Just as there are countless methods for doing all types of activities there are certainly different methods to employ when making soap. Using the cold process soap method is one of the four soap making methods. To add to the many choices involved when considering a soap making project, there are thousands of cold soap recipes. The number of available resources is endless and can be overwhelming. Add to the fact that the cold soap process is certainly a method that can not be hurried and the confusion about which method to use can multiply. Before you throw up your hands in dismay, remember that for nearly every subject there is usually a variety of experts. One person may tell you that the pour and mold method of soap making is superior to the cold soap process. Others may tell you that it depends entirely on the type of soap you wish to make. However, many soap experts will tell you that the "purest" form of soap making is the cold soap process.
Once mastered, the cold soap process is remarkably simple as it calls only for the combination of lye, oils, some patience and time. The endless combinations that can be employed by varying the oils also make this a favored method for the purists and those who enjoy the challenge of creating countless soap variations. Because the time needed for the saponification process (the melding together of the oils and the lye) the cold soap making process is similar to the aging process of a fine wine. Time is necessary for a truly superior product. Additionally the long "cure" time required produces a very long lasting and exceptionally high quality product.
If you want to utilize the most basic yet most versatile form of soap making this is definitely the method for you. Here is an excellent recipe for a soothing and invigorating soap.
Mint Tea Delight
Ingredients:
8 oz coconut oil
8 oz soybean oil
8 oz olive oil
4 oz aloe butter
4 oz shea butter
4 oz butter (unsalted)
3 tea bags in peppermint or spearmint
1 tsp mint essential oil
12 oz water
5.2 oz lye
Instructions:
1. Brew tea and let steep for twenty minutes
2. Remove all the liquid from the tea bags by gently squeezing into the pan you will use to melt the oils
3. Add the chamomile oil and stir gently
4. Melt shea butter to 175 degrees
5. Reduce the stovetop temperature and combine the remaining oils and butter
6. Pour 12 oz of cold, tea into a stainless steel pan
7. Add lye (Please make certain your arms and eyes are properly protected).When each of the mixtures has cooled to approximately 100 degrees add the oil mixture to the lye mixture
8. Use a mixer, or combine manually (the manual method is very time consuming and can take up to an hour.)and stir mixture until heavy trace. (the texture of thickened pudding)
9. Place in a three pound mold and cover tightly
10. Allow the mixture to sit for 3 day
11. Un-mold cut and cure for 4 weeks.
Enjoy your beautiful, homemade soap!
Sidney Lynn is a soap making enthusiast and provides a Free Soap Making Secrets Mini-Course that reveals the best information on how to make soap, recipes, and information on how you can even make money with your handmade soaps at http://SoapMakingInfo.com. For more wonderful Cold Soap Recipes, sign up for the Free Soap Making Secrets Mini-Course today.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!