History of Soap-Making
Archeological evidence dates soap-making as far back as 2,800 B.C., according to the Soap and Detergent Association. Ancient Egyptians bathed regularly using a soap-like material made by combining animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts. By the 7th century, soap-making was a well-established craft in Europe, with Italy, Spain and France as early centers of soap manufacturing because of their ready supply of raw materials such as olive oil. Commercial soap-making began in the American colonies in 1608, and was primarily done at home until improvements in technology made large-scale commercial soap-making possible. The soap-making processes used commercially are similar to those used by home soap makers.
The Process
There are a number of methods for making soap, according to TeachSoap.com. Cold-process soap is made by combining fatty acids and sodium hydroxide, or lye. This is the most common soap-making method. The lye and fatty acids interact chemically in a process called saponifaction and become soap in approximately six weeks. The fatty acids used for this technique can be almost any oil, from olive oil to beef tallow. Lye is caustic, and cold-process soap-making requires the use of safety equipment. Cold-process soap is hard and long-lasting. The lathering properties of the soap vary according to the types of oils used; coconut oil, for instance, has good lathering properties. Oils such as shea or cocoa butter can be used to make a more moisturizing soap. Other techniques for making soap include melt and pour soap, which is made by melting blocks of clear soap base, which is then mixed with color and fragrance and poured into molds. This soap is also known as glycerin soap, as it contains the excess glycerin that is often removed by commercial soap makers. Glycerin is a natural byproduct of cold-process soapmaking. The melt-and-pour technique is easy and safe and is appropriate for children to perform. Hot-process soap-making is a variation of cold-process soap-making in which the ingredients are heated and excess water evaporates. Rebatching is another variation of cold-process soap-making. Cold-process soap is grated, melted and then colored and scented.
Organic Soaps
Organic soaps are manufactured without the use of artificial ingredients or harsh chemicals. Steps for making organic soap, according to the Soap Making Site, include melting organic soap base, mixing in organic essential oils and fragrances, and pouring the mixture into molds to be cooled.
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