Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Copy of What You Actually Need to Make Cold Process Soap
22
items You don't need goats, a fancy soap-making studio, or a kitchen full of specialized equipment to make cold process soap. These are the things I actually recommend, including what you probably already own, what's worth buying, and a few fun things you ...
*Some recommendations may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you.
*Some recommendations may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you.
Sections
3
Start Here: What You Really Need
You Need a Mold. You Don't Need to Buy One & Other Fun Tools
Now Let's Make It Fun
Start Here: What You Really Need
You don't need a kitchen full of specialized soapmaking equipment. These are the basics I actually use to make cold-process goat milk soap safely and without making it unnecessarily complicated. Some you probably already have. A couple are absolutely...
You don't need a kitchen full of specialized soapmaking equipment. These are the basics I actually use to make cold-process goat milk soap safely and without making it unnecessarily complicated. Some you probably already have. A couple are absolutely...
Stick Blender
Yes, we're doing chemistry - safety first - protect your eyes Not cute. Not optional. When I made my first batch, I wore full-on goggles. Lye can cause serious eye injuries, so this is one place we're not improvising.
Safety Goggles
Seriously - protect your skin - we're using caustic materials and the burns are no joke I wear long rubber gloves and tuck my long sleeves into them. We're going for covered skin here, not Instagram-worthy soapmaking.
Extra Long Rubber Gloves
Soapmaking is chemistry, and this isn't the time for “eh, that looks like about a cup.” Your ingredients need to be measured accurately by weight.
Digital Scale
You may already have one. Stainless steel works beautifully. Do not use aluminum with lye. You also don't need the enormous stockpot my husband bought me when I first announced I was going to make soap. Apparently I thought I was opening a soap facto...
Stockpots & Soup Pots: Stainless Steel & Nonstick
You will need a couple I have a specific container that is just for lye nothing else. Personally I use a small wide mouth mason jar ½ pint or smaller - but you will need a measuring cup for water, and the oils.
Measuring Cups
You need 2 of them You need to know the temperature, not guess it. I use a thermometer for both the oils and the lye solution so I know when they're where I want them before I start combining things. This is another inexpensive tool that makes your f...
Glass Thermometers - Temperature & Humidity
This is sodium hydroxide, commonly called lye. Buy a product intended and labeled appropriately for soapmaking and follow the manufacturer's handling and storage instructions. Keep it tightly closed, dry and completely inaccessible to children and pe...
Lye for Soap Making, Sodium Hydroxide ...
No goat required. 🐐 Fresh goat milk is wonderful if you happen to have access to it, but powdered goat milk means you can make goat milk soap whether you live on 40 acres or the fourth floor.
Powdered Whole Goat Milk
You need a lot so buy the bigger option
Coconut Oil
You want the plain stuff where not making biscuits with this.
What Is Shortening In Baking?
You don't need the BEST quality here but you do need to make sure it is actually olive oil
Everyday Use Olive Oils
Silicon or Stainless Steel ONLY do not use aluminum and though wood works it's porous and will get eaten away over time - these are SOAP making only tools
Spoons, Spatulas, Utensil Sets, Jar Scrapers, Turners Shop
Use these to make double sure your soap isn't going to burn anyone.
Litmus Test Strips
You Need a Mold. You Don't Need to Buy One & Other Fun Tools
I made soap for years using cardboard soup boxes lined for soapmaking. Fancy molds are lovely, but they aren't required to make good soap. Start with what you've got. If you fall in love with soapmaking, these are the things worth upgrading later. Th...
Molds are fun and there are so many different styles to choose from
Wood & Silicone Soap Molds: Loaf, Slab, Liners & Lids
For when you want to get FANCY or make guest soap or gifts
Molds for Soap Making
To get those wavy edges that scream handmade soap you'll want one of those though they are totally optional
Crinkle Soap Cutter
Soap needs to cure for at least a few weeks to harden and these make it convenient and out of the away rather than taking up your laundry folding area as mine did in the beginning
Soap Curing Rack
Now Let's Make It Fun
Once you’ve made a basic batch, this is where soapmaking gets really fun. Oats, lavender, coffee, essential oils, herbs and other little extras let you experiment and make each batch your own. None of this is necessary for great soap. All of it is an...
Use essential oils to scent and add some mild benefits to the soap you're creating. They do add to the chemical composition so just be aware when adding them in.
Best Essential Oils For Cleaning, Skincare & Aromatherapy
Doesn't have to be Quaker Oats but oats are good for your skin - you can buy the cheap stuff we're not eating it.
Old Fashioned Quaker Oats
I just pick mine but if you don't have fresh lavender you can totally buy them
Whole Culinary Lavender Buds
Lots of different types of herbs you can add to soap to give it different properties. Because they mixture is hot please don't expect the colors to come through - mostly everything turns brown.
Buy Bulk Dried Herbs & Spices