There are plenty of differences between handmade soap and what you will buy at the store. First, you will know the ingredients in what is made at home. You can buy all natural ingredients that are good for the skin. If you are someone in your household has allergies to dyes and perfumes, then basic soap can be harmful to them. Handmade soaps can be created that cleanse well without those extras.
Packaged soap that you can buy at the store often has lots of types of synthetic detergent found in it. If you want something that is in a pure form, handmade soap can offer it. There are two different methods that can be offered. First, there is the cold process and then there is the hot process. Both options allow for soap to be made that is rich in glycerin.
The cold press method is the one that most people use. There is some heating involved too, in order to melt the solid fat into a liquid. This allows the complex elements of water and alkali to create a chemical reaction. Once the mixture for the handmade soap has been created, it needs to be poured into molds. It will become a solid where it can be removed. Over a period of several weeks, it will cure.
If you don’t want to make fancy designs with the soap, you can pour it into a square mold. Then you can cut it into bars. For the best results, don’t use handmade soap until it has been able to cure for at least 3 weeks. Otherwise, the soap can be very flaky and it won’t last very long. Try to make batches in advance. That way you always have some stored that you can reach for when you need a new bar.
There is also the hot process of creating transparent soap. This type of soap is one that you can see through. Many parents make it to encourage children to bathe. They can put small toys such as micro cars and micro dolls into the soap. As the child uses the soap, they will eventually be able to get that toy out and play with it!
There are plenty of types of ingredients you can use to make handmade soap. They include coconut palm and olive oil. Others use vegetable oil as the base. You don’t have to go completely without color or scent either with soaps you make. You can replace harsh ingredients with those that are good for the skin.
Some options include fragrance oils and essential oils. A few drops can go a long way so you need to use these ingredients sparingly. There are also spices and botanicals that you can use to enhance the smell of soap you create. Have fun with the process but make sure you are well informed. This will ensure you get to create a product that is good for the skin and that you enjoy.