The process is not as extensive as folks think. In fact anybody can make superior soap in their own home! The step by step process below, outlines the basics of how we produce our very own soap products and is meant for informative purposes. If you have any questions on how we produce or handle our products please feel free to email us!
Safety first...
Some of the raw components utilized to make real soap can harm your skin, nasal passages, and eyes if you do not take precautions. We wear protective eyewear, a breathing mask, and rubber gloves especially when interacting with lye during the first steps of making soap. The following equipment is typically required to craft soap:
stainless steel stock pot (it cannot be aluminum), glass bowl, glass measuring bowl, digital scale, rubber or plastic stirring utensils, two thermometers (one for the oils and one for the lye), soap recipe and the recipe ingredients, soap molds (lined with freezer paper).
stainless steel stock pot (it cannot be aluminum), glass bowl, glass measuring bowl, digital scale, rubber or plastic stirring utensils, two thermometers (one for the oils and one for the lye), soap recipe and the recipe ingredients, soap molds (lined with freezer paper).
Purity and Lye...
Distilled water and sodium hydroxide are each precisely measured with a digital scale. Distilled water is utilized because it does not bear any extra minerals or additives which are typically found in tap or bottled drinking water. Also, it is generally used by all soap makers to ensure consistency. While stirring, we slowly combine the appropriate amount of sodium hydroxide (lye) into distilled water. We continue to stir until the lye has completely dissolved. We never add the water to lye as it can cause a volcano like eruption. It is best to perform this task outside or in a well ventilated area as the chemical reaction becomes hot (around 180 degrees Fahrenheit). Then, we set the mixture aside and allow it to come down to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lavish oils and butters...
With a digital scale, we weigh the required amount of each oil and fat. Then, add it to the stainless steel stock pot and increase the temperature of the oils to 110 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot plate.
Stick stirred...
Once the temperature of the lye mixture decreases to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and the oil mixture reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit, we pour the lye mixture into oil mixture and begin to stir. Mixing by hand may take up to an hour or longer (depending on the variety of oils utilized). This is where a good stick blender will make easy work of this step.
Trace...
The goal is to stir until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture reaches the consistency of pudding. This phase is referred to as "trace". This is when we add our Neat Essential Oils to the mixture for the desired scent as well as plant flowers or leaves.
Pour...
The mixture is then poured into soap molds lined with freezer paper and filled to the desired height of the bar. We then shake each mold in order to remove any air pockets. The molds are placed in a warm place for 36 to 48 hours and cover with many thick towels in order to insulate the soap will it hardens. The combination of the lye solution with the oils creates a reaction known as "saponification" which naturally produces heat and the idea is to keep the soap as insulated as possible during this process.
Hand sliced...
After the initial curing period is complete, we remove the soap bricks from their molds and cut them to size. At this stage, the soap still bears a high water content thus we lay the soap bars flat and let them dry for 4 to 6 weeks before use. Then we flip them over every week or so to ensure the bars become properly cured.
