Cold Process Soap vs. Hot Process Soap - Pros and Cons | Bramble Berry

[@bramble-berry]

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[@barbararitchie5146]

Hot process soap maker here. Even though you can use and sell the hot process soaps right away, I always let it cure at least 2 weeks before selling or using. The 2 week cure will make a harder bar that will last longer.❤

[@Ravegirl346]

Ive done it too i always let it cure for two weeks or even three weeks.

[@Mumsy_Soap]

Hot process soap maker here. Thanks for this great video. Another benefit of hot process is customizing superfats. Completely saponifing the cooked batch and then adding expensive skin nourishing, in my opinion, oils.

[@johannestrahanoski5985]

Thanks for showing the ease of hot process. I’ll try it someday, but for now I’m very happy with cold process.

[@gracejaskot1547]

I love hot process soap making. It's such a satisfying process and I like to pipe the top of the loaves so it's not as rustic (but I like the rustic look, too). I love Anne-Marie's lemongrass lavender hot process soap. It's a classic.

[@TheBusySimmer]

I need to try hot process, I’ve only ever done cold, but the fact that you can use hot process right away is very attractive.

[@LadyGecko]

It STILL has to cure!

[@make7966]

If the batter has gone through the gel stage which is the last stage during the hot process, it is ready to pour into the mold and then cut the next day and it is then safe to use. By waiting, you are merely giving it time to become harder through evaporation which will make a nicer bar of soap and will last longer. I love doing hot process. You can use it right away but it will become harder if left a couple weeks too dry. Watch a few videos so you can get the idea of hot process, I did and learned a lot by doing so. Have fun.

[@make7966]

@BadlandsGecko Probably a better word would be "evaporate" or "dry" instead of "cure". If the batter has gone through the gel stage which is the last stage during the hot process, it is ready to pour into the mold and then cut the next day and it is then safe to use. By waiting, you are merely giving it time to become harder through evaporation which will make a nicer bar of soap and will last longer. Perhaps that is what you meant by the word "cure". Sorry if I misunderstood your reply to TheBusysimmer.

[@LadyGecko]

@@make7966 - I responded to you other post too...I am a soap maker. Yes, once the saponification process is complete, soap is 'safe' to use as there is no Sodium Hydroxide remaining. In Hot Process, saponification is complete within a few hours due to the active external application of heat, while in Cold Process, the process is more organic and thus takes a good 24 hours. Do NOT misconstrue by use of the word 'organic'...there is enough in-fighting between the different processes of soap making to say that one way is 'better' than another. I use Cold Process because I'm lazy...I mix, pour, put my molds in the garage and go off to do other things while science does all the work for me. And yes, I have tried Hot Process, Rebatch, CPOP and M&P. And as I noted in my other response, water evaporation is only a part of the 'curing' process.

[@make7966]

@@LadyGeckoI understand what you are saying, thank you. Have a most wonderful day and keep on soaping, friend.

[@boop7313]

I make both and love both processes for different reasons. One more great thing about hot process is you can use less fragrance & get the same strength & you can use those flighty essential oils that usually disappear. Also, it's useful for using those fragrances that do weird things like ricing & acceleration without a problem. I do love cold process though for the artistic side in me & love the smoothness & scoopability of it.

[@MorikoKitsune]

When I first started making soap I had to find just the right book with this info. I would have killed to have such a concise video. Thanks for always sharing info and great ideas.

[@theorgelmeisterakathesoapm8589]

I like to do both methods, although i prefer cold process for its variety of designs. A few other hot process benefits are no soda ash and no glycerin rivers.

[@ashley-cz1sl]

I love both verson. I love rebatching my soap scraps into a mash up hot processed bar. My son is doing this for his school science fair project. This will be a cool video for him to watch and referance when he has to present to the class

[@make7966]

Hi, Ann-Marie, I make HP soap and after it is completely done I let it cool a little and add the fragrance and incorporate about 1/4 cup of plain yogurt into the 3# batch of batter. Adding the yogurt makes the batter fluid, enough to make a nice swirl possible. I then separate it into a couple of containers, color with complementary colors and pour it into the mold using the swirl method. This has worked beautifully for me. So I will say that I prefer HP over CP because your not taking a chance on wasting the fragrance oil or essential oils with this method because the lye no longer exists, the colors will be true and won't morph plus you can use this soap sooner than CP. I do make cold process also and I have used your recipe for beginners and LOVE it. I did change the formula slightly so I could add some Shea butter. All your videos have been very helpful and I want to thank you very much for posting them.

[@KomalKaur-bx6zs]

Hi, how much yogurt do you add per lb of soap?

[@patriciasalazar1158]

Hot process soap is my cup of tea! Love it and do it regularly. Since I learned to prepare it, I've never bought a bar of commercial soap. I've also done CP soap but prefer the HP.

[@sujachristodoss518]

I never tried hot process. Your method looks easy. I should try. Thanks Bramble berry.

[@toddmeyer7567]

Just learned something. Thanks Anne. I've gotten into soap just because of your channel. Happy Soaping Everyone.

[@Barbie.Boo1961]

I am just in my research phase, like you I am going to give it a good go.

[@toddmeyer7567]

@@Barbie.Boo1961 nope, right when I say the difference between hot and cold prosses, I'm definitely sticking to Cold.

[@toddmeyer7567]

I've been making soap for years now and the Cold Prosses Way is the easiest way for me.

[@papiapaulsoap]

Cold process soap maker here and love it... I hot process if I need to rebatch any soap but am more comfortable doing cold process soaps ❤ Thank you Anne.. this was a wonderful video 😊

[@kathykat7592]

So interesting. Love learning about soaps. I'm still new and soaking in all the sudsful knowledge. Appreciate your help!!😊

[@janehutchinson5539]

Your comment that hot process soap is “ready to sell” the next day surprises me. Hot process and cold process soaps are both safe to use within a couple of days BUT, BOTH need to cure for several weeks before they should be used. You are doing a disservice to new or inexperienced soapers by suggesting otherwise. I’m glad you commented on soaping safety. However Using a glass bowl to make soap is NOT safe as the lye can damage and shatter glass.

[@SoilToSoul]

I'm sort of surprised by that particular comment as well, of being able to use it the next day. Been making soap for a year and have never heard that about hot process soap. Everything I've read and seen still says hot process soap needs to cure, although it is for less time than cold process.

[@bramble-berry]

Cure time for both cold process soap and hot process soap is a bit of a mix of science and art. It can be little bit complicated! We understand how this short video may have oversimplified, and we apologize for any confusion. In general, for cold process soap, the recommended cure time is 4-6 weeks. During this time, the soap continues to saponify while some of the extra water will evaporate. For hot process soap, the extra heat speeds up the saponification process, so the soap is gentle enough to use the next day. Hot process soap can still benefit from extra curing, if the maker prefers. But it does not need as much as cold process soap. One week is usually sufficient, but some makers may choose to cure for less or longer. The hot process soap may not be at the optimal firmness the next day, but it is gentle and safe to sell the next day if you'd like. We appreciate the question, and giving us the chance to clarify.

[@clarioncall8449]

Definitely do not agree that cold princess is safe to use within a couple days. I can’t imagine getting raw soap in the eye. Needs a cure time off 4 - 6 weeks.

[@janehutchinson5539]

@@clarioncall8449 in cold process soap, saponification is normally complete within 48 hours; it’s no longer “raw soap” - unless the soap is lye heavy, in which case it shouldn’t be used for a few months if at all. Both CP and HP soaps improve greatly through curing, but once saponified they are safe to use. It’s perfectly fine to try out your CP soap after a couple days as long as all the lye has saponified.

[@clarioncall8449]

@@janehutchinson5539 I am aware of that, but the ph can still be higher than is comfortable.

[@jeffhein7275]

Love your very clear, concise presentation highlighting the similarities and differences between the two processes... and showing the end results. Nicely done.

[@brendajackson294]

I am looking for a gently used crock pot and hope to do some rebatch soap. Nice video and explanation.

[@letstalkaboutlife493]

i used to do cold process all the time. then i decided to do cold process and stick it in the oven mine always melts the whole mold gets liquid and sometimes i get that starting to rise if i leave it in too long. like with hot process. or if i get the oven too hot. i can put it in the oven right away or sometimes i wait till the next day. it seems to not matter much it still melts to a liquid. its been fun trying it this way. and ive done rebatches and shredded and melted my tiny soap bars to make some dish soap bars.

[@hummingmostbird]

This was perfect timing, I just decided to get into soapmaking a couple of days ago and had no idea what the difference is

[@bramble-berry]

We're so glad you found this helpful! What kind of soap making are you going to start with?

[@hummingmostbird]

@@bramble-berry starting with cold process. I just got a bunch of trial sized scents from you guys and they're all so good. Definitely going to be a repeat customer

[@mayratorres4621]

I love to do hot process, I found the soap lather more creamy

[@mreinstein48]

Cold process produces a smoother look with I love

[@samihage1223]

Is hot process Soap Harder and last longer? What’s The maximum temperatur we can attend maximum in hot process Soap? And in cold process Soap

[@bramble-berry]

They're quite similar in durability, cold process needs to cure for 4 to 6 weeks for a nice solid bar, whereas we recommend a 1-2 week cure time for hot process.

[@caro5797]

Hope someone can answer my question. I made a cold process soap. Did not add enough lye water (my mistake) so the soap is too soft. I want to melt it in a crock pot, and add the lye water amount that is missing. Do I have to respect the 10 degrees difference like in cold process? I do think the answer is yes. Thank you!

[@bramble-berry]

We have not found there to be a good way to fix soap with not enough lye. You can read more about this on our old blog here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/soapy-mess-quick-guide/

[@joannabrites9857]

I think the skill is making hot process look like cold process with all the super fatting benefits. Plus all the additives added to loosen the soap is excellent for the skin as well. Cold process is easy compared to pretty hot process soaps. I’d love to see a video on cold process oven process soap. Your excellent Annemarie and I love your products.

[@pennyarizzio2824]

I am making hot processed soap right now.. I melted all the oils in my crock pot and I just added the lye to the melted oils. I stick blended it well and now I am going to cover the crock pot and "let it cook" instead of "letting it cook" can I scoop it out and treat it like I am making cold process soap and add colors and fragrances and then put it into molds and treat it like I am making cold process soap?

[@bramble-berry]

For hot process we'd recommend letting it cook and then adding color, and fragrance before scooping it into a mold.

[@kirksulu]

Can you do hot process like half way so it's still liquidy but still give it speed in the saponification process?

[@bramble-berry]

We haven't tried this before, but it most likely would still take the 4-6 weeks to cure.

[@nancy5721]

Question...when the cold process is used and the soap is left in the mould for up to three days, is it kept covered or wrapped in a blanket?

[@bramble-berry]

We normally only cover the soap for the first 24 hours. Afterward it can sit out at room temperature.

[@karlad3213]

I love making hot process, I haven't been able to make a batch in quite some time but I'm hopeful soon. There are ways to make it more fluid so it resembles cold process more. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@joyaacio2263]

Could you please share some of the ways of making the hot process batter more fluidy?

[@karlad3213]

As it starts to cool down slightly add room temperature yogurt, it's good for the skin too. ❤️

[@brendawyber6556]

I am new to your channel. It has inspired me try a few things and I was wondering if you can use the equipment used for soap making to cook with after. Do I need a separate stick blender etc just for soap making? Planning a weekend of “making” with my 15 year old granddaughter and want to be prepared.

[@bramble-berry]

We do not recommend using the same tools for cooking as you do for soap making. With a stick blender though, you can always have different heads for soap making that you store with your other suppliers!

[@Naturalsoaprecipes]

Cold process gal here all the way. The finished product is just so much smoother. I find the hot process soap has a cooked smell left behind that cold process doesn't..

[@newfashionboutique8674]

Hi, Wat is the curing time for hot process soap, pls do reply.....

[@bramble-berry]

Hot process soap can be cut within 1 day but a 1-2 week cure time is still generally recommended.

[@nkasicherisemarcus869]

This video was so edifying. I really now understand the difference between hot & cold process in soap making! Thanks a million ❤

[@noraoliver1906]

Cold process is simply just more original altho I haven’t tried hot process but cold process is fun to make (if you’re good at it)

[@SharonAComer]

I like HP for rebatching and for sensitive EO that can easily evaporate. I generally prefer CP so I can CPOP the loaf so my colors pop.

[@Barbie.Boo1961]

Just starting, I am hoping to become unafraid of the lye, I have no clue, other than this channel, hopefully I will feel confident to make a purchase, I need confidence

[@b.c.9358]

Royalty soaps has a beginner's guide playlist that's very simple. Just wear the appropriate protective clothing (goggles are the most important in my opinion) and be careful. I've gotten lye on my hands & arms before (not wearing long sleeves) and it's honestly not too bad if you wash it off with vinegar immediately.

[@janehutchinson5539]

Please do more research before you start soaping! This video shows making soap in a glass bowl which is NOT SAFE. And, if you use soap a day after making not, it will not be cured and your soap will not be nearly as good as it will after a 6 week cure. There is lots of very good information on soapmaking available. It’s best to become Well informed before starting

[@bramble-berry]

We're so excited for you! We recommend our Basics of Soap Making Playlist for our best advice and safety tips for getting started with soap making, it can be found here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr_YF9AaZRqj8bJwX3wwie3-p6bRpkbQC

[@unclefreddyb79]

I prefer cold process because I love the designs I can do. But hot process for color free soaps have been really fun to make.

[@kathleenclossin6918]

I love HP but my customers like CP since it is pretty. I do HP when I have trouble with a fragrance and I want to keep it in my line.

[@queene8380]

Love them both, I’ve never made HP soap, I need to buy me a slow cooker :)

[@vidablue66]

I do cold process soap making. I have not tried hot process soap making.

[@whitelacey333]

I do hp. I like the rustic look and no concerns with alien brains, etc..

[@RudeDogRanch]

Hot processed with essential oils. The simplicity goes hand in hand

[@samihage1223]

Are you using mica Powder? Is mica water or Oil solubel

[@bramble-berry]

Mica is oil soluble.

[@bramble-berry]

Hot process soap is ready to use before cold process. Hot process and cold process will typically not exceed 180 degrees.

[@lisasiekierka917]

Im just getting into soaping for my family and friends..been watching videos for months now. Trying to vet the courage to make...i had 1 epic fail and haven't tried again. But if you are dealing with milk products, probably not a good idea to do hot process right? I mean it woukd take all the good qualities out of it correct, and scortch the milk?

[@bramble-berry]

We tend to recommend cold process for adding milk to a recipe. With hot process it's difficult (but not impossible) to add fresh ingredients like milk and purees; they tend to scorch during the cooking process.

[@ZuhraNosirova-z4m]

Thanks for videos, I love making soaps. How I buy all ingredients for soap making? I'm from Uzbekistan

[@bramble-berry]

We offer quite a few ingredients that can ship internationally on our website, www.brambleberry.com.

[@TheCrisBrazil]

How would you make milk soap using hot process? I've been making both hot and cold process for 12 years both have really gotten into goat milk soap. I make them using cold process followed by oven process with great success but love to know how to incorporate milk into hot process.

[@bramble-berry]

We tend to recommend cold process for adding milk to a recipe. With hot process it's difficult (but not impossible) to add fresh ingredients like milk and purees; they tend to scorch during the cooking process.

[@SDub526]

Im new ro soap making for my home hobby. First time seeing a video on hot process. Im sure there's another video but id like to learn more. Your example already had color in it. My question was Why not use the hand mixer for some of the stirring in the crock pot once the saponification process starts?

[@bramble-berry]

Great question! You could try a hand mixer for the earlier stages with the oils, but as it saponifies it'll likely be too thick for a hand mixer.

[@linneahulten405]

So cold process soap will it not be hot or warm at all by itself in the process? Will it always stay cold. I thought it got hot by itself and didn't dare trying it out, but could have been mixing the information together?

[@bramble-berry]

Good question! The oils usually need to be warmed up to melt for pouring and the lye water gets very hot on its own. We like to let them both cool to about 120° F or below (and are ideally within 10 degrees of each other). Then add the lye water to the oils and stick blend until thin trace.

[@jjtt8070]

Thanks for the great description of cold versus hot process. I didn’t know about either one since I do melt and 😢 pour. I am brand new to this hot process using the immersion blender and crockpot, do you need a separate one for soap versus cooking?

[@bramble-berry]

We recommend having dedicated tools for soaping if you plan to make a lot of hot process soap.

[@thatasiangirl2549]

Hello can you please tell me which shea butter are you using refined or unrefined?

[@bramble-berry]

We used our Lots of Lather Quick Mix for these recipes, this quick mix is available here: www.brambleberry.com/shop-by-product/ingredients/bases/lots-of-lather-quick-mix/V900008.html#q=lots%2Bof%2Blather&lang=default&start=1

[@RomanesEuntDomus.]

I want to eat them!!!! 😢

[@careercoach799]

I like both but struggle with CP lol....

[@georgianasalter]

On another note, love your hair cut! ❤

[@samihage1223]

What type of color do you use?

[@bramble-berry]

We use mica colorants for most of our recipes!

[@gurdevsingh6346]

Which one lasts longer?

[@bramble-berry]

They both last equally as long, but CP soap is ready a little sooner.

[@beatrizcasas41]

I prefer Hot process always

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

Can you hot process pure olive oil soap?

[@bramble-berry]

You can make castile soap with hot process.

[@shannongray151]

I do mainly hot processed soaps myself and I love them. I do add extra super fat and coconut yogurt at the end of the cook that makes it a bit more fluid.

[@louisdepointedulac3072]

If you're in Europe, you can't sell your hot process soap the next day you make it as it still is full of water and legally, you have to have the weight of it after it stops losing water. You can't shrink wrap it, cigar band labels would fall off as soap shrinks from evaporation of water and boxing it up could create issues such as mold. No matter where you are, please don't destroy the reputation of soapmakers by selling freshly made soap.

[@MsNoni76]

Love your videos! I love both methods. When I want to play and have a little fun with my soaps I do the cold process. But if I’m in a hurry and want my soaps right away then I do the hot process! Thanks for making such awesome videos!

[@norhildaalvarez7592]

I love hot process. Great video ❤

[@bramble-berry]

Thank you! 🤗