Making natural soap as a hobby or as a business can be done from home using basic kitchen supplies on hand. Natural soap-making supplies and kits are also readily available for purchase. A variety of natural soap-making options are available if you are interested in making soap. Soap supplies and suppliers, creative ideas for new ingredient combinations, molds, emollients and decorative accents are readily available today.
Basic Processes
When making natural soap, it is necessary to decide which process you will be using, in order to determine what basic supplies and equipment you will need to get started.
For soap crafters, there are three basic processes. The first is one of the easiest and is called the "melt and pour" method. The second method is one of the more popular methods for soapiers and is called the "cold process." The third and final method, which is a more traditional method of making soap, is called the "hot process."
Kits
Soap-making kits come preassembled with the most basic supplies needed to create soap, and usually include glycerin, a mold and essential oils for scent. With kits, you may find that the only equipment of your own you need to supply is a glass bowl, a spatula, and a microwave for ease of melting the glycerin. This is what is referred to as the basic "melt and pour" method.
Kits are available in craft stores; local discount stores in their craft and hobby aisles; and online.
Basic Equipment and Supplies
Basic soap-making equipment that is essential if you are not using a kit includes glass bowls, spatulas, molds, a thermometer, mask, gloves, goggles for safety and the soap ingredients themselves. A useful set of instructions at hand is also essential. Online video tutorials and guides help.
Non-coated metal baking pans that you already own can be used as economical molds, when making larger batches of soap that will be later cut into cakes or bars.
Basic Ingredient Supplies
The basic soap-making ingredient supplies needed for making natural soap are fats and oils, lye, fragrance and some sort of emulsifier.
Glycerine, olive oil and vegetable and animal fats are the most common types of fats and oils. The fats and oils provide the soothing and skin-softening essentials of soap. Essential oils are typically used for fragrance and scenting the soap. Oatmeal; natural grains and nuts; and fruit peels and rinds can be used for emulsifiers as well as scenting compounds. Wood-burning lye or lye from bracken ashes is common as a basic ingredient in soap-making.
Creative Supply Ideas
People have purchased natural beef and buffalo fat from the local market or butcher for use in soap-making, and lye from the local gardening center. Combining ingredients with plants and herbs can create beautiful natural homemade soaps. Adding butters as well as salts for scrubs and emulsifiers gives your natural soap new form and texture. Old bars of soap can be recycled to make new soap bars.
Tags: natural soap, fats oils, basic supplies, from local, making natural, making natural soap