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Soap Making Terms

Starting your soap-making journey can feel overwhelming, especially with all the specialized terms that seasoned soapers use. From “saponification” to “superfat,” knowing the right terminology is essential for creating safe and beautiful homemade soaps. In this article, we’ll break down the most important soap-making terms you need to know in simple language, so you can feel confident in the craft!

1. Saponification

  • Definition: The chemical reaction between lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) and fats/oils that creates soap and glycerin.

  • Why it matters: This is the core process that turns oils into cleansing soap.

  • Tip: Always follow accurate measurements to ensure complete saponification, otherwise soap may be harsh.

2. Lye

  • Definition: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for bar soap or potassium hydroxide (KOH) for liquid soap.

  • Why it matters: Lye is essential for soap-making, but it’s caustic, so safety is crucial.

  • Tip: Always wear gloves and goggles when handling lye.

3. Oils and Fats

  • Definition: Ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter used to make soap.

  • Why it matters: Oils determine the soap’s hardness, lather, and moisturizing properties.

  • Tip: Balance oils for a combination of cleansing, lather, and gentle moisturizing.

4. Trace

  • Definition: The point in soap-making where the mixture thickens and leaves a visible “trace” when drizzled over the surface.

  • Why it matters: Trace indicates that saponification has started and the soap is ready for additives or molds.

5. Superfat

  • Definition: The percentage of extra oils left unsaponified in the soap.

  • Why it matters: Superfatting adds moisturizing properties and prevents the soap from being too harsh.

  • Tip: Typical superfat is 5–8%.

6. Cure Time

  • Definition: The period (usually 4–6 weeks) where soap hardens and excess water evaporates.

  • Why it matters: Proper curing ensures safe, long-lasting, and hard bars of soap.

7. Additives

  • Definition: Ingredients added after trace to enhance the soap, such as essential oils, colorants, herbs, clays, or oatmeal.

  • Why it matters: Additives provide fragrance, texture, color, and therapeutic benefits.

8. Molds

9. Cold Process vs. Hot Process

  • Cold Process: Traditional method where oils and lye mix and cure naturally over weeks.

  • Hot Process: Soap is cooked, which speeds up saponification, allowing immediate use after a short cure.

10. Other Common Terms

  • CPOP: Cold Process Oven Process — a method to speed curing using the oven.

  • Gel Phase: When soap heats up internally, creating a gel-like appearance and richer color.

  • pH: Measures how acidic or alkaline the soap is — safe soap is usually 9–10 pH.

  • Rebatching: Melting and remolding cured soap to fix mistakes or add additives.

Conclusion

Understanding these soap-making terms gives you the confidence to create beautiful, safe, and effective soap at home. Whether you’re following a recipe or experimenting with your own blends, knowing your saponification from your superfat ensures your soap-making adventure is a success!