Basic Cold-Process Soap Formulation

This basic cold-process soap formulation is a starting point for makers. Always add lye to water (never the reverse) and wear full PPE – see our sodium hydroxide safety guide.

Steps

1. Weigh all materials precisely on a digital scale.
2. Slowly add the sodium hydroxide to cold water (never water to lye) and stir; the solution heats up. Let it cool to ~40 °C.
3. Warm the oils to ~40 °C.
4. Combine the lye solution and oils; blend to “trace”.
5. Add glycerine and fragrance, pour into a mould.
6. Cover, insulate 24 hours, unmould, then cure 4-6 weeks.