When it comes to making homemade soap, there are two main methods – cold process and melt and pour. Both methods produce great looking, long-lasting soaps, but they are different in how they are made. Depending on your preferences and skill level, one method may be better for you than the other.
Melt and Pour Soap Making
Melt and pour soap making is the most popular method for beginners. This method involves melting down pre-made soap base and adding your own colors, fragrances, and/or embedded objects. The melted soap is then poured into molds and left to harden. This method is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients.
The biggest downside to this method is that you’re limited to what you can do with the soap base. Most pre-made soap bases don’t contain much in the way of skin-nourishing ingredients and the resulting soap may not be as moisturizing as one made with cold process soap. However, if you’re looking for a simple, easy way to make soap, melt and pour is a good choice.
Cold Process Soap Making
Cold process soap making requires more skill and knowledge than melt and pour. This method involves mixing lye with water and mixing in oils and fats. The mixture is then stirred until it reaches “trace” and is poured into molds. After saponification (a process that occurs after the lye and oils are combined) the soap is left to harden.
The biggest benefit of cold process soap is that it is more customizable. You can use different oils and fats to create a soap with different properties, such as a harder bar or a more moisturizing bar. You can also add additives such as clays or exfoliants for extra benefits. The downside is that cold process soap making requires a bit more knowledge and skill than melt and pour, so it may not be the best choice for a beginner.
Which Soap Making Method is Best for You?
The best soap making method for you depends on your skill level and preferences. If you’re a beginner, melt and pour is a great way to get started. If you’re more experienced, cold process gives you more freedom to customize your soap. Whichever method you choose, you can make beautiful, long-lasting soaps that you, your family, and your friends will love.
