Soap Making
As someone who loves both art and science, I have found that soap making is an interesting hobby that includes each. Soap making is both a very complex and intricate process, however, there is plenty of room for creativity. Mastering the process takes time, but once you learn the basics you can begin to experiment with different aspects of the process.
There are four main ways to make soap: Melt and pour (which is the most simple), Cold Process soap making, Hot Process soap making, and Rebatching. These processes have some similarities and variations. The basic chemical reaction in the soap making process is called Saponification. This exothermic reaction is also an acid base reaction that occurs between a source of fatty acids (oil) and a base (lye). The products are soap and Glycerin. Typically essential oils are used in the process for their smell while coconut oil and olive oil are used as a source of fatty acids. Each oil has a saponification value that indicates how much lye will be needed to neutralize the acid. Some deviations exist from the basic process, but the primary mechanism is that the oil and lye are mixed and then poured into a soap mold. After this, the mixture needs to sit for one to two days. This can be sped up or slowed own by heating the mixture up or by cooling it down respectively.
As you begin to develop your soap making skills you can start experimenting with smell, color, and texture. There are many recipes available to follow as well as tips for achieving a certain effect. The basic supplies are not expensive, except for some essential oils and an electric mixer. There four main processes previously mentioned have certain characteristics that can help determine which process you should try.
Melt and pour soap is the most inexpensive and doesn’t use lye (which can be dangerous). It also is the quickest process. However, there isn’t much room for creativity and since you’re buying a pre-made base, there could be harsh chemicals the you are unaware of that are being used in your soap. Cold process is more time consuming and it requires you to handle lye, but the returns are worth as it gives you complete control over your soap-making and can allow you to make completely natural soaps. This process is the one I would recommend to anyone who is serious about soap making as it allows you to make soap completely from scratch. Hot Process and Rebatching are both variations of the Cold Process, except a heat source is incorporated.
Soap making is becoming more and more popular as there is an increasing demand for natural products. It is an inexpensive and fun activity that allows you to think creatively and analytically.
https://www.thespruce.com/saponification-in-soap-making-517092