Cold process soapmaking is a timeless craft that allows you to create luxurious, skin-loving bars of soap right at home.

Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced soapmaker looking to refine your techniques, following best practices is essential to ensure consistent, high-quality results.

From safety precautions and ingredient selection to creative tips for customizing your formulas, these 15 best practices will help you level-up your soap making.

Let’s dive in and uncover the essential steps to make every batch a success!

1.) Familiarize yourself with the soap making process and the ingredients needed for your chosen formula.

2). When first experimenting with a soap formula, make small, manageable batches to become comfortable with the process and ensure you like the end results.

48 ounce (3 pound) batches are an ideal beginner and experimental size.

3.) Thoroughly clean and sanitize your work area and equipment before you start making soap - counter tops, stove, pots, bowls, everything.

4.) Eliminate all distractions. Secure small children and pets.

5.) Have your safety equipment (eye protection, rubber gloves, apron, mask, and spray bottle of cold water to wipe up lye spills) at the ready.

If your skin comes into contact with sodium hydroxide or a lye solution, flush for several minutes with very cold water.

6.) Ensure you have proper ventilation when mixing the lye solution.

7.) Protect your work surfaces with wax paper or freezer paper (shiny side down).

8.) Place your scale within easy reach and make sure the surface it is resting on is flat and stable.

9.) Assemble all necessary containers, bowls, and utensils you will use for weighing and mixing ingredients before you start creating.

10.) Gather all ingredients needed for your soap formula.

Have all infusions strained, raw ingredients ground and essential oils blended and ready to use.

11.) Botanicals should be dried, sifted, and/or powdered (except when they are being used for decoration).

12.) Silicone molds of all sizes are readily available and allow curing soap to easily be removed from the mold. You can also use wooden or plastic items as molds.

Line wooden molds with freezer paper (shiny side up), or grease hard plastic molds with olive oil cooking spray.

13.) Use a consistent unit of measurement in a single formula for all ingredients that will be weighed, i.e., either use ounces or grams in one formula, but not both.

14.) Use batch sheets and keep copious notes for all of your soap formulas. Record the weight of your ingredients, proportions of essential oils in your blends, the exact amount of nutrients you
use, etc. Give your formulas unique names and batch numbers for easy reference with your notes.

15.) Use curing cards and label your soaps with the name of the formula and the date you made the batch.

If you’re ready to start your soap-making journey, the Soapivore Soap Making Ebook Bundle is the perfect companion. This comprehensive resource offers step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a variety of formulations to help you create wholesome, effective cold-process soap.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, the Soapivore Bundle has everything you need to turn your soap-making dreams into reality.

Start creating today and experience the joy of handmade soap!

Click here to learn more about the SOAPIVORE SOAP MAKING EBOOK BUNDLE!

Disclaimers:

The information in this blog article has not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or conditions. This article provides the reader with practical information regarding handcrafted soap making, based on basic soap-making science and ancient anecdotal practices of health and beauty. In no way should the contents of this article be regarded as medical advice. It is recommended that the reader perform a patch test before using any formula described. The author and all invested parties will not be held responsible for any allergic or adverse reactions, contraindications, or ill effects from manufacturing or using any products described in this article.

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©Michelle Morgan, The Anointed Bar, LLC