Cold Process Soap
When you’re choosing a handmade soap, the method used to make it truly matters. One of the highest-quality methods available is cold process soap making, and understanding why can help you make a better choice for your skin.
What Is Cold Process Soap?
Cold process soap is made by combining oils and butters with a lye solution (sodium hydroxide). This creates a natural chemical reaction called saponification, which transforms the oils into soap and produces glycerin — a powerful, skin-loving moisturiser — right inside the bar.
During this reaction, the sodium hydroxide is completely transformed. When the recipe is formulated and fully cured, no sodium hydroxide (lye) remains in the finished soap. It is fully converted into soap and glycerin. What you’re left with is a gentle cleansing bar.
After it’s poured into moulds, the soap slowly cures for several weeks. This curing time creates a beautiful mild bar.
Why Cold Process Soap Is Better for Your Skin
1. Naturally Moisturising
During cold process soap making, glycerin is created and remains in the bar. Glycerin draws moisture to your skin, helping it feel soft rather than tight or dry.
Many commercial soaps — including many milled soaps — remove glycerin to sell separately for use in lotions and creams. Cold process soap keeps this natural moisturiser exactly where it belongs: in the bar you use every day.
2. No Harsh Detergents
Many store-bought “soaps” are technically detergent bars. They can contain synthetic foaming agents and fillers that may strip the skin.
Cold process soap is made from real oils and butters that have been transformed into soap. The cleansing comes from natural fatty acids, not synthetic surfactants. The result is a clean feeling without over-drying.
3. Rich in Skin-Loving Oils and Butters
Because the maker controls every ingredient, cold process soaps contain nourishing ingredients such as:
- Olive oil for gentleness
- Shea butter for conditioning
- Coconut oil for cleansing and lather
These ingredients remain part of the final bar, creating a balanced cleanse that supports healthy skin.
Cold Process vs Milled (Triple Milled) Soap
Milled soap — often called triple-milled — is soap that has been processed multiple times through heavy rollers to create a very hard, uniform bar. While milled soaps can last a long time and have a smooth finish, the process often involves:
- Removing natural glycerin
- Adding synthetic fragrance and stabilisers
- Reworking the soap to create uniformity
This results in a firm, long-lasting bar — but sometimes at the expense of natural moisturising properties.
In contrast, cold process soap:
- Retains its naturally formed glycerin
- Contains no remaining lye in the finished bar
- Is handcrafted in small batches
- Preserves the integrity of its oils
- Offers a more nourishing cleanse
While milled soap focuses on consistency and shelf life, cold process soap focuses on skin benefits and ingredient quality.
Artisan Quality You Can Feel
Cold process soap is carefully formulated and cured for 4–6 weeks. During this time, excess water evaporates and the bar becomes milder and longer-lasting. This slow process creates:
- A creamy, luxurious lather
- A balanced cleanse
- A gentle feel on the skin
It’s not rushed. It’s crafted.
Why It Matters for You
When you choose cold process soap, you’re choosing:
- Naturally retained moisture
- High-quality oils and butters
- A gentle, skin-supportive cleanse
- A handcrafted product made with intention
If you’ve ever felt tightness or dryness after using commercial or milled soap, cold process may feel noticeably different — softer, creamier, and more conditioning.
The Bottom Line
Not all soaps are created the same. Cold process soap is made slowly, thoughtfully, and with your skin in mind.
For customers who care about ingredient integrity, skin comfort, and artisan quality, cold process soap truly stands above the rest.