How is natural soap made?

Michael Bortolotto
2026-03-07T23:39:02-05:00

Natural soap is made using a traditional method called the cold process. At the heart of this method is *saponification* — a natural chemical reaction between oils and lye (sodium hydroxide) that transforms liquid oils into solid soap.

Here’s how our soap is created:

1. Selecting the Oils
We begin by carefully choosing a blend of nourishing fats, oils, and butters. Each one serves a purpose — some create a rich lather, others support the skin’s moisture barrier, and others add conditioning qualities.

2. Mixing with Lye
Lye is dissolved in water and then combined with the oils. As the mixture is blended, it thickens to what soapmakers call “trace,” the point where saponification is actively underway and the soap base begins to form.

3. Adding Botanicals & Essential Oils
Once trace is reached, we add essential oils, clays, herbs, or other natural ingredients. These additions provide aroma, color, texture, and skin-supportive benefits.

4. Pouring & Curing
The soap is poured into molds and allowed to harden. After unmolding and cutting, each bar cures for several weeks. During this time, the lye fully reacts with the oils and disappears, excess water evaporates, and the bar becomes milder, harder, and longer-lasting.

The result is true, traditionally made soap — crafted slowly, cured properly, and designed to gently cleanse while supporting healthy skin.