In order to understand soap-making, you must first know the most important thing about the process: Saponification.
Saponification All soap is made in a process called “saponification” where lye and oils are combined. Lye (NAOH) is an acid, whereas oil is a base, thus when combined, make a neutral product.
My process is simple. I suit up in my protective gear (rubber apron, rubber gloves, safety goggles, and tennis shoes). Then I begin by combining lye with water. That solution quickly reaches a temperature of 150F - 200F. I stir the mixture until all of the lye is dissolved.
While the lye mixture is cooling, I heat my olive oil to 100F. Once both the lye/water solution and the olive oil cool to 100F, I pour the lye into the olive oil.
Then comes the tedious part… stirring until the oils reach “trace.” This normally takes 20-40 minutes. After the soap reaches trace, I add in my essential oils and additives then pour the soap into molds. I will unmold the soap in 2-4 days, and then will let the soap dry for 3-4 weeks.
Saponification All soap is made in a process called “saponification” where lye and oils are combined. Lye (NAOH) is an acid, whereas oil is a base, thus when combined, make a neutral product.
My process is simple. I suit up in my protective gear (rubber apron, rubber gloves, safety goggles, and tennis shoes). Then I begin by combining lye with water. That solution quickly reaches a temperature of 150F - 200F. I stir the mixture until all of the lye is dissolved.
While the lye mixture is cooling, I heat my olive oil to 100F. Once both the lye/water solution and the olive oil cool to 100F, I pour the lye into the olive oil.
Then comes the tedious part… stirring until the oils reach “trace.” This normally takes 20-40 minutes. After the soap reaches trace, I add in my essential oils and additives then pour the soap into molds. I will unmold the soap in 2-4 days, and then will let the soap dry for 3-4 weeks.