Formulation & Design

The first step in creating soap is formulation, where the ingredients are selected, and the properties of the final soaps are decided. During this process, the butters, oils, and additives are carefully selected based on what the maker is trying to achieve, for example a mild bar or a bar for sensitive skin types. Most soap makers then plug these ingredients into a soap calculator. These calculators then provide measurements for the lye (Sodium Hydroxide) and Water, based on the total weight and percentage of oils and butters. During the formulation process, the soap is also designed, and the fragrance and colors are chosen, at least this is how it is done at Opulent Origins. In some case soap makers have one recipe they use, where the oils and butters remain the same and only the design and fragrance of the bar changes. We work quite differently, where each loaf of soap we formulate is done so with the effects of all the ingredients in mind and how it will affect the final product.

Making

In the cold process method of soap making, the next step is to combination of our ingredients. We start by measuring our butters, oils, water, and sodium hydroxide. The water and sodium hydroxide are combined and allowed to cool, and the butters are heated and melted. Then the soft oils are added to the butters also allowed to cool. Once all ingredients are within 10 degrees of each other they are mixed, and blended until they reach trace, which is like a thin custard. The soap can then be colored and additives like colloidal oatmeal and exfoliants can be added. Then the soap is poured into molds and the tops can be designed.

Cutting & Curing

The soap is then covered and allowed to sit for between 24 and 48 hours, this is the time it takes for most soaps to saponify. Saponification is the process of sodium hydroxide turning oils and butters into soap. The soap is removed from the loaf after 24 to 48 hours and is then cut into bars and we stamp most of our bars with a soap stamp. Soaps are then allowed to cure on drying racks for 4 to 6 weeks, where all moisture evaporates, and the soap becomes hard. Once the soaps sit for 4 to 6 weeks, they are then moved to our product shelves.

Packaging

Soap can be wrapped in shrink or paper after 6 weeks. We do not immediately shrink wrap our bars; we only shrink our bars once they are ready to ship. We do this because the shrink or paper can inhibit moisture from evaporating, which allows the bars to get harder and milder, and even better. We use biodegradable shrink for our soap and we are seeking a plastic free, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic.

Commercial Bars vs Hot or Cold Process Soap

The difference between these bars is the process of making them and ingredients. The simple explanation is that commercial bars are made with surfactants that are melted and then molded into bars and cannot be labeled as soap. Soap bars must be made from oils, butter, and sodium hydroxide. Unfortunately, some harmful ingredients have been found in commercial bars that many consumers would prefer to avoid in a daily use product. We encourage everyone to do the work to find out what’s in the products you use, on yourself and family.