Liquid soap

The lye solution that is used to make solid soap through what is known as "cold process soap making" uses sodium hydroxide (chemical formula: NaOH) for saponification. This creates the bar of soap that we are all familiar with. If you wish to make liquid soap then the first thing to note is that liquid soap does not use NaOH lye. Instead, liquid soap making involves using potassium hydroxide (chemical formula KOH). This is known as potash lye. Neither type of lye can be handled with naked hands. They are so toxic that they will burn the skin. Extreme precaution must be exercised when handling lye. Remember this if you intend to try making soap.

Though you may intend making liquid soap it is still a good idea to understand how the "cold process of soap making" works. If you try to make liquid soap directly without understanding the cold process then you are likely to face many difficulties because liquid soap making process is a lot more complicated and requires far more patience than cold process.

The basic principle for making soap in both cases remains the same. You will be creating a blend of lye and fat. However, the liquid soap making process relies on a lot of blending and it uses heat to attain saponification. There is a lengthy process of stirring involved in making liquid soap. You have to continuously stir and blend the mixture for around half an hour. It is a good idea to use a stick blender for this process if you wish to avoid extreme fatigue in your arm. The mixture must reach a point called "trace". Once the trace is complete you then enter the waiting stage. After "trace" you will need to stir the mixture every 30 minutes. The liquid soap can take as much as 4 hours to cook and throughout this time it will be continuously changing.

Now it is time to test the mixture you have created. This done to make sure that the blend will remain clear. If it passes the test then water needs to be added to the thick blend. However, it is not yet ready enough to be turned into liquid soap. You still have to continue stirring and waiting until the paste dissolves. Then you have to neutralize the soap mixture. Neutralizing means adding boric acid in order to get rid of any excess lye that you used in making liquid soap.

The liquid soap, as far as soap goes, is now ready. The last step involves adding fragrances and essential oils to make the soap smell pleasant. You can also add some color if you wish. Any color additive may be used for this. Once you are done you must leave the liquid soap to cool down and then pour it in a large contain where it can "rest".

That's it, now all you have to do is take the soap and pour it into containers, bottles, or dispensers of your choice.