Cold Press Soap Making

Cold press soap is created by combining lye and fatty acids together. There are lots of choices when it comes to what kind of fat to use. Examples of fats you can use in cold press soap making include olive oil and beef tallow. Basically any kind of fat or oil you prefer in your soap can be incorporated into cold press soap making. Here are instructions for making basic cold press soap using lard.

First you’ll dissolve the lye in the cold water. Stir using a wooden or stainless steel mixing spoon. After well mixed, cover the mixture until it reaches room temperature. In a cast iron pot, melt the lard slowly. Cool the fat down to around 95 degrees Farenheit. Gently stir the lye into the fat and mix slowly. Keep stirring until the mixture cools and thickens. You’ll know to stop stirring when the soap reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency. This can take quite a while, but if you use an electric hand mixer on the lowest setting, you can save yourself some time and effort. Next, you’re ready to pour the mixed soap into your soap molds. It’s important to allow the soap to cure before removing from the molds. This process takes about a month to ensure it’s done correctly.

There are some safety considerations to understand when making cold press soap. Always wear protective gloves, and clean any lye or melted soap mixture off your skin with a vinegar and water mixture. Lye can cause caustic burns, so always use caution when working with it.

Cold press soap making isn’t for the impatient, that’s for sure! However, if you’re seeking a process of making soap that is traditional and gives excellent results, you cannot go wrong with cold press.