{"id":43,"date":"2023-09-04T17:50:57","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T17:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soapmakingfriend.com\/magazine\/?p=43"},"modified":"2023-12-29T10:01:28","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T10:01:28","slug":"how-to-make-soap-101-homemade-soap-making-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.soapmakingfriend.com\/magazine\/how-to-make-soap-101-homemade-soap-making-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Soap 101 – Homemade Soap Making for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Image from Momma Hoot<\/a><\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons people may want to learn how to make soap. While some choose to do so simply because it\u2019s a fun and satisfying hobby, many people start making their own soaps to avoid undesired ingredients such as fragrances and synthetic detergents. Most commercial \u201csoaps\u201d are not 100% soap\u2014they are detergent-based and have their natural glycerin removed, often labeled as beauty bars, cleansing bars, or face bars. Glycerin is a skin-loving ingredient, but it is removed from commercial soaps to increase shelf life and to be sold separately for lotion and skincare products. When you make your own soap, not only can you choose your preferred ingredients, but the glycerin in your soap remains intact. Some hobby soap makers opt to incorporate homegrown ingredients like lard or tallow, aloe vera gel, herbs, and liquids like goat’s or cow\u2019s milk. You might decide to create organic or vegan soaps. Making your own soap allows YOU to select ingredients that suit you and your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While everyone seems to be familiar with what soap is, it does have a scientific definition. Essentially, soap is the salt of a fatty acid. From a chemical standpoint, “salt” refers to the substance formed through the interaction of an acid and a base. In soapmaking, the acid is a fatty acid (like olive oil) that combines with lye (usually sodium hydroxide) in a process known as saponification. Saponification is the reaction that converts oils\/fats into soap through the interaction with lye dissolved in water. Although lye can be dangerous to use, and precautions must be taken to make soap safely, it is a necessary component in soapmaking. Contrary to some misconceptions, proper soapmaking ensures no lye remains in the finished product, as it is completely consumed in the saponification process, resulting in an entirely new substance: soap!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soapmaking Preparation for Beginners (Collect your supplies)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n