What is cold process soap, then, and why is it thought to be one of the best ways to make soap for your skin? Let's get started.
What is the Cold Process?
Traditionally, the cold process of soap-making involves mixing oils, lye (sodium hydroxide), and water at room temperature, allowing them to undergo a chemical reaction known as saponification naturally. This reaction transforms the ingredients into soap and glycerin over time. Unlike the hot process, which involves heating the ingredients to accelerate saponification, the cold process relies on the slow, natural curing of the soap.
Key Characteristics:
- Handmade in small batches
- Long cure time (4–6 weeks)
- Fully customizable ingredients
- Rich in natural glycerin
- No synthetic detergents or hardeners
Cold Process vs. Hot Process vs. Melt and Pour: What's the Difference?
| Method | Heat Involved? | Cure Time | Customization | Texture/Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Process | ❌ No heat | ✅ 4–6 weeks | ⭐⭐ Full control | Smooth, artisan look |
| Hot Process | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Minimal | ⭐⭐ Moderate | Rustic, chunky feel |
| Melt and Pour | ❌ (Premade base) | ❌ Ready immediately | ⭐ Low | Clear or decorative |
Cold process is ideal for those who value clean, handcrafted, and fully customizable skincare products.
Popular Ingredients in Cold Process Soap
Cold process soap can be personalized with a wide variety of skin-loving natural ingredients. Here are some of the most commonly used:
| Ingredient Type | Examples & Benefits |
|---|---|
| Base Oils | Olive (moisturizing), Coconut (cleansing), Castor (lather) |
| Butters | Shea, Cocoa, Mango – for added nourishment |
| Essential Oils | Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint – natural scent and benefits |
| Colorants | Clays (pink, green), Charcoal, Spirulina – gentle and natural |
| Exfoliants | Oatmeal, Coffee Grounds, Sea Salt – for scrubbing effect |
Benefits of the Cold Process:
Preservation of Beneficial Ingredients:
One of the primary advantages of the cold process is the preservation of beneficial oils and additives. Because heat isn't applied during the soap-making process, delicate oils and fragrances remain intact, ensuring that the final product retains its nourishing properties. Natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils can be incorporated at their optimal potency, offering moisturizing, soothing, and aromatic benefits to the skin.
Customization:
The cold process allows for greater control over the soap's composition, making it highly customizable. Crafters can tailor recipes to suit specific skin types, preferences, and therapeutic needs. Whether it's creating a luxurious moisturizing bar for dry skin or a gentle exfoliating soap for sensitive skin, the cold process offers endless possibilities for formulation.
Superior Texture and Lather:
Cold-process soap tends to have a smoother, creamier texture compared to soaps made using the hot-process method. The slow curing time allows for the formation of smaller soap crystals, resulting in a lather that feels luxurious and gentle on the skin. This creamy lather not only cleanses effectively but also leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Environmental Sustainability:
From an environmental perspective, the cold process is advantageous. Because it doesn't require energy-intensive heating, it's considered a more sustainable method of soap making. Crafters can utilize natural, biodegradable ingredients and minimize their carbon footprint while producing high-quality, artisanal soaps.
Steps to Cold Process Soap Making
Warning! This process involves handling lye which is a very toxic and dangerous substance. It can burn skin, damage eyes, and release fumes that when mixed with water can burn and seriously damage your lungs and throat. We highly recommend that the first time you do this process, you do it in a supervised setting, such as our Cold Process Soap Making workshop.
1. Mix the lye, leave to cool down
2. Melt the solid oils/butter
3. Add liquid oils to melted oils
4. When the temperature of lye and oils is around 40°C, pour the lye into the oils and stir with your spatula
5. Once the liquid thickens, add botanicals and essential oils
6. Pour the soap mixture into the mold
7. Insulate with a towel/blanket
8. Leave it for 2 days
9. Demould and cut
10. Leave to cure for 4 weeks
11. Check the pH with pH strips – the pH should be between 7 and 10
12. Use your soap
The soap must cool down very slowly, to ensure that there is an even cure all through.
This is the reason this method can't be used to pour into small individual molds as they cool too quickly.
Want to Start Your Own Cold Process Soap Brand?
You're in the perfect place if you want to make your own line of cold process soap and are inspired by the benefits.
Poleview Biotech is a top Chinese OEM/ODM handmade soap manufacturer. They offer:
✅ Custom cold process formulae made with high-quality natural ingredients
✅ Low minimum order quantity for new businesses and small brands
✅Private label and eco-friendly packaging alternatives Following EU and US rules for cosmetics
✅Support for everything from making the product to shipping it
Poleview Biotech can help you start your own line of natural soaps, whether you sell on Amazon, own a salon, are an influencer, or run a wellness company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Process Soap
Q: Is soap made using cold process better than soap from the store?
A: Yes. It usually doesn't include harsh detergents, is more moisturising, and is made with natural substances.
Q: Is it okay to use cold process soap every day?
A: Yes, of course. Most cold process soaps are gentle enough to use every day, even on skin that is sensitive.
Q: What is the purpose of curing cold process soap?
A: The curing process makes the bar tougher and lasts longer by letting water drain. It also makes sure that all of the saponification happens.
Q: Does soap made with cold process go bad?
A: If you keep it correctly in a cold, dry environment, it can last for 12 to 24 months. The soap will still work even if the scent fades.
