Cold process soap making is a demanding artisanal method. It produces softer, purer, and more durable soaps that are kind to your skin, the ingredients they contain, and the environment. At Domaine Singulier, we've chosen cold process soap making and selected an excellent master soap maker based in the Southwest of France.
What is cold saponification?
Cold saponification is a natural chemical reaction between a fatty substance (usually an oil or vegetable oils) and a strong base (soda ash for solid soaps). This reaction produces soap and another valuable compound: glycerin.
A gentle and unspoiled method. Cold saponification involves mixing pre-selected oils or butter with lye at room temperature, without cooking or external heating. Unlike industrial methods, there is no attempt to speed up the process: 🕰️ the reaction occurs slowly and naturally. 🌱 The ingredients retain all their properties (fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, etc.) 💧 The glycerin formed during the chemical reaction is preserved, making the soap naturally soft, silky, and moisturizing.
Its great advantages. Cold saponified soap is Gentle on the skin because it is rich in vegetable glycerin, superfatted and non-drying. It is environmentally friendly, as no cooking is necessary and its formula is biodegradable. It does not require preservatives .
The 4 stages of cold saponification.
1. Define the formula, the ingredients according to the desired benefit. Calculate the exact proportion of each ingredient (oils, water, soda, perfume concentrate if necessary). This step is essential and requires know-how and rigor. Dozens of tests can take place to find the right recipe. 2. Cold mixing (see photo). The paste is obtained at low temperature, without cooking. 3. Pouring and cutting. The paste is poured into molds then cut by hand according to the weight and the chosen shape (rectangle or square). 4. Cure: the soap is left to rest for 4 to 6 weeks, to dry naturally in the open air and complete its saponification.
Lye (sodium hydroxide) is an essential ingredient in making solid soap. It is what enables the chemical reaction of saponification: without lye, no soap. During saponification, the lye reacts completely with the fatty substances. The reaction gives rise to two elements: soap and vegetable glycerin. The final soap no longer contains free lye, but only the benefits of the transformed oils and an excess of untransformed oils (this is called superfatted soap).
At Domaine Singulier, we have added a 5th and final step, that of rounding the corners of the soap in order to give it a beautiful finish, a process also done by hand (see photo).
Each formula is tested, traced and subject to European cosmetic regulation EC n°1223/2009.
Savon de Belle Façon is an exceptional cold saponified soap.
- its formula is 100% of natural origin
- Its formula contains only high-quality oils and shea butter, all of organic origin, including hemp oil harvested in France and sweet almond oil harvested in Spain.
- its natural fragrance is a composition not a simple blend of essential oils for a delicate olfactory rendering
- its sensoriality is exceptional (smoothness, softness of its texture and its foam)
- the skin after use is clean and very soft, without any greasy effect
Frequently asked questions.
Is cold-process soap hygienic? Yes, it cleans effectively and prevents microbial growth thanks to its naturally basic pH. The WHO dispelled some misconceptions during the pandemic by demonstrating that solid soap was just as hygienic as liquid soap.
Are all solid soaps cold-processed? No, the majority of commercially available soaps are cooked, rewashed, industrial, or made from ready-made bases.
What about soda, isn't there a risk for the skin? The soda, when dosed correctly, disappears completely at the end of the chemical reaction, leaving only the oils and vegetable glycerin. Cold saponification of course requires know-how and mastery, hence the importance of not choosing just any cold saponified soap.... If you notice that the soap is hard, dry, has a pungent odor, is covered with a white powder, avoid using it, it could have an excess of soda. This is very rare of course!
Does cold-process soap lather well? Yes, if it's well-formulated, like our Beautifully Made Soap. While it may lather less than industrial soaps, its lather is fine, silky, and dense, perfect for effective, gentle, and sensory cleansing.