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How to make soap

Cold process, hot process, melt and pour, liquid soap, and the techniques that go with them.

Every method makes real soap. They differ in how much heat you add, how long you wait, and how much control you get over the result.

Core methods

A stack of three textured handmade soap bars rests on linen beside dried lavender sprigs.Core methodsCold process soapSwirled handmade soap in a pink silicone loaf mold rests on an open oven rack.Core methodsCPOP (oven process)An open glass jar filled with white cream sits beside a small wooden spoon on a countertop.Core methodsCream soapTwo textured bars of handmade soap are stacked on a wooden board beside dried lavender.Core methodsHot process soapA glass beaker filled with golden oil and a stirring rod on a wooden countertop.Core methodsLiquid soapTwo translucent amber soap bars rest on a wooden soap dish next to a lavender sprig.Core methodsMelt and pour soapA pile of grated soap shavings beside a metal box grater and a handmade soap bar.Core methodsRebatch and hand-milled soapTwo natural soap bars stacked next to a glass beaker of golden oil on a wooden countertop.Core methodsRoom temperature soapThree stacked handmade soap bars rest next to a glass bottle of oil on a wooden board.Core methodsSoap from scratchTwo handmade oatmeal soap bars sit on a wooden cutting board beside scattered oat flakes.Core methodsSoap without lye

Techniques

Two handmade soap bars with white, blue, green, and black layers on a wooden cutting board.TechniquesLayered soapA white soap loaf and two slices with embedded pink hearts on a wooden cutting board.TechniquesSoap embedsA bar of handmade soap stamped with a lavender sprig rests beside a clear acrylic stamp.TechniquesSoap stampingA handmade bar of soap with teal, pink, and yellow swirls sits on a wooden board.TechniquesSoap swirl techniques

Finishing

Six assorted handmade soap bars resting in a row on a wooden slatted drying rack.FinishingHow long to cure soapAssorted handmade soap bars displayed in a row inside a wooden crate on a shelf.FinishingStore cured soapGloved hands use a wire cutter to slice a block of handmade soap on a wooden board.FinishingUnmold and cut soapA handmade soap bar wrapped in brown paper with twine sits next to vintage brass scissors.FinishingWrap and package soap