The soap we make is called cold process soap.  Cold process soap is made by combining fat and lye.  We use vegetable oils as our fat.  Coconut oil, palm oil and olive oil are combined with lye and essential oils to make a great bar of soap. 

First, oils are combined and a lye & water solution is made.  Once the oil mixture and the lye mixture reach 90-125°F, they are combined.  Next, the combined mixture is stirred until it reaches a cake batter or pudding-like consistency.  Essential oils, fragrance and other things (like calendula petals) are added, then the soap is poured into a mold.  Next, it is set in a safe place to cool.  The soap has to cool slowly to assure saponification, so it is wrapped up in towels for 24 hours.

Once the soap is cool, it is cut into bars then placed out to cure.  It takes 4-6 weeks to fully cure.

Hand crafted soap should be stored in a cool, dry place.  Once you start using it, it should be kept in a soap dish that drains well and that is not bombarded with water when you shower.

Lemongrass & calendula soap in the mold:

Lemongrass & calendula soap curing on a rack: