mild 5 oz 140 g $2.49 Time Remaining: 15h 17m Buy It Now for only: $2.49 Buy It Now

Handmade soap All Natural Lavender scented Hemp Soap w Lavender Flowers $3.00 Time Remaining: 4d 22h 23m

Natural Soap Eucalyptus Hemp Tea Tree $5.00 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 57m Buy It Now for only: $5.00 Buy It Now

One With Nature Soaps Hemp Soap 7 oz $3.66 Time Remaining: 12d 15h 41m Buy It Now for only: $3.66 Buy It Now

Dr Bronners 18 in 1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap Organic Rose 16 fl oz $9.49 Time Remaining: 20d 5h 5m Buy It Now for only: $9.49 Buy It Now

18 in 1 Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Soap by Dr Bronners 32 oz $11.39 Time Remaining: 3d 8h 4m Buy It Now for only: $11.39 Buy It Now

1 POUND SOAP BASE $5.00 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 20m Buy It Now for only: $5.00 Buy It Now

Sundaram Natual Handmade Soap Gift Set Vegetarian YOU PICK YOUR SCENT $6.99 Time Remaining: 15d 22h 22m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now

Nubian Heritage Bar Soap 3 Pack Various Scents 5 oz $15.79 Time Remaining: 24d 18h 3m Buy It Now for only: $15.79 Buy It Now

Dr Bronners 18 in 1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap Peppermint 16 fl oz 472 ml $9.49 Time Remaining: 15d 23h 25m Buy It Now for only: $9.49 Buy It Now

Vermont SoapOrganics Handmade Bar Soap Boxed Variations $5.99 Time Remaining: 7d 16h 56m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now

3 HANDMADE HEMP SOAP BARS SCENTED OR UNSCENTED 4 oz ea $13.00 Time Remaining: 22d 19h 3m Buy It Now for only: $13.00 Buy It Now

Hemp Oil Cannabis Soap $2.99 Time Remaining: 8d 6h 57m Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now

36 OZ HEMP SEED Oil Pure ORGANIC SOAP MASSAGE $21.99 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 39m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 Buy It Now

Natural Handmade Soap 4oz Eucalyptus Hemp Tea Tree $1.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 25m Buy It Now for only: $2.50 Buy It Now

Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp Haitian Vetiver Soap with Neem Oil 50 oz NIB $3.99 Time Remaining: 16d 23h 8m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now

4 OZ HEMP SEED OIL Pure Organic SOAP MASSAGE $3.90 Time Remaining: 22d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $3.90 Buy It Now

Olive Coconut Hemp Oil Hand Made Soap 3 Bars 4+ oz bar $19.99 Time Remaining: 24d 16h 43m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now

Organic Soap base Melt and Pour Hemp oil 2 pounds $15.99 Time Remaining: 18d 22h 12m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 Buy It Now

Patchouli Hemp French Vanilla Handcrafted Soap $3.50 Time Remaining: 11d 4h 37m Buy It Now for only: $3.50 Buy It Now

Lot of 2 Nubian Heritage Goats Milk Chai Indian Hemp Soap 5 oz $5.99 Time Remaining: 23d 17h 48m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now

Dr Bronners 18 in 1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap Organic Rose 32 fl oz $15.29 Time Remaining: 20d 1h 6m Buy It Now for only: $15.29 Buy It Now

One With Nature Dead Sea Mineral Soap 7 oz 200 g $4.04 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 31m Buy It Now for only: $4.04 Buy It Now

Perlier Hemp with Rosemary Oil Moisturizing Liquid Soap TWO 84 oz Bottles NEW $24.99 Time Remaining: 29d 15h 43m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now

24 OZ HEMP SEED UNREFINED OIL MASSAGE SOAPS COOKING $22.95 Time Remaining: 10d 17h 58m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now

DETOX Handmade SOAP Hemp oil Green Tea Basil Rosemary Orange Ect Essl Oils $4.45 Time Remaining: 18d 21h 17m Buy It Now for only: $4.45 Buy It Now

Castile Liquid Soap-Almond Hemp (Organic) - 32 oz. - Liquid Sale Price: $15.40   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Natural Bitter Almond Fragrance from Cassia Oil Our most delicious and warm scent.Ingredients: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut & Olive oils (w/ retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Natural Bitter Almond Fragrance, Citric Acid, Vitamin EDue to increase in our shipping cost we have reduced the discount on the larger sizes of Dr...

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, 18-in-1 Hemp Tea Tree, 32-Ounce List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $13.99 You save: $1.00 (7%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Made with Organic Oils! No detergents. 100% Vegan. Health is our greatest wealth. Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. No foaming agents. Enjoy only 2 cosmetics, enough sleep and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap to clean body-mind-soul-spirit instantly uniting One! All-One! Absolute cleanliness is Godliness! For facial packs, scalp and soothing body rub, add dash on bath towel in sink of hot water...

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint, 32 Ounce Bottle List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $14.48 You save: $0.51 (3%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Made with Organic Oils! No detergents. 100% Vegan. Health is our greatest wealth. Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. No foaming agents. Enjoy only 2 cosmetics, enough sleep and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap to clean body-mind-soul-spirit instantly uniting One! All-One! Absolute cleanliness is Godliness! For facial packs, scalp and soothing body rub, add dash on bath towel in sink of hot water...

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, All-One Hemp Lavender, 5-Ounce Bars (Pack of 6) List Price: $25.14 Sale Price: $23.10 You save: $2.04 (8%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Made with Organic Oils! Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. 100% Cruelty-free soap. Not animal tested.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, 18-in-1 Hemp Unscented Baby Mild, 32-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) Sale Price: $32.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Made with Organic Oils! No detergents. 100% Vegan. Health is our greatest wealth. Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. No foaming agents. Enjoy only 2 cosmetics, enough sleep and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap to clean body-mind-soul-spirit instantly uniting One! All-One! Absolute cleanliness is Godliness! For facial packs, scalp and soothing body rub, add dash on bath towel in sink of hot water...

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint, 32-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) List Price: $29.98 Sale Price: $28.00 You save: $1.98 (7%)   Eligible for free shipping! See Reviews For This Product Description Made with Organic Oils! No detergents. 100% Vegan. Health is our greatest wealth. Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. No foaming agents. Enjoy only 2 cosmetics, enough sleep and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap to clean body-mind-soul-spirit instantly uniting One! All-One! Absolute cleanliness is Godliness! For facial packs, scalp and soothing body rub, add dash on bath towel in sink of hot water...

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, 18-in-1 Hemp Eucalyptus, 32-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) Sale Price: $32.98   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Made with Organic Oils! No detergents. 100% Vegan. Health is our greatest wealth. Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. No foaming agents. Enjoy only 2 cosmetics, enough sleep and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap to clean body-mind-soul-spirit instantly uniting One! All-One! Absolute cleanliness is Godliness! For facial packs, scalp and soothing body rub, add dash on bath towel in sink of hot water...

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, All-One Hemp Peppermint, 5-Ounce Bars (Pack of 6) List Price: $25.14 Sale Price: $16.72 You save: $8.42 (33%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Made with Organic Oils! Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. 100% Cruelty-free soap. Not animal tested.

Dr. Bronner - Pure-Castile Soap Peppermint, 1 Gallon liquid List Price: $54.99 Sale Price: $49.47 You save: $5.52 (10%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Organic Peppermint & Mentha Arvensis Oils Creates an exhilirating tingly-cool body space and increases vitality and clarity.Ingredients: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut & Olive oils (w/ retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Organic Mentha Arvensis, Citric Acid, Vitamin EDue to increase in our shipping cost we have reduced the discount on the larger sizes of Dr...

Indian Hemp and Haitian Vetiver Soap 5 Ounces Sale Price: $4.50   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Combining the protective, healing and rejuvenating qualities of Hemp Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, this collection provides benefits to all skin types. Naturally antiseptic and antibacterial Neem Oil, traditionally used to treat skin orders, help heal and balance problem areas as Vetiver, the aoil of tranquilitya, relaxes and comforts...