Teach Soap

Hi everyone

Can someone tell me the big differences between hot and cold process soap? I am making cold process and finding the cure time a drag I want to try my 2 new...only 2..creations

What method is preferered?

_________________
www.fostersfields.ca
https://www.facebook.com/FostersFields

I think mostly it is a personal preference. The shorter cure time is nice for sure, and the method is really simple. It's easy to identify problems in your batch and correct them as it's "cooking", and also to kind of choose superfatting oils. You also don't have to be as mindful of temperatures. You might not get as smooth of an appearance in your finished soap (but the rustic look can be nice too!), and coloring can be a bit trickier, as well as there are some ingredients that might not work as well in HP. You'll want to choose FO's with higher flashpoints so the fragrance doesn't burn off, or at least let your mixture cool down accordingly before adding FO. Overall I really enjoy HP. Once you feel ready, having weighed out the pros and cons from your own POV, give it a try, I think you'll like it!

Here is a great post from Lovin Soap, she has a short series on HP (two or three posts), from which I learned a good bit. (Also try "The Everything Soapmaking Book," I can't say enough good things about it!) There is a blog called Chickens in the Road where I found some of my favorite HP recipes also, quite simple and very nice soaps.



Hope that helped!

_________________
Laura<3

It's what works for you. Technically, HP soap can be used as soon as it's cooked, but it might be drying. Handmade soap becomes a milder soap as it cures. There is no shortcut. Both need at least 4 weeks. They will become harder, more water will evaporate and they will last longer in the shower.

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.