How to make solid soap at home - a guide to making soaps

In a world where awareness of natural materials and the desire for self-creation are increasing, making solid soap at home has become a popular hobby. Therefore, more and more people want to know how to make soap, with an emphasis on natural soap. Beyond a fun creative experience, making soap allows for complete control over the ingredients and is also more economical. Before you start, it is worth getting to know different preparation techniques, what equipment is required and what is the safest way to enjoy high-quality natural soap made at home.

5 notable benefits of making natural soaps at home

Compared to buying ready-made soaps from the store, making natural soap at home offers many advantages:

1. Complete control over ingredients - you can know exactly what the soap contains and not worry about unidentified substances.
2. Personalization and variety - creating soaps allows you to choose oils, scents, and colors to suit your taste
3. Economic savings - in the long run, homemade soaps can be more economical
4. Environmentally friendly - making soap at home requires no packaging and uses natural ingredients
5. A satisfying creative experience - true enjoyment of the creative process and the result

What materials and equipment are required to make soap?

The tools and materials for making soap at home can vary from method to method, but in the first stage, it is recommended to use the following list:

• A quality soap base - it is advisable to buy a base that is made from high-quality oils and selected butters, and contains 100% natural and nutritious ingredients.
• Fragrance oils - high-quality essential oils designed for making fragrant soap, free of parabens and phthalates
• Digital thermometer - for accurate measurement during melting and cooling
• Soap stirrer - to ensure a smooth mixture and full distribution of the fragrance
• Silicone molds - you can choose trays in different shapes
• Mass and measuring jar - jar suitable for heating in the microwave or in a bain-marie (over steam)

When it comes to more complex preparation methods, the following ingredients and accessories should be added:

• Caustic soda - the basis for making soap using classical methods, which requires great care in use
• Distilled water - to create the basic baking soda solution
• Digital scale - for accuracy in measuring quantities
• Protective equipment - When working with caustic soda, it is mandatory to use chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and a long gown.

How to Make Natural Soap: 3 Common Techniques

Soap making is an ancient tradition that has existed for thousands of years. In the past, soaps were made from wood ash, animal fat, and salt. Today, with modern knowledge and technology, it is possible to create high-quality soaps from plant-based ingredients that are personalized and friendly to the skin and the environment. Such soaps are sometimes called "Castile soap," after the Spanish soap based on olive oil. For those who want to know how to make soaps, here are 3 well-known techniques for making quality homemade soap:

The cold process method

This is a traditional method, in which the chemical reaction between the base oils and caustic soda occurs without external heating or with a slight and brief heating, only for the purpose of equalizing temperatures. The basic steps of the process are:

Step 1 - Prepare a solution of caustic soda and wait for it to cool.

Step 2 - Heat the base oils to a similar temperature (up to 45 degrees)

Step 3 - Mix the solution and oils slowly

Step 4 - Add essential oils, colors, and herbs

Step 5 - Pour into silicone molds and cover.

Step 6 - Wait 24-48 hours, remove from the mold, cut (if necessary) and leave to dry and ripen for 4-6 weeks.

Advantages:

• Preservation of the properties of oils and additives
• Smooth and pleasant texture
• Great creative freedom in design

Disadvantages:

• Requires prolonged drying and ripening
• Requires high accuracy in temperatures and measurements

Hot Process Method

This method heats the soap mixture itself to speed up the process. This method requires a slow cooker or double boiler. Here are the basic preparation steps:

Step 1 - Prepare a solution of caustic soda and wait for it to cool.

Step 2 - Heat the oils in a pot over low heat or over steam until completely melted.

Step 3 - Slowly pour the baking soda solution into the oils and mix.

Step 4 - Cover and cook the soap on low heat, stirring occasionally. Continue until the paste turns into a gel and takes on a clear, jelly-like texture.

Step 5 - Cool the mixture slightly and add essential oils and herbs.

Step 6 - Pour the mixture into the molds and cover.

Step 7 - Wait 12-24 hours, remove from the mold, cut (if necessary) and leave to dry and ripen for a short period of 1-2 weeks.

Advantages:

• Shorter drying time
• Less sensitivity to temperature during preparation

Disadvantages:

• Less smooth and uniform texture
• Less flexibility in design
• More limited control over the process

Melt and Pour Method

The most recommended method for beginners, which eliminates the need to work with caustic soda. It is important to work with high-quality, natural soap bases, which will ensure optimal results. The process is simple and easy:

Step 1 - Cut a high-quality natural soap base into cubes

Step 2 - Melt in a heat-resistant container in the microwave or over steam

Step 3 - Add quality essential oils

Step 4 - Pour into silicone molds

Step 5 - Wait 1-4 hours for the mixture to harden.

Advantages:

• A safe and easy recipe for beginners
• The soap is ready to use immediately after it hardens.
• Many design options

Do you have any more questions about making natural soaps at home? Are you wondering which raw materials to choose? The "Shiananda" team will be happy to assist you on WhatsApp , and give you all the information and tips on making soaps at home with our high-quality soap bases.

"Excellent product, very easy to use, without caustic soda. Recommend" (Maureen)

Important safety guidelines

Sometimes, making bar soap involves working with caustic soda, a substance that can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. So, when asked "how to make soap," the first answer is - safely. Here are some rules that are important to follow:

• Work in a well-ventilated room.
• Wear protective equipment.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never add water to caustic soda - always add the soda to the water slowly.
• Store caustic soda in a safe, dry place and out of reach of children.

How to make solid soap - 5 professional tips for success

• Accurate calculation - You can use online soap calculators to accurately calculate the amount of soda required.
• Quality materials - it is worth investing in a soap base and quality oils
• Documentation - It is recommended to keep a recipe diary to remember what worked best and what worked least.
• Patience - it is important not to rush, or simply work in a method that allows for quick results.
• Start easily - the first steps should be done using the easiest method (M&P), to produce fragrant, high-quality soap easily and quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Soaps at Home

What happens if soap is used before the drying process is complete?

The soap can be too harsh for the skin and cause irritation, as the process is not fully completed.

How long does homemade soap last?

High-quality homemade soap can last for one to two years, when stored well in a dry, ventilated place.

Can the caustic soda be replaced with another substance?

Using traditional methods, it is impossible to make soap without caustic soda. If you are wary of working with this substance and prefer an easy and safe method, dissolving a solid soap base is the best alternative.

Shiyananda - quality bases for making natural soaps at home

Making soaps at home is an art, but it doesn't have to be complicated and intricate. If you also want to know how to make natural, fragrant, high-quality soap, we at "Shiananda" offer you an easy and quick way to do it, which guarantees you wonderful results. On our website you will find a selection of high-quality bases for making soap using the Melt & Pour method, which we have been producing in our factory in Israel for 30 years: white, transparent-yellowish soap base , with activated charcoal or with Dead Sea mud .

Our soap bases are made from 100% natural ingredients, including carefully selected high-quality oils and butters, based on vegetable glycerin, coconut oil and castor oil. All you have to do is melt them, add selected essential oils and pour them into molds. The result - a soap that feels pleasant on the skin, leaving the skin soft and moisturized.

You are invited to be impressed by the types of bases on the site, order the base that suits you and the fragrance oils that you like from the site, and enjoy natural, high-quality soap that you have made yourself. If you have any additional questions or need help choosing products, do not hesitate to contact our professional team on WhatsApp .

"Great soap as a base for making soaps with children" (Shimrit)