Making soap is a simple, creative and rewarding activity that anyone can do – whether it’s for personal use or to create a one-of-a-kind gift. In this blog post, we’ll give you the basics of soap making so you can get started quickly and easily.
Soap masses
To make soap, you need the right soap mass that’s easy to use for beginners. Most soaps are made with a glycerine-based soap base, which is available in a range of different varieties:
- Transparent soap mass: Transparent soap paste can be used to make beautifully translucent soaps. Ideal for adding decorative elements and for achieving a clean colour result.
- White soap mass: Suitable for pastel shades and more traditional-looking soaps.
- Modelling soap mass: With a modelling soap mass, you can give your soap the shape you need and create unique works of art.
PS! You can use either a water bath or a microwave to melt the soap paste. Either method is easy, but be careful not to overheat the paste.
Soap moulds
Soap moulds can be used to create soaps of many different designs. Two types of soap moulds are available:
- Plastic moulds: Plastic moulds are easy to use and available in different sizes and shapes.
- Silicone moulds: Silicone moulds can be used to create soaps with more complex shapes.
PS! If the soap doesn’t seem to want to come out of the mould, put it in the freezer for a while.
Additives
The magic of soap-making lies in its personalisation possibilities. By making your own, you can create the colour and scent you want, and add special touches that make your soap a unique work of art.
- Soap colours: Depending on the amount of colour, you can create a variety of effects – from pastel to brightly coloured soaps.
- Dried plants: Dried lavender or rose petals both add beauty to the soap and help create a spa-worthy luxurious experience.
- Fragrances: You can add essential oils to your soap to give it a distinctive scent. When adding fragrance, remember that less is more – too much fragrance can become distracting.
- Foaming agent: If you use oils in your soap that reduce foam, a foaming agent will help to make the soap wonderfully lathery again.
- Skincare additives: It is also possible to add different skin care products when making the soap. Aloe vera extract, for example, is good for stressed, brittle or inflamed skin and has a firming and restorative effect. On the other hand, Calendula flower extract moisturises dry skin and can strengthen specific skin types.
PS! Additives should not be added to the soap in excess of 10% by weight to maintain the quality and ease of use of the soap.
Process of making soap from soap paste
Now that you know what materials you need, let’s go through the steps to make soap paste soap.
You need:
- Soap mass
- You need a water bath in which to melt the soap paste.
- Soap mould
- Selected colours, aromas and additives.
Steps:
- Melt the soap mass: Melt the soap mass in a water bath or microwave.
- Add colour and fragrance: Add the soap colour and fragrance to the liquid soap mix as desired. Remember not to overdo the colour and fragrance. Excessive amounts of colour can start to smear.
- Pour into the mould: Carefully pour the prepared soap mixture into the soap mould.
- Add additives: Additives can be added to the soap mass at specific stages according to your needs and purpose. Foaming agents should be mixed into the soap mix before pouring into the mould. Similarly, coffee grounds with exfoliating properties may be mixed into the soap mass before pouring. Dried flowers and plants can be placed in the soap dish before pouring, or pressed into the soap mixture after pouring.
- Let it set: Leave the soap mixture to dry until it has completely cooled and solidified.
- Remove from the mould: Carefully remove the soap from the soap mould. To make the process easier, you can put the soap in the freezer for a while.
Summary
Soap making is a great way to express your creativity and create practical yet unique products. Whether your goal is to pamper yourself or give a personalised gift, the soap-making process is enjoyable and accessible to everyone.
