What is Cold Process Soap?
Cold process soap is simply the traditional method of making soap by combining oil with sodium hydroxide lye, without an external heat source, resulting in a chemical reaction known as saponification. Lye is a strong alkali with a pH of around 13.5. When combined with either fats or oils, lye starts a chemical process called saponification, which is just fancy science-speak for turning oils into soap. This process creates soap and glycerin, a natural emollient and byproduct of the soap reaction. The soap is then cured for several weeks to allow excess water to evaporate, resulting in a hard bar of soap that is calming, gentle, and nourishing to the skin.
How Does Cold Process Differ From Commercial Soap?
Unlike commercial soap, most cold-process soap is made from skin-loving ingredients and doesn't contain any synthetic additives, detergents, or harsh preservatives (depending on the formulator). Most commercial soaps are not true soaps but a combination of synthetic detergents and lathering agents. A single bar of commercial soap can potentially contain 20 plus chemicals, many of which have been linked to cancer, endocrine issues, and skin problems.
What are the Benefits of Cold Process Soap?
One of the biggest benefits of cold-process soap is that it's made from skin-loving ingredients. Commercial soaps often contain synthetic surfactants, detergents, and preservatives, which can be harsh and irritating to the skin. Cold process soap, on the other hand, can be made with a variety of natural oils and decadent butters, such as olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter, that provide a range of skin-loving benefits.
- Gentle and Nourishing: Cold process soap is gentle and nourishing, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Unlike commercial soaps that remove the skin of its natural oils, cold process soap contains a byproduct called, glycerin, which helps draws moisture to your skin to help with hydration. This in turn promotes healthier skin.
- Eco-Friendly: Cold process soap is an eco-friendly alternative to commercial soap. Many commercial soaps contain ingredients that can be harmful to the environment, as well as plastic packaging that ends up in landfills. Cold process soap, on the other hand, is made from planet-loving ingredients and can be packaged in recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials, such as paper and cardboard.
What are Some Misconceptions about Cold Process Soap?
As with any product, there are often misconceptions and myths surrounding cold-process soap that can mislead consumers. Here are some common misconceptions about cold process soap, and why they're not necessarily true:
Misconception: “There is still lye in the cold process soap”
How can something so caustic turn into something safe for our skin? If you are worried about using a product made with lye on your skin, no worries! There is no active lye in a finished bar of cold-process soap. All the lye has reacted with oils and fats to create a brand-new product, soap!
Misconception: "Cold process soap is drying to the skin"
While some people may assume that soap is inherently drying to the skin, cold-process soap is formulated to be gentle and nourishing. Unlike commercial soaps that can strip the skin of its natural oils, cold process soap contains glycerin, which is a natural humectant that helps draw moisture to your skin.
Misconception: "Cold process soap is too harsh for sensitive skin"
While it's true that some people with sensitive skin may have reactions to certain ingredients, cold-process soap can be an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. This is because cold-process soap is made from nourishing ingredients and does not have synthetic detergents and surfactants that can irritate the skin.
Misconception: "Cold process soap doesn't lather well"
Another common misconception is that cold-process soap doesn't produce a good lather. However, this is not necessarily true. While it's true that some cold process soaps may not produce as much lather as commercial soaps that contain synthetic foaming agents, a well-formulated cold process soap can produce a creamy, luxurious lather that is gentle on the skin.
Misconception: "Cold process soap doesn't last as long as commercial soap"
Some people may assume that because cold process soap is made from natural ingredients, it won't last as long as commercial soap. However, this is not necessarily true. A well-crafted cold-process soap can last just as long as commercial soap, if not longer, especially if it is allowed to dry between uses.
Conclusion
Ultimately, cold-process soap is a versatile and rewarding product that can provide a range of benefits for the skin and the environment. Not all cold-process soap is created equal and not all commercial soap is bad. As a fellow consumer myself, I have encountered a gaggle of soaps over the years. I started Soapyzen as another option for consumers who love their skin while creating a wonderfully nourishing bar of soap.
Soapyzen soaps are made with all good things. At Soapyzen, our attention to detail, and love for all people, and the planet are coupled with traditional small-batch techniques. So if you're looking for a soap that will leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and nourished, look no further than Soapyzen soaps.
