What is Handmade Soap?

Hand made soaps are usually made in small batches using traditional methods and plant-based ingredients. Because they are made in small quantities they are fresh and can be made from seasonal ingredients. Hand made soaps are high in glycerin. Glycerin is a neutral, sweet-tasting, colorless emollient and when mixed with water it will soften and moisturize your skin. It has a natural antiseptic quality and because it is so gentle it is especially good for tender skin and children.

Glycerin is a natural by-product of the soap making process and while commercial manufacturers remove the glycerin for use in their more expensive lotions and creams as well as other industries, handcrafted soap retains glycerin in each and every bar.

A number of oils are blended when making soap by hand to ensure that the skin is left feeling soft and that the soap is sufficiently hard whilst at the same time bubbly. Among them Olive Oil, Palm Oil and Coconut Oil are the three oils most basically used. Here listed some of the oils using in making handmade soap.

Palm oil, for example, has emollient and antioxidant properties for skin. Olive Oil is High in Vitamin E and known to be the very best oil to use in soap for sensitive skins. It is a fantastic skin softener and moisturizer.

Cocoa butter contains natural antioxidants and is a natural preservative. It has a smooth texture, sweet fragrance and moisturizing properties, hence it is frequently recommended for prevention of stretch marks in pregnant women, treatment of chapped skin and lips, and as a daily moisturizer to prevent dry, itchy skin.

Coconut oil will absorb easily, keep the skin soft, and yet without feeling greasy. It will help to reduce chronic skin inflammation within days and be soothing and healing to wounds, blood blisters, rashes, etc. It is an excellent ingredient to use in healing salves and ointments. Psoriasis and eczema suffers often find coconut oil to be very helpful.

Camellia oil is high in nutrients that revitalize and rejuvenate the hair, nail and skin. It is easily absorbed into the skin and is said to help reduce the look of skin spots and scars. Suitable for sensitive skin too.

Shea butter has been used to help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff and stretch marks.It contains many fatty acids, which are needed to retain skin moisture and elasticity. It also contains cinnamic acid to help protect the skin . And, many other oils that can be used in making handmade soap.  

How a cold process soap is made? 

It is a basic chemical reaction between fats or oils and lye. 

This is the process : A combinations of oils blended with lye, keep stirring until the mixture slightly thickened, add in essential oil , herbs, clay powder, dye,etc. Pour the soap mixture into a mold and let it set for 24 hours. It is so called saponification. 

Unmold the soap after 24 hours. But, the soap is not ready to be use.. Normally it takes 30 days to cure a cold process soap. After 30 days ( or even longer ) the soap is technically be safe to use.