The process of making Cold Process Handmade Soap

Sudsations utilizes the Cold Process Method of soap-making, which relies almost exclusively on the heat generated by the chemical reaction of fatty acids from vegetable oils and alkali, or lye, to produce soap. This process is known as saponification. No external heat is applied once the ingredients have been mixed. Because of this process, there is no free lye remaining in the finished soap.

The benefit of saponification, and handmade soap in general, is all natural glycerin remains in the finished product, unlike mass-produced soap. Glycerin is a natural humectant, emulsifier, and skin-softener.


1. Gathering all products needed for soap making before starting the process.




2. Donning proper safety attire.


3. Mixing the Sodium Hydroxide with Distilled Water to create the Lye Mixture.




4. Adding purple herb blend to the lye mixture for color.


5. Weighing out all the necessary oils.


6. Melting the oils.


7. Once the oils are melted they can then be mixed with the Lye solution.


8. Adding the lye solution to the melted oils.


9. Using a stick blender to mix the lye and oil until trace is achieved. Trace is achieved when some of the mixture is dribbled on top and leaves a 'trace' on top of the mixture where the dribbled amounts landed. Once the soap mixture has reached trace any essential oils or fragrance can be added for scent. Herbs or botanicals can also be added for additional color or texture.


10. The soap mixture is then poured into a soap mold.


11. After 24 hours the soap is unmolded.


12. The soap can then be cut into individual bars in another day or two after the initial unmolding.


13. The finished product must then cure for 4 weeks. After the final curing there is no free lye left in the finished soap. What is left in the final bars of soap is the natural glycerin produced during the soap making process. Commercially made soap has the natural glycerin removed, which is then sold separately for use in other products.


The process of making handmade soap is labor intensive. The benefits of handmade soap are tremendous, and worth the extra cost compared to a commercially made bar of soap. Supporting reputable handmade soap makers is a good thing!

Relax. Luxuriate. Enjoy.

Coleen