How are handmade solid soaps made?
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Discover the world of artisanal soap
Today, more and more people are looking for natural, skin-friendly alternatives for their skincare routine. Among the products making a comeback, handmade soap is a must-have. Handmade with naturally sourced ingredients, it offers much more than just cleansing: it cares for your skin while respecting the environment. But what really differentiates handmade soap from industrial soap? Why has it become so popular in recent years? And most importantly, how is it made?
The history of soap dates back thousands of years. Used since ancient times, it was originally made from ash and animal fats. Over time, processes improved, and saponification became a true art. Today, artisan soapmakers favor quality vegetable oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, to create gentle and nourishing soaps. Unlike industrial soaps, which often contain harsh detergents, artisanal soap is formulated without controversial substances, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
A soap that respects your skin and the environment
One of the great advantages of handmade soap lies in its composition. It is made from natural ingredients and contains no chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or sulfates. What makes it so special is the glycerin it naturally contains. This moisturizing substance, produced during the saponification process, is often removed from industrial soaps to be sold to the cosmetics industry. In handmade soap, it is preserved, resulting in a product that not only cleanses, but also nourishes and protects the skin.
Beyond its benefits for the skin, handmade soap is also an eco-responsible choice. Unlike shower gels packaged in plastic, it is often sold in bulk or wrapped in recyclable paper. It does not contain microplastics and degrades naturally, without polluting water. In addition, it is made in small batches by passionate artisans, who select quality raw materials and respect traditional processes. Choosing handmade soap is therefore doing something good for both your skin and the planet.
Why this craze for artisanal soaps?
In recent years, there has been a real return to natural cosmetic products. Environmental awareness, combined with a growing distrust of the chemical ingredients of major brands, is pushing many people to seek healthier alternatives. Knowing exactly what a soap contains, how it is made, and who produced it provides transparency and unparalleled quality. In addition, artisan soapmakers are competing in creativity to offer soaps with a variety of textures and scents: relaxing lavender, invigorating citrus, detoxifying charcoal, soothing honey... There's something for everyone!
But beyond these aspects, handmade soap is also an invitation to take care of yourself differently. Using a natural product, without harmful additives, and feeling a delicate lather envelop your skin provides a unique feeling of well-being. It's a small daily ritual that transforms a simple moment of hygiene into a true sensory experience.
1. The essential ingredients of a handmade soap
When choosing a handmade soap , we are primarily opting for a natural and skin-friendly composition. Unlike industrial soaps, which are often full of preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and harsh surfactants, a handmade soap is based on pure, carefully selected ingredients. Each raw material plays a specific role in the texture, lather, and benefits of the soap.
In this section, we will discover the three fundamental pillars of a handmade soap : vegetable oils and butters, caustic soda and the natural additions that make each soap unique.
1.1 Vegetable oils and butters: the nourishing base
The heart of every handmade soap lies in a blend of plant oils and butters. These natural ingredients are carefully selected for their specific properties. Some oils provide softness, others promote a rich lather, while plant butters offer unparalleled richness and hydration.
Here are some essential oils in the manufacture of artisanal soaps:
- Olive oil : Very gentle and rich in antioxidants, it makes a moisturizing and protective soap, perfect for sensitive skin.
- Coconut oil : It provides a creamy lather and great softness, in addition to having antibacterial properties.
- Castor oil : A magical ingredient for a soap with restorative properties, which also promotes the production of a dense and creamy lather.
Vegetable butters, for their part, reinforce the nourishing effect of the soap:
- Shea butter : Known for its ultra-hydrating properties, it is ideal for dry and fragile skin.
- Cocoa butter : It adds hardness to the soap and leaves a protective film on the skin, perfect for winter.
🔎 A soap enriched with shea butter and olive oil will be ideal for dry and sensitive skin, providing intense nutrition while remaining gentle.
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1.2 Caustic soda: an essential element
Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide, is an ingredient that may seem ominous at first. However, it is essential in the saponification process. Without it, there would simply be no soap! Fortunately, once the chemical reaction is complete, there is no trace of soda left in the final product.
When lye is mixed with oils, a transformation occurs: saponification. The fatty substances are then transformed into soap and glycerin, a naturally moisturizing substance that protects the skin.
🔎 In the recipe for a gentle oatmeal soap, sweet almond oil and coconut oil are blended with caustic soda. After several weeks of drying, the result is a creamy and moisturizing soap, perfect for sensitive skin.
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1.3 Natural additions for a unique touch
Handmade soap isn't just about oils and lye. Many natural ingredients can be added to give it a color, scent, or specific skin benefits.
Here are some popular additions:
- Clays : White clay gently purifies, while green clay absorbs excess sebum.
- Essential oils : Soothing lavender, invigorating lemon, refreshing mint... Each oil brings a unique scent and benefits.
- Natural exfoliants : Ground coffee, poppy seeds or almond powder make for a gentle exfoliating soap.
- Dried flowers : Rose petals, lavender flowers or calendula add an aesthetic touch and soothing properties.
🔎 A lavender and white clay soap is perfect for sensitive skin. It gently cleanses and has a soothing scent that's perfect for a relaxing moment.
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The quality of a handmade soap depends on the choice of its ingredients. Vegetable oils and butters give it nourishing properties, lye allows it to be transformed into soap, and natural additives offer a unique touch of personalization. Thanks to this careful selection, each soap becomes a true skin treatment, tailored to your specific needs.
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2. Saponification: the alchemy of soap
Handmade soap isn't just a blend of oils and natural ingredients. Its secret lies in a fascinating chemical process called saponification . This transformation allows the oils and caustic soda to transform into a gentle, nourishing soap.
There are two main methods for making handmade soap : cold saponification , which preserves the benefits of the ingredients, and hot saponification , which allows for faster production. In both cases, a curing time is necessary to obtain a perfectly balanced soap. Let's dive into this magical world where chemistry and nature meet to create exceptional treatments!
2.1 Cold saponification: softness and preservation of benefits
Cold saponification is the method preferred by artisans keen to preserve all the properties of vegetable oils and butters. Unlike industrial soaps made at high temperatures, this technique involves mixing the oils and caustic soda at room temperature .
What are the advantages of this method?
✅ It preserves the vitamins and essential fatty acids of the oils.
✅ It allows you to obtain a soap naturally rich in glycerin , ideal for moisturizing the skin.
✅ It offers a creamy texture and a soft foam, perfect for all skin types.
🔎 A cold-processed argan oil soap retains all its antioxidant properties and its richness in vitamin E. The result: a nourishing soap that protects the skin from aging and gives it incomparable softness.
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2.2 Hot saponification: a faster alternative
Unlike cold process soap making, hot process soap making involves cooking the mixture . The process involves heating the soap paste for several hours, which speeds up the chemical reaction and allows the soap to be used almost immediately after making.
Why choose hot saponification?
✅ Soap is ready faster, ideal for faster production.
✅ It is more malleable , which allows the addition of ingredients after saponification, such as honey or milk.
✅ Its texture is slightly different , often creamier and more homogeneous .
🔎 A hot-process honey soap will have a softer texture and can be easily molded into unusual shapes. In addition, the honey added after cooking will retain all of its softening and skin-restoring properties.
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2.3 The cure time: patience and improvement
Once saponification is complete, the soap is not yet ready to be used. It must go through a crucial step: the curing time . This drying period allows the soap to harden, improve its texture and achieve an ideal pH for the skin.
Why is the cure essential?
✅ It removes excess moisture and allows the soap to become firmer .
✅ It balances the pH, ensuring a mild and non-irritating soap.
✅ It improves the quality of the foam and the life of the soap.
The duration of the cure varies depending on the type of soap, but it is generally between 4 and 6 weeks .
🔎 A sweet almond soap will need to dry for about 4 weeks to reveal its full softness on the skin. During this time, the oils and glycerin stabilize to provide a delicate and moisturizing lather.
💛 Be patient… or go straight for our ready-to-use TWENOW soaps!
The choice between cold and hot process soapmaking depends on individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a soap rich in benefits, cold process soapmaking is ideal. If you like malleable textures and want your soap to be ready quickly, hot process soapmaking is a good alternative. In any case, handmade soap needs time to cure to reveal its full quality.
3. Why choose a handmade soap rather than an industrial soap?
Choosing handmade soap over industrial soap isn't just a matter of preference. There are many benefits to this decision, both for your skin and the environment. Unlike industrial soaps, which often contain harsh chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances, handmade soaps are made with natural, skin-friendly ingredients.
But that's not all! Choosing handmade soap also helps reduce your environmental footprint and support the expertise of local artisans. Let's discover together why this choice makes all the difference!
3.1 A more natural and healthy composition
One of the great advantages of handmade soap is its minimalist and transparent composition. Unlike industrial soaps, which are often full of questionable additives, handmade soaps generally consist of a few natural ingredients with multiple benefits for the skin.
What do you find in industrial soap?
🚫 Harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can dry out and irritate the skin.
🚫 Preservatives such as paraben, suspected of being an endocrine disruptor.
🚫 Synthetic fragrances that can cause allergies and irritation.
Conversely, a handmade soap contains only beneficial ingredients, such as nourishing plant oils and moisturizing butters.
🔎 A handmade olive oil-based soap contains only three main ingredients: olive oil, water, and lye. In comparison, a commercial soap can contain up to 15 ingredients, including chemicals and artificial colors.
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3.2 Reduced ecological impact
In addition to being better for your skin, handmade soap is also a valuable ally for the environment. Unlike shower gels and industrial soaps, it generates little waste and limits plastic pollution.
Why is it more environmentally friendly?
🌱 It is often sold without plastic packaging or with minimal, biodegradable packaging.
🌱 It lasts longer than bottled shower gel, reducing overall consumption.
🌱 It is generally made locally and artisanally, thus limiting the carbon footprint linked to transport and industrial production.
🔎 A single bar of soap is equivalent to two to three plastic bottles of shower gel . By switching to handmade soap , you significantly reduce your plastic consumption and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
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3.3 A unique sensory experience
Beyond its benefits for skin and the environment, handmade soap transforms your skincare routine into a truly pleasurable experience. With its rich textures, natural scents, and creamy lather, it provides an incomparable sensory experience.
Why is it more pleasant to use?
✨ Essential oils offer delicate and natural fragrances, far from the artificial scents of industrial soaps.
✨ Textures vary depending on the composition: creamy , exfoliating, nourishing ... to adapt to each need.
✨ The foam is often softer and creamier, making it even more pleasant to use .
🔎 An exfoliating coffee soap offers an invigorating experience to start the day. Coffee beans gently exfoliate the skin while stimulating blood circulation, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized.
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Choosing a handmade soap means choosing a product that's kinder to your skin and the environment. Its natural composition avoids the controversial substances found in industrial soaps, while offering a unique sensory experience thanks to essential oils and vegetable butters. In addition, it helps reduce plastic waste and supports the expertise of local artisans.
🌿 Ready to switch to a natural and ethical soap? Discover our range and choose well-being!
4. Making your own soap: is it possible?
With the rise of homemade and zero-waste soaps, many people are wondering if it's possible to make handmade soap at home. The answer is yes! However, it's essential to do your research before you start to avoid mistakes and ensure the results meet your expectations.
Making your own handmade soap at home allows you to choose your own ingredients, tailor the recipe to your skin type, and avoid the harsh chemicals often found in commercial soaps. But before you get started, you'll need a few tools, a simple recipe, and some safety precautions.
4.1 Basic material to get started
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to invest in expensive equipment to make handmade soap at home. A few kitchen tools are all you need to get started!
🛠️ The essentials for making your own soap :
✅ A kitchen scale to precisely weigh ingredients
✅ A silicone or wooden mold to shape the soap
✅ A spatula and an immersion blender to mix the dough
✅ A saucepan and a glass container for handling the soda
✅ Gloves and protective goggles to avoid splashes
🔎 With a silicone mold and a simple saucepan, you can easily make your first homemade soap. Simply weigh the ingredients, mix them, and pour them into the mold before letting them harden.
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4.2 An easy recipe to try
If you're just starting out, it's recommended to start with a simple recipe that requires only a few basic ingredients. Homemade soap can be made with just olive oil, coconut oil, lye, and water .
🧼 Ultra simple homemade soap recipe :
🥄 70% olive oil
🥄 30% coconut oil
🥄 Caustic soda (calculated with a saponification calculator)
🥄 A little water
✅ Step 1: Gently mix the soda into the water and let it cool.
✅ Step 2: Heat the oils slightly then pour them into the soda.
✅ Step 3: Mix until you get a thick creamy texture.
✅ Step 4: Pour into a mold and let stand for 24 to 48 hours before unmolding .
✅ Step 5: Let the soap dry for 4 to 6 weeks before use (cure).
🔎 Concrete example : By mixing 70% olive oil and 30% coconut oil , you obtain a gentle and foaming soap, ideal for the whole family.
💛 Discover our soaps with TWENOW artisanal recipes!
4.3 Precautions to take
Making homemade soap is an exciting activity, but it requires safety precautions. Caustic soda, essential for saponification, is a corrosive product that must be handled with care.
⚠️ Essential safety rules :
🔹 Always wear gloves and protective goggles to avoid splashes.
🔹 Work in a well -ventilated area to avoid inhaling soda fumes.
🔹 Use dedicated utensils and do not mix with those used for cooking.
🔹 Never pour water into soda , but always the other way around to avoid violent reactions.
🔎 To avoid any risk of accident, it is advisable to pour the soda slowly into the water and not the other way around . A chemical reaction occurs immediately, generating heat and vapors that should not be inhaled.
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Making your own handmade soap is a rewarding and enriching experience. With a few simple tools, a carefully measured recipe, and the right precautions, it's entirely possible to create a natural soap tailored to your needs. However, if you're short on time or prefer a ready-made product, TWENOW handmade soaps are here to offer you the best of handmade soap !
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Handmade soap, a natural and responsible choice
Throughout this article, we explored the fascinating world of handmade soap , from its manufacturing to its many benefits for the skin and the environment. Unlike industrial soaps filled with chemicals, handmade soap is a true invitation to take care of yourself with natural and healthy ingredients.
Whether it's thanks to the precious vegetable oils it contains, the manufacturing methods that preserve their benefits, or its reduced ecological impact, handmade soap is now a must-have alternative. But why should you make this choice for your beauty routine?
A soap that respects your skin
One of the main advantages of handmade soap is undoubtedly its natural composition. Unlike often harsh shower gels and industrial soaps, it is made from nourishing plant oils and butters that care for your skin.
🔎 Concrete example : A cold-process soap made with sweet almond oil moisturizes and soothes sensitive skin, whereas a classic industrial soap can cause tightness and irritation.
If you're looking for a gentle, skin-friendly product, then choosing a handmade soap is a no-brainer . It provides an immediate sense of comfort and is suitable for even the most delicate skin.
💛 Give your skin the best with our natural soaps and discover our TWENOW collection!
An eco-responsible gesture
Choosing handmade soap also means making a positive contribution to the environment. Unlike shower gels packaged in plastic and often produced through polluting industrial processes, handmade soaps favor a zero-waste approach.
🌿 Why is solid soap more eco-friendly?
✅ Less plastic packaging , often replaced by biodegradable packaging
✅ A longer lifespan , thus limiting overconsumption
✅ Natural and biodegradable ingredients that do not pollute water
🔎 Concrete example : By using solid soap instead of bottled shower gel, you save on average 2 to 3 plastic packages per year . A small gesture which, multiplied on a large scale, can make a huge difference for the planet.
💛 Go zero waste today with our sustainable handmade soaps!
An incomparable sensory pleasure
Beyond its benefits for the skin and its positive impact on the environment, handmade soap transforms every shower into a unique experience. Thanks to the essential oils and natural ingredients it contains, it offers a creamy lather and authentic scents, far from the artificial fragrances of traditional soaps.
🔎 Concrete example : An exfoliating coffee grounds soap gently wakes you up thanks to its natural exfoliating effect and invigorating scent. Perfect for starting the day off right!
Each soap has its own identity, offering varied textures, nourishing or exfoliating effects and natural fragrances that provide a real feeling of well-being.
💛 Want to rediscover the pleasure of natural soap? Fall for our artisanal creations!
Switch to handmade soap today!
In short, choosing a handmade soap means choosing well-being, respect for your skin and nature. Its authentic manufacturing, its caring composition and its ecological impact make it a great ally for your beauty routine.
Still hesitant? Try it for yourself and feel the difference! Our soaps are carefully crafted to offer the best for your skin while respecting our planet.
🌿 Take the first step towards a more natural routine and discover our artisanal range!