Natural saponification chemical reaction is used in cold-process soap, where oils are combined with lye. This is a traditional method that retains the glycerin formed during soapmaking. The cold process is used to make long-lasting bars with cleansing and moisturizing properties. Many artisans prefer this method because it allows the creative use of soap making supplies. Here are common mistakes to avoid when making cold-process soap:
Using Inaccurate Measurements
The amount of lye needed for each oil is dependent on its saponification value. A small variation of lye amounts can make a mild soap harsh. Experienced soap makers have different measuring tools for the lye and fragrance oils. The right chemical reaction in your soap batch will occur if you measure precisely. Tools such as pipettes that measure small amounts of essential oils can help.
Adding Too Hot Fragrances
Lavender and jasmine floral scents are especially sensitive to too much heat. Lemon and bergamot citrus oils evaporate quickly at high temperatures. Cinnamon is an acceleration-prone fragrance that works better at lower temperatures.
Cooler soap batter temperatures are needed for light scents like cucumber and melon. Using temperature guns helps you accurately determine when your batter is at optimal fragrance points. Trace, where the different oils and lye have mixed and are thickening, can accelerate very quickly with soap making supplies such as clove and allspice.
Measuring Incorrect Temperature
The rate at which your soap reaches trace and eventual hardness is influenced by temperature. Freezing the milk in milk soaps is required to prevent scorching and discoloration. Calendula and lavender are floral additives that react better with lower-temperature processing methods. Recipes containing mostly olive oil do well at room temperature soaping. Honey and sugar are some additives that increase internal soap temperatures greatly. Temperatures are monitored throughout the process so that the results are consistent with each batch.
Stirring Instead of Stick Blending
Stick blenders accelerate saponification. Pulsing the soap batter prevents too many air bubbles from forming. For intricate designs like swirls, you need to recognize different trace stages accurately. Thin mixtures have a light trace, and thicker mixtures have a medium trace. Some delicate colorants do not work well with aggressive stick blend motions. Gentle folding is better. Stirring and pulsing can be done alternately for better control of trace development. Some recipes where the olive oil percentage is high require longer blending times.
Using Inappropriate Materials
Stainless steel withstands lye exposure without dangerous chemical reactions or degradation. Repeated lye exposure may eventually cause glass containers to weaken. Soap releases easily from silicone molds without the need for additional liner materials.
The saponification reaction is exothermic, and heat-resistant equipment is used to handle it. Indigo, madder root, and alkanet are natural colorants that require non-reactive containers. Flexible cutting boards are one type of unmolding tool used to remove soap safely. Additives such as titanium dioxide have specific mixing implements required for proper dispersion.
Get Soap Making Supplies
When looking for supplies to make soap, you’ll need to find the proper mold. Soap that is properly saponified will come out of molds cleanly, without sticky residue or damage. High olive oil percentages need to remain longer in molds for cold-process recipes. Loaf-style molds release soap slower than individual cavity molds. Start your soap-making journey by gathering the proper supplies.
