Let's Go Natural

Soap Making Workshop

Soap-Making Summary

Introduction

Soap-making is both an art and a science — a creative way to turn natural oils into something cleansing and nourishing for the skin. It’s also a wonderful way to understand chemistry in action, as oils and lye combine to form something completely new: soap!

A Brief History

For thousands of years, people have made soap using simple, natural ingredients. Ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Romans used animal fats and plant ashes. Over time, soap-making evolved into a craft, using vegetable oils, herbs, and essential oils for beautiful scents and healing properties.

Hot Process Soap

Hot process soap-making speeds up saponification (the reaction between oils and sodium hydroxide) by applying heat.

  1. Melt and mix oils: Combine your chosen oils in a large pot and warm gently.
  2. Prepare lye solution: Carefully mix sodium hydroxide (lye) into distilled water — always add lye to water, never the reverse!
  3. Combine: Slowly pour the lye solution into the melted oils while stirring or using a stick blender.
  4. Cook: Once the mixture thickens (trace), heat it gently for about 1–2 hours. The soap will gel and become translucent.
  5. Add extras: When the mixture cools slightly, stir in essential oils, herbs, or exfoliants.
  6. Pour & cure: Spoon the thick soap into molds. After 24 hours, unmold and let it cure for 1–2 weeks.

Cold Process Soap (Brief Overview)

Cold process soap is made in the same way, but without external heat. Instead, the soap cures slowly at room temperature for 4–6 weeks. This gentler method allows for more delicate essential oils and colors, resulting in a smoother finish.

🌿 Workshop Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 950 g Coconut oil
  • 25 g Myrrh-infused oil
  • 25 g Frankincense-infused oil
  • 750 g Cold-pressed sunflower oil
  • 50 g Castor oil
  • 560 g Distilled water
  • 258 g Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
  • 30 ml Essential oil blend of choice

Optional additions:
At the end of the process, we stirred in marigold petals and myrrh powder for a gentle exfoliating effect and a rich golden tone.