Making cold process soap is an easy way to produce beautiful and natural soaps in the comfort of your own home. However, if you live in an area with a colder climate, you may be worried about the temperature of your soap making process. Fear not, as it is possible to make cold process soap even at lower temperatures.
The first step to making cold process soap at lower temperatures is to adjust the recipe. As the temperature goes down, the saponification process takes longer. This means that you need to use more lye than usual to ensure that the soap will still harden properly. If you are using a pre-made lye solution, you can simply add more of it until you reach the desired amount.
Next, you will want to adjust the temperature of your oils and lye solution before combining them. If the temperature of either is too high, it could cause the soap to become too soft or even not harden at all. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of both the lye solution and the oils. You want them to both be around 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit before you combine them.
Once you have combined the lye solution and the oils, you will want to keep the mixture warm until it reaches the gel phase. This is when the mixture thickens and turns translucent. To keep the mixture warm, you can wrap it in a blanket or a towel and place it near a heat source (such as a heating pad).
Finally, you will want to mold and cure the soap. Be sure to keep the soap in the mold for at least 24 hours before removing it. This gives the soap time to cool down and harden. Once removed from the mold, you will want to cure the soap for 4-6 weeks before using it. This allows for all the excess water to evaporate and for the soap to become harder and longer lasting.
Making cold process soap even at lower temperatures is possible, with a few simple adjustments. Be sure to adjust the recipe, keep the lye solution and oils warm, and cure the soap for at least 4-6 weeks before using it. With these steps, you can make beautiful and natural cold process soaps even in colder climates.
