Our ancestors, and we don't need to go back too far, acquired knowledge that was passed down from generation to generation. One of them was making their own soaps, whether for personal hygiene or to wash clothes, kitchen utensils, etc.
Why has this practice been lost?
The main reason for this serious loss is the wide availability of commercial soaps, and the affordable price, but as often happens, there are contraindications, and in this case the problem lies in the amount of chemicals they contain (sulfates, dyes, parabens).
Another aspect to highlight is the change in lifestyle, this leaves us with a reduced time in the day to be able to do our projects, it is obviously infinitely more convenient to end up buying these items when you do your shopping in any supermarket.
If we add to the previous point the little knowledge we have or in some cases the little desire to learn, the perfect cocktail is created to lose this ancestral knowledge so important both for us and for the environment.
But there is still hope as handmade soap making has seen a resurgence in recent years due to the growing interest in natural, sustainable products that help us lead healthier lives. In addition to the satisfaction and gratification that comes from being able to shower with your own soap, there is the grain of sand that we contribute 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 are going to focus on 3 of them, caustic soda, glycerin, and ash.
Caustic soda soap
Like most people, you are probably wondering if sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is really a harmful chemical for us and the environment. The short answer is no, as long as we have carried out the saponification process correctly.
When we use caustic soda in soap making, a chemical reaction called saponification takes place, 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 much loved olive oil, with which we can obtain hard soaps as long as they are well cured.
- Olive oil: It has moisturizing and emollient properties, which are beneficial for people with dry skin. It is also rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols. It will also help soothe your skin, so it is also recommended for people with irritable skin.
- Hydration and Softness: Olive oil is known for its moisturizing and emollient properties. When used as a base in your soap, it helps keep your skin moisturized, soft, and supple. 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 free radical damage, and promote a healthy appearance.
- Soothing and anti-inflammatory: Olive oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for irritated, itchy, or inflammation-prone skin. It can help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation in conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
- Suitable for sensitive skin: Olive oil is gentle and does not usually cause irritation in most people, making it a good choice for sensitive or reactive skin. It helps to gently cleanse the skin without stripping away protective natural oils.
- Gentle and long-lasting foam: Olive oil produces a soft and creamy foam in the soap, providing a pleasant washing experience. The foam is long-lasting and does not dissipate quickly, making washing and rinsing easier.
- Coconut oil: This is a widely used option for soaps that aim to remove dirt, excess oil and impurities from the skin. As it contains lauric acid, it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It also has a conditioning effect, leaving hair soft and shiny. It also stands out for its oxidative stability, and for us this means that your creations will last longer without going rancid.
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 handmade soaps can be a rewarding and creative process. Here are some basic steps to get you started:
- Research and gain knowledge: Before you begin, do some research on the different methods and techniques of making handmade soaps. Learn about ingredients, proportions, tools needed, and safety precautions.
- Gather your materials: Once you have a clear idea of the ingredients and tools you need, gather them. This can include oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc.), lye, distilled water, colorants, fragrances, soap molds, thermometer, whisk, stainless steel spoon, etc.
- Learn to calculate proportions: To make soap, you'll need to calculate the proper proportions of oils and lye. Use a saponification calculator or a reliable formula to determine the exact amounts you'll need.
- Prepare your work area: Choose a clean, well-ventilated space to create your soaps. Protect the surface with wax paper or a plastic sheet to make cleanup easier later.
- Take safety precautions: Soap making involves the use of caustic soda, which is a corrosive chemical. Make sure to wear gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing to avoid contact with the caustic soda. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing the fumes.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions: Carefully follow the instructions for making handmade soap using the technique you have chosen. This may include heating and mixing the oils, dissolving the lye in water, combining the two mixtures, and adding colorants and fragrances.
- Pour the mixture into molds: Once you have mixed all of the ingredients, pour the mixture into soap molds. You can use plastic molds, silicone molds, or even improvised molds like cut-up 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 be completed 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.