Many people are becoming more and more concerned about the kinds of chemicals that they use in their bodies. Because of this increased awareness, people are becoming pickier with the soap products that they use. Soap manufacturers came out with many different ideas: adding natural essence into the soap, putting in organic materials, mixing in milk, etc. However, the best way to really know what is in the soap that you are using is to make your own soap instead of buy it from the grocery. Soap making is fun and the same time, it also helps you save and earn money. You get to save money because the raw materials used in making soap are relatively cheaper that the soap products already in the market. Moreover, the surplus soap that you have made can be sold to your neighbors and friends, giving you an extra income from something that you enjoy doing. Soap making also lets you explore the creativity in you. You get to choose the color, the scent and shapes of the soap that you make. Well, if you are already interested to make your own soap, you should consider the things discussed in this article.
There are two popular ways to make your own soap, these are: (1) the cold process method (2) the hot process method
Both of these methods make use of the ingredients and equipment's except for one thing. Their names suggests that one of them are created using heat. But the truth is, both are created through heat, the difference is in the way that the heat is produced. Lye, a highly corrosive alkaline base chemical, naturally produces heat when mixed with water. It is lye that gives the soap its cleaning power. Soap is also composed of unsaturated oils like coconut and vegetable oils. The natural heat produced by the cold process method is used to melt the unsaturated oils. The processes longer than hot soap making because of its dependence to the natural heat produced by lye. Hot process method uses an external heat source like a stove to hasten the melting of the unsaturated oils. Both of these processes have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Design
While both methods have its own share of advantages and disadvantages, it is helpful if you weigh these factors depending on your needs. For example, if you need to express your creativity in the soap that you make and you want to add swirls of colors and other designs into your creation, then it is most advisable for you to use the cold process method. The external heat added in the hot process method makes the setting of the soap mixture faster that it will become very difficult for most crafters to incorporate their design ideas into the drying soap mixture because it dries up too quickly. The resulting soap is also hard as compared to the creamy soap that the cold process method produces.
Time
Nonetheless, if you are more concerned about having to use your soap as soon as possible, then you should try the hot process method. Soap created through this method does not have to be cured (set aside) for 4 to 6 weeks before they are available for use. In most cases, once the soap is already well-molded and dry, you can immediately make use of the soap and be assured that you get the most your creation.
There are two popular ways to make your own soap, these are: (1) the cold process method (2) the hot process method
Both of these methods make use of the ingredients and equipment's except for one thing. Their names suggests that one of them are created using heat. But the truth is, both are created through heat, the difference is in the way that the heat is produced. Lye, a highly corrosive alkaline base chemical, naturally produces heat when mixed with water. It is lye that gives the soap its cleaning power. Soap is also composed of unsaturated oils like coconut and vegetable oils. The natural heat produced by the cold process method is used to melt the unsaturated oils. The processes longer than hot soap making because of its dependence to the natural heat produced by lye. Hot process method uses an external heat source like a stove to hasten the melting of the unsaturated oils. Both of these processes have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Design
While both methods have its own share of advantages and disadvantages, it is helpful if you weigh these factors depending on your needs. For example, if you need to express your creativity in the soap that you make and you want to add swirls of colors and other designs into your creation, then it is most advisable for you to use the cold process method. The external heat added in the hot process method makes the setting of the soap mixture faster that it will become very difficult for most crafters to incorporate their design ideas into the drying soap mixture because it dries up too quickly. The resulting soap is also hard as compared to the creamy soap that the cold process method produces.
Time
Nonetheless, if you are more concerned about having to use your soap as soon as possible, then you should try the hot process method. Soap created through this method does not have to be cured (set aside) for 4 to 6 weeks before they are available for use. In most cases, once the soap is already well-molded and dry, you can immediately make use of the soap and be assured that you get the most your creation.
About the Author:
The author has been running his own home-based soap company in Texas for 10 years now. Make your own soap by soliciting his expertise. Follow the link provided.
