Amidst the growing number of studies within and outside the United States with regards to the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals in our system, many consumers are becoming interested on how to make soap. As long as you know how to make soap for personal use, you’re actually treating your skin and system to a great relief from the debilitating effects of many chemicals used in the commercial soap industry.

Soap making is a craft that you can perfect after about several tries, but don’t let this stop you from the great health benefits when you know how to make soap. There are three key secrets on how to make soap: the right amount of ingredients, a good soap formula, and the proper technique. When you have these three in hand, you’re on your way to the craft of soap making.

3 Methods on how to make soap

Cold process method – you’d probably prefer this method which is also commonly used by home soap makers. The stage of neutralization occurs during moulding.

Semi-boiled method – in this method, heat is introduced with the use of a double-boiler after the mixture settles in order for the soap to neutralize before it is moulded.

Full-boiled method – prepare a large container where you combine all ingredients, then heat to form a mixture. This same method is utilized by large commercial manufacturers to get the by-product known as glycerin.

Basic formula on how to make soap

Natural handmade soap is not difficult to make at all. The basic formula is fatty acid plus base and the resulting product is a soap. You need several ingredients to achieve this, though, including a soap base (vegetable oil preferred), lye (sodium hydroxide), and other natural oils or substances you’d like to include in the mixture.

To start with, fat or oil is heated over low fire. Next, combine lye and water separately, which is after both ingredients have reached the required temperature. As soon as the mixture is in its desired consistency you can now pour it into a mould. The soap bars should set up after about 24 to 48 hours, after which they are restacked and let dry until it becomes hard enough. This process can take between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on what formula was used.

If your purpose in learning how to make soap is to avoid the synthetic chemicals in commercial soap bars, then by all means be careful in choosing only a natural base. Otherwise, you defeat your purpose.

Add natural chemicals everyday of your life by making your own soaps and let your skin rejuvenate to a new you.