Our ancestors, and we don't need to go back too far, acquired knowledge that was passed down from generation to generation. One of these was making their own soaps, whether for personal hygiene or for washing clothes, kitchen utensils,...
Why has this practice been lost?
The main reason for this serious loss is the great availability of commercial soaps and their affordable price, but as often happens, there are contraindications, and in this case, the problem lies in the amount of chemicals they contain (sulfates, colorants, parabens).
Another aspect to highlight is the change in lifestyle, which leaves us with reduced time in the day to carry out our projects; it is obviously infinitely more convenient to end up buying these items when you do your shopping at any supermarket.
If we add to the previous point the little knowledge we have or, in some cases, the lack of desire to learn, the perfect cocktail is created to lose this ancestral knowledge that is so important for both us and the environment.
But there is still hope, as the production of artisanal soaps has experienced a resurgence in recent years due to the growing interest in natural, sustainable products that help us lead a healthier life. Besides the satisfaction and gratification felt when showering with your own soap, there is the small contribution we make to the sustainability of the planet and thus avoid seeing even more chemicals in it.
What types of soaps can we create?
In this article, we will focus on three of them: caustic soda soap, glycerin soap, and ash soap.
Caustic Soda Soap
Surely, like most people, you are now wondering if sodium hydroxide, also called caustic soda, is not a harmful chemical for us and the environment. The short answer is no, as long as we have correctly carried out the saponification process.
When we use caustic soda in soap making, a chemical reaction called saponification occurs, which converts oils or fats into soap. During this process, the caustic soda is completely consumed and is not present in the final product.
Within this category, there are dozens of oils or fats that can be used to make your creations. It should be noted that the more solid your fat is, the more solid your soap will be. Generally, fats that solidify at room temperature, such as coconut oil, palm oil, or lard, except for our famous and beloved olive oil, which can also yield hard soaps as long as they are well cured.
- Olive Oil: It has moisturizing and emollient properties, beneficial for people with dry skin. It is also rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. Additionally, it helps to soothe your skin, making it recommended for people with irritable skin.
- Hydration and softness: Olive oil is known for its moisturizing and emollient properties. Using it as a base in your soap helps keep the skin hydrated, soft, and flexible. It is especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin.
- Nutrition and antioxidants: Olive oil is rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols. These components help nourish the skin, protect it against damage from free radicals, and promote a healthy appearance.
- Soothing and anti-inflammatory: Olive oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for irritated skin, itchy skin, or skin prone to inflammation. It can help relieve irritation and reduce inflammation in conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
- Suitable for sensitive skin: Olive oil is gentle and usually does not cause irritation in most people, making it a good option for sensitive or reactive skin. It helps gently cleanse the skin without stripping away protective natural oils.
- Soft and long-lasting lather: Olive oil produces a soft and creamy lather in soap, providing a pleasant washing experience. The lather is long-lasting and does not dissipate quickly, making washing and rinsing easier.
- Coconut Oil: It is a very popular choice for soaps aimed at removing dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin. Containing lauric acid, it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It also has a conditioning effect, leaving hair soft and shiny. Additionally, it stands out for its oxidative stability, which translates to a longer shelf life for your creations without rancidity.
Solid fats are those that are generally solid at room temperature, such as coconut oil, palm oil, or animal fats like lard and tallow.
Creating your own artisanal soaps can be a rewarding and creative process. Here are some basic steps to get started:
- Research and gain knowledge: Before starting, research the different methods and techniques for making artisanal soaps. Learn about the ingredients, proportions, necessary tools, and safety measures.
- Gather materials: Once you have a clear idea of the necessary ingredients and tools, gather them. This may include oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc.), caustic soda, distilled water, colorants, fragrances, soap molds, thermometer, whisk, stainless steel spoon, etc.
- Learn to calculate proportions: To make soap, you will need to calculate the appropriate proportions of oils and caustic soda. Use a saponification calculator or a reliable formula to determine the exact amounts you will need.
- Prepare the workspace: Choose a clean and well-ventilated area to create your soaps. Protect the surface with wax paper or a plastic sheet for easier cleanup later.
- Take safety precautions: Soap making involves the use of caustic soda, which is a corrosive chemical. Be sure to wear gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing to avoid contact with caustic soda. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes.
- Follow step-by-step instructions: Carefully follow the instructions for making artisanal soap using the technique you have chosen. This may include heating and mixing the oils, dissolving the caustic soda in water, combining the two mixtures, and adding colorants and fragrances.
- Pour the mixture into molds: Once you have mixed all the ingredients, pour the mixture into soap molds. You can use plastic molds, silicone molds, or even improvised molds like cut milk cartons.
- Let the soap cure: After pouring the mixture into the molds, let the soap cure for about 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the saponification process will complete, and the soap will harden and mature.
Remember that soap making is a chemical process, so it is important to follow the instructions and take safety precautions. Also, keep in mind that caustic soda is a dangerous chemical and should be handled with care. Always read the safety instructions and follow the appropriate recommendations.