The history of soap dates back to the Babylon period. Archaeologists found soap-like materials during evacuations. Soap got its name from Mount Sapo an ancient Roman legend. Later, soap-making became an art in France, Italy, and Spain.
Cleansing every day has been in practice since ancient times. The act of cleansing which was once for hygiene is now promoted for skincare. Soap is a commonly used skin cleansing agent. They have evolved with many changes and varieties.

Cold processed soaps can be traced back to ancient day soaps which were made of animal or plant fat and natural ingredients.

Cold processed soap:

People always tend to misinterpret between the terms cold processed and cold pressed, though both are related some way or the other.

In this blog, let’s get the clear idea about cold process and cold press in crisp. The basics, the general making and the benefits of cold processed are also discussed in brief and to the point.

What exactly is Cold-Pressed Soap?

“Cold press” refers to a method of extracting oils from seeds, nuts or other plant material used to produce essential oils. Cold pressed oils are extracted without the use of added heat. These essential oils are often valued in soap making for their retained properties and nutrition.
Colloquially, a soap made from cold pressed oil is called cold pressed soap. But in real, they are called Cold processed soaps.

The Basics of Cold Process Soap Making:

Cold-processed soap making is a method of which involves mixing of -oils and fats with lye solution to create soap through a natural saponification process. This process does not involve external heat to speed up the saponification process.
Simply put, it refers to the method of making soaps with essential oils at room temperature, allowing it to cure over time.

Making of cold-processed soaps:

Here is your little secret to the perfect handmade cold processed soap. These are crafted with naturally available ingredients for a better skin and for what your skin deserves. With many options in market, consider cold pressed soap if you start preferring best customised cleansers for your skin.

Procedure:

1. The step by step process for different recipes may vary and this is a basic recipe.
2. Measure and weigh the oil, lye and water according to your recipe and get them ready. Use a lye calculator to know the ratios to be used.
3. Safety first! Wear your safety gear when working with lye. Use googles and gloves as a minimal safety gear. Work in a well ventilated space.
4. Slowly add the lye to water or milk. Always add lye to the liquids and not liquids to lye. It gets heated up quickly and emit fumes which can harm you.
5. Stir it until it dissolves and allow it to cool.
6. Meanwhile when the lye is cooling, measure the oils or butter. Heat the oils or butter to a liquid state by double boiling method.
7. Combine oils and lye. Pour the lye to the oil and keep stirring.
8. Trace the mixture. Trace is the point when lye and oils are emulsified. There should be no streaks of oil and the soap should have the consistency of the batter.
9. Add additives if desired. Additives can be used for fragrance, colour and exfoliant.
10. Carefully pour the mixture into a mold. Wrap it with a towel to keep the heat. Set it aside until it is completely cooled.
11. Once cured, remove the soap bar from the mold and cut into bars. Let them cure in open air, for a month before using them.

For further recipes and making of our soaps, follow our blogs on INRIA.

Benefits of Cold-pressed Soaps

Cold pressed soaps have become popular among the soap makers and users. The benefits of handmade cold processed soaps can vary depending on the specific oils, additives used in it. It is advisable to choose a soap according to your need and skin issues. But, there do exist common benefits for the handmade cold pressed soaps.

The common benefits:

1. They use cold-pressed oils from plants which helps in retaining the natural benefits of the oils.
2. Soaps can be customised by selecting specific oils, add-on fragrances, colours, and exfoliants for different skin types and preferences.
3. They contain Glycerin which is a natural byproduct of the saponification process. This helps the skin maintain the moisture.
4. The slow curing process allows the soap to become less alkaline. This makes it mild and gentle on the skin. It proves to be suitable even for sensitive skin.
5. The slow curing time helps in creating designs, making it look aesthetic.
6.  They are environmentally friendly. No artificial chemicals are used in it.
7. They form a rich lather, providing a satisfying cleanse.
8. Cold-processed soap-making give us more control over quality.

FAQ:

1. How to use cold processed soap?
It is a straightforward process.

• Wet your hands and the soap.
• Lather the soap.
• Gently cleanse after applying the lather. It helps in removing dirt, oil and impurities.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
• Moisturiser is optional.
• Dry the soap for a long-lasting soap.

2. Is cold-processed soap safe?
It’s an obvious answer, ‘Yes’. They are made from natural ingredients and do not contain artificial chemicals. It is long lasting as it is not prone to heat and chemicals.

3. Is cold-processed soap good for your skin?
Apparently, Yes. Natural cold processed soap contains much higher oil and fat content, meaning they are more moisturising. It may be used to cure skin diseases like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema due to their moisturising property.