{"id":137219,"date":"2022-12-15T11:40:34","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T11:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schoolofnaturalskincare.com\/?p=137219"},"modified":"2024-10-17T03:25:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T03:25:24","slug":"cold-process-vs-hot-process-soap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schoolofnaturalskincare.com\/cold-process-vs-hot-process-soap\/","title":{"rendered":"Cold process vs hot process soap: A quick guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are two main methods of soap making: cold process (CP), and hot process (HP). So what is the difference between cold process vs hot process soap? And which should you make? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold process vs hot process soap<\/b><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Both cold process and hot process soap bars are produced via a chemical process called saponification, a reaction between triglyceride and lye. This creates glycerin (glycerol), and a salt of fatty acids, which is soap.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both types of soap can be made from different fats (for example, plant oil, plant butter or animal fat) and a strong alkali, also called \u2018lye\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, the main difference between cold process vs hot process soap is that hot process soap is made at higher temperatures than cold process soap. Cold process soap is made at relatively low temperatures (usually 30-50\u00b0C), while hot process soap is made at higher temperatures (usually 50-100\u00b0C). This affects the soap making method as well as the properties of the finished soap.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cold<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Key differences between cold process vs hot process soap making <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of the key difference between the two types of soap making are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/b>1. Temperature <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold process soap is made at relatively low temperatures (usually 30-50\u00b0C), while hot process soap (as the name suggests)\u00a0 is made at higher temperatures (usually 50-100\u00b0C).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Saponification <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In hot process soap making the saponification happens during the soap making process while the soap is \u2018cooking\u2019 in a slow cooker. In cold process soap, saponification occurs in the mold. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Equipment<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold process and hot process soap making use the same basic equipment \u2013 lye-safe containers, stick (immersion) blender, whisk, spatula, thermometer, soap mold. One key difference is that in hot process soap making a slow cooker (or crock pot) is very helpful. This is used to \u2018cook\u2019 the oil mixture while it saponifies. Using a slow cooker\/crock pot ensures the soap mixture does not overheat and that the temperature remains fairly constant.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Post-cook superfat<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Superfat is \u2018extra fat\u2019 that does not react with the lye and turn into soap. It is a portion of fat (oils, butters) that is added to make the finished bars more nourishing. In hot process soap the superfat is added after the saponification is complete, which means you can control which oil or butter is your \u2018superfat\u2019 and therefore the extra nourishing properties your soap will have. In cold process soap making, the superfat is made of all of the oils in the recipe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Time to make<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In hot process soap making, especially if working at high temperatures, the whole process can be very quick, even 30 minutes from start to finish. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Cure time<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In cold process soap making you need to wait four to six weeks for your soap to cure before you can use it. Hot process soap bars can be used straight away since the saponification is finished before the soap is poured into the mold. However, a couple of weeks of cure time will still benefit the soap.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Skill level<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/b>Beginners should start by making cold process soap. To ensure you make soap correctly and safely we recommend taking a detailed and reliable class such as the School of Natural Skincare’s Diploma in Soap Making<\/a> or Certificate in Cold Process Soap Making<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it takes place at higher temperatures, hot process soap making requires more skill and should only be carried out once you are comfortable with cold process soap making. Make sure you follow a comprehensive and reliable guide, such as our Hot Process soap making class which you’ll find in the 3rd part of our Diploma in Soap Making<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cold<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At a glance: Cold process vs hot process soap<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
 <\/td>Cold process<\/b><\/td>Hot process<\/b><\/td><\/tr>
Skill level<\/b><\/td>Suitable for beginners<\/span><\/td>Suitable for those experienced in cold process soap making<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Temperature<\/b><\/td>Made at 30-50\u00b0C<\/span><\/td>Made at 50-100\u00b0C<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Equipment<\/b><\/td>Lye-safe containers, stick (immersion) blender, whisk, spatula, thermometer, soap mold, safety equipment (rubber gloves, protective clothing, goggles)<\/span><\/td>The same as cold process, plus a slow cooker\/crock pot<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Saponification<\/b><\/td>Occurs in the mold<\/span><\/td>Occurs during the cooking stage<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Post-cook superfat<\/b><\/td>Superfat is made of all of the oils in the recipe<\/span><\/td>We can control which oils are added as the superfat oils<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Unmolding<\/b><\/td>Usually 48-72 hours after pouring<\/span><\/td>Can be unmolded within a day<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Cutting<\/b><\/td>Soon after unmolding<\/span><\/td>Cut straight after unmolding<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Curing<\/b><\/td>Needs to cure for four to six weeks before use<\/span><\/td>Soap can be used as soon as it is cut, though it does benefit from curing (4 weeks)<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Soda ash<\/b><\/td>Can develop soda ash<\/span><\/td>Never develops soda ash<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Appearance<\/b><\/td>Smooth appearance, usually light, creamy color<\/span><\/td>Deeper, darker color; rustic appearance<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Swirls<\/b><\/td>Elaborate swirls and many different swirl techniques are possible<\/span><\/td>Only very simple swirls are possible<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Water content<\/b><\/td>Various, from 25-38% (water as a percentage of oils)<\/span><\/td>Keep the total water content (water as a percentage of oils) between 30% and 38%<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Acceleration, ricing, separation, cracking<\/b><\/td>Can occur when using unsuitable\/accelerating fragrances or when soap overheats in the mold<\/span><\/td>Does not occur<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Clean up <\/b><\/td>Laborious as utensils are still coated with a high amount of unsaponified oils<\/span><\/td>Easy<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Cold<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learn more in our online Soap Making Classes!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three options available to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Join our Diploma in Soap Making<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Our Diploma in Soap Making<\/strong><\/a> is the most comprehensive course available covering soap making and teaches students to make cold process, hot process and liquid soap making, as well as how to design beautiful soap swirling patterns with your soap making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where you\u2019ll learn everything there is to know about soap making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at our Diploma in Soap Making<\/a> to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Join our Certificate in Cold Process Soap Making<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re only interested in cold process soap making, then you\u2019ll want to look at our Certificate in Cold Process Soap Making<\/strong><\/a>. This will help you to learn how to make your own cold process soap bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at our Certificate in Cold Process Soap Making<\/a> to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Become a Member of our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Diploma in Soap Making consists of 19 modules and each one of these is also found inside our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Clu<\/a><\/strong>b. They are all found in 4 key classes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Cold Process Soap Making<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Advanced Soap Swirling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Hot Process Soap Making<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Liquid Soap Making<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    By being a member of the Club, you can unlock each one of these 4 classes, one at a time starting with Cold Process Soap Making (this is a prerequisite for all other modules) before choosing which class to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Take a look at the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club<\/a> to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, if you are already a member of the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club, head over to the Courses dashboard to get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can you really learn to make soap?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Yes 100% you can. You just need some help to ensure you do it properly – and that\u2019s where we come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cold process soap making<\/strong> is the ideal place to start if you are new to soap making. With our comprehensive, online Cold Process Soap Making class, you\u2019ll be making gorgeous soaps in a matter of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you have already made at least a few batches of cold process soap and would like to learn how to make hot process soap we have the perfect class for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Advanced soap making: Hot Process Soap<\/strong> is a detailed class that covers everything you need to know to make hot process soap safely and successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Containing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n