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| My soap is made by a technique called “cold process”. Oils (I always use
pure food grade oils) are combined with goat milk (sometimes water) and sodium hydroxide
(the alkali). This mixture is stirred until it “traces” or thickens. The mixture
is then poured into molds and wrapped in quilts to insulate and left to rest for 24 hours.
During this time, the mixture heats up, then cools down again. When it has cooled
completely, saponification (the process by which the vegetable fats and the alkali base
chemically combine to form “soap”) has taken place and the soap is no longer
caustic or harsh. The alkali that is used in soapmaking chemically combines with oils and
fats during saponification and is no longer present in the finished, cured product. Some
soaps may have infusions in them which mean that herbs are soaked in oils and left to sit
for a few weeks. These oils are then strained and used in my soaps benefiting from the
qualities of the herbs. The soap is turned out of the molds, handcut into bars, and
allowed to sit uncovered for at least 3-4 weeks to “cure”. This curing period
allows the soap to harden and become useable. The bars are then used by friends, family
and myself for testing.
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