Creating soap from oils and lye
What is Soap Making?
Soap making is the craft of creating cleansing bars or liquids by combining oils or fats with an alkali (usually lye) through a chemical process called saponification. You can make soap using various methods, including cold process, hot process, and melt-and-pour.
This hobby blends science, artistry, and practicality. Makers can control the ingredients, colors, scents, and textures to create products that are both functional and beautiful.
Why Try Soap Making?
Soap making offers creative freedom while producing something useful for daily life. You can customize recipes to suit your skin type, use natural additives, and experiment with scents and designs.
It’s also a sustainable hobby—you can avoid excess packaging, reduce chemical additives, and even use leftover kitchen oils. Finished soaps make thoughtful gifts and can be sold at markets.
Who Will Enjoy It
Soap making is perfect for:
- Creative crafters
- People interested in natural skincare
- DIY enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting
- Small business hopefuls looking for handmade products to sell
It’s well-suited for patient individuals who enjoy both precision and artistic design.
How to Get Started
Choose a beginner-friendly method like melt-and-pour if you want quick results, or try cold process to fully customize your soap from scratch. Gather oils, lye, molds, and safety gear.
Always follow safety protocols when handling lye—wear gloves, goggles, and work in a ventilated space. Use a digital scale to measure ingredients accurately, and keep detailed notes on your recipes.
Essential Gear & Materials
- Digital Scale – Ensures precise measurements.
- Heat-Safe Mixing Bowls – For combining oils and lye solution.
- Stick Blender – Speeds up the saponification process.
- Soap Molds – Shapes and holds the soap as it cures.
- Safety Gear – Gloves and goggles for lye handling.
Books & Learning Resources
- Soap Crafting by Anne-Marie Faiola – Recipes and design techniques.
- The Natural Soap Making Book for Beginners by Kelly Cable – Simple, safe recipes.
- LovinSoap.com – Tutorials and recipes.
- YouTube: Royalty Soaps, Soap Queen – Step-by-step visual guides.
Tips for Success
- Always add lye to water, never water to lye.
- Keep your workspace organized to avoid mistakes.
- Start with simple recipes before attempting complex designs.
- Track curing times—most soaps need 4–6 weeks to fully harden.
- Store finished bars in a dry, well-ventilated space.
Communities & Events
- r/Soapmaking – Advice, recipes, and inspiration.
- Local craft groups – Share techniques and swap recipes.
- Farmers’ markets – Great for selling handmade soaps.
- Soap making conferences – Learn from experienced artisans.
Related Hobbies
- Candle Making – Another craft using molds, scents, and colors.
- Herbalism – Adding natural botanicals to soaps.
- Cosmetics Formulation – Making lotions, balms, and scrubs.
- Aromatherapy – Using essential oils for scent and wellness.
- Bath Bomb Making – Another fun bath product to create.