How to Make Simple and Gentle Soap - Perfect for Beginners! | Bramble Berry

This cold process recipe is designed for beginners. It has simple ingredients that are easy to work with. It's the perfect recipe to try cold process soap for the first time!
💮 Simple and Gentle Soap Project: bberry.studio/SimpleGentleSoap
This recipe is made with coconut oil, palm oil, and olive oil. They’re commonly used because they complement each other well. Palm oil acts as a secondary lathering agent and hardens the soap, coconut oil is cleansing and produces big bubbles, and olive oil is moisturizing and gives the bars a silky feeling.
💮 Coconut Oil: bberry.studio/CoconutOil
The soap is unscented and uncolored to keep things easy. Once you have a few batches under your belt, you can start experimenting with additives. For the mold, you can use almost any box or container that you have on hand. You'll just need to line it with freezer paper so the soap doesn't stick.
💮 Simple and Gentle Soap recipe:
8 oz. Coconut Oil (24%)
15 oz. Olive Oil (44%)
11 oz. Palm Oil (32%)
4.8 oz. Lye
11.2 oz. Distilled Water
💮 Key Terms:
• Saponification: The chemical reaction that occurs when oil and lye molecules create new soap molecules.
• Trace: The point when oils and lye water emulsify and begin to thicken. Once the soap has reached thin trace, it will continue to thicken as it sits.
• Emulsify: When the oils and lye solution mix and don't separate. The term emulsify and trace are often used interchangeably.
• Superfat: Any extra oil that's not turned into soap.
• Gel phase: "Gelling" or "gel phase" refers to when the soap gets warm and gelatinous - up to 180° F. Gel phase results in brighter colors and a shinier, more translucent appearance.
• Soda ash: When unsaponified lye reacts with naturally-occurring carbon dioxide in the air and creates a white ashy film on the bars. It only affects the way the soap looks, not the quality.
Made this project? Tag us with #BrambleOn so we can see your creations!
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[@bramble-berry]

Thanks for watching! You can find the full written instructions and ingredients for this soap here: 💮 Simple and Gentle Soap Project: bberry.studio/SimpleGentleSoap If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service team at [e-mail] or 877-627-7883 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. You can also live chat with customer service on BrambleBerry.com from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. Shop Bramble Berry: bberry.studio/_ShopBrambleBerry Recipes, Tips & Inspiration: bberry.studio/IntheStudio_Projects Facebook: facebook.com/BrambleBerry Instagram: instagram.com/brambleberry/ Twitter: twitter.com/brambleberry Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/brambleberry/

[@lagaufrette6781]

Merci, Anne-Marie! May you have a beautiful day! Cheers from France ;)

[@roslyluv]

Bramble Berry Can I use parchment paper

[@Shelleyatmarshamarsh]

What about culligan water?

[@Mrs.Roxanna]

Bramble Berry I have a question when it comes to using water canola I use tea?

[@patriciaclaeyssen2400]

Nice video, where can I buy the ingredientes that you used ti make your soaps?

[@SueandSoap]

I love the simplicity of this recipe. It really doesn't need 10 different fancy oils and butters and colors to make a great soap!

[@SuperShannonnn]

Do you by chance know if I can add a colorant (tumeric or food grade food coloring) to this recipe without having to change the oil or lye amounts? I don't know anyone who soaps and you look like you would know! haha

[@SueandSoap]

@@SuperShannonnn Your comment made my day, I look like I know something, awesome, thank you! 😁 first, you don't have to change the amount of oil or Lye when you want to add colorants. You can take the recipe as it is and just add color. If you don't want to use mica, natural clays are a great alternative. Food color doesn't work in cold process soap.

[@SuperShannonnn]

@@SueandSoap I was right, you do know!!!! Hahah thank you so much!!! I couldn't find that info anywhere. You are the best!

[@SueandSoap]

@@SuperShannonnn 😂 great I could help you with that!

[@Sun46892]

Do you know how much the ratios are if using in a 42oz loaf?

[@casitabuluttv3945]

Please be warned about mixing lye in a glass container. Lye eats glass particles over time, making it prone for cracking. I (like many other soapers) had an incidence where my glass pyrex measuring cup (which I had used several times before) broke moments after pouring lye into the water. Thankfully I was mixing my lye in the sink, and was not harmed. But some others haven’t been as lucky. You need to mix the lye in stainless steel or hard plastic container.

[@rdc197810]

Oh thats interesting, I had only mixed in a glass measuring cup. I guess a clear hard plastic container would be fine (and cheaper)

[@chrisdownes9771]

I found that out the hard way as well ☺️☺️

[@JAN-pn8pd]

do u think its safe to use metal?

[@nunezbulut]

Metal is fine as long as it’s stainless steel. I personally prefer a strong clear plastic jug for my lye water.

[@zg3671]

@@JAN-pn8pd Stainless steel is the only metal that should be used to mix lye->water. Other metals corrode over time and aluminum creates a toxic gas.

[@moriversoap]

This video gave me all the newbie feels. There is nothing quite like that very first batch of soap. Lots of great info for anyone starting out!

[@allynicolemiller3237]

Missouri River Soap I’m making my first batch of cp tonight and I’m going back and watching all of the learning videos. I’ve studied and prepped for two months now. I’m really excited to get started and hope I remember everything. I love your videos btw😘

[@moriversoap]

@@allynicolemiller3237 So exciting! Report back as to how it went! Thank you!

[@moriversoap]

@Queen Mercy Oh that's a bummer! The best thing about batches that go awry is that you can learn so much from them. They are possibly more valuable than a forgettable successful batch. Just keep on keeping on!

[@moriversoap]

@Queen Mercy I don't use one currently. I know there are some really great companies out there that will customize one for you. Check on Etsy, if I remember right, there were several there that do them.

[@jamierodriguez352]

I really want to start making my own soap. I am just so nervous about the lye. This is probably a dumb question, but at what point does it become safe? I am guessing when mixed with the oils? Is there a book or something I should get to explain this breakdown a little better?

[@csdurch]

Finally! You’re the only demonstrator that told me what “tracing” is. Your demo is terrific. I’m truly a beginner and can’t wait to get the items I need. Thanks!

[@op-joshy2293]

Finally someone that is not selfish Thanks for sharing

[@crystaldawn8875]

Yes! I love getting back to the basics💜

[@estellevanzyl433]

You're such an amazing teacher. Thank you for making it so easy. It will be my VERY FIRST time, but I am looking forward to it. Thanks again

[@hiawanthaabdusalaam190]

Thank you for this similar version of making cold process soap.. I always wanted to make soap. So i started of with MP and now after 2 years of that , I’m ready to try it! I’ve been watching your videos for 2 years off and on. I love ❤️ all of them . I just ordered all my ingredients to make my first small batch of cold process soap , I can’t wait for my supplies to arrive and start to make some soaps!!! Thanks again for all that you share with everyone! 😊

[@shawndellburney-speaks3037]

I've been researching how to make bar soap. I want to give away as gifts at my event, and hands down, this video is the sweetest! Thank you for sharing the simplicity of this recipe. I cannot wait to try! ;)

[@carolp5993]

Thank you for this terrific demo! I am very new to soap making and have only worked with melt and pour. I have feared trying CP for so long. This video is wonderful, and feel I can take the leap and give it a try now.

[@bbrown6515]

Wonderful video, and delightful teacher. Thank you for making it doable.

[@lynnbernard7030]

Really nice video for beginners! Thank you! Your knowledge is very much appreciated!

[@scatteredseedsofhappiness3285]

Great video! You explained the process so clearly, thank you!

[@cleojohnson3011]

Love watching your videos that soap is beautiful.

[@belindarae9879]

Thank you for sharing this video and I am new at soap making cant wait to get started. Thanks from UK

[@mariboni516]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been considering making soap for a while now. Everything I saw made the process so daunting. I love how simple and low stress you made the process. I feel confident that I can finally tackle this project! Thank you! 😊

[@Mookcne]

Thank you so much. It looks very nice and fun. The video is useful and easy to understand.❤️

[@Diamond18116]

OMG I LOVE IT - then I can use DHL boxes and not to purchase expensive silicon boxes - awesome thanks a lot for your AWESOME LESSONS.. WHAT A GREAT HELP FOR ME.

[@mariecarlson832]

I'm really enjoying your videos. You are thorough and I appreciate your safety precautions!

[@lavieestbelle6068]

Thank you so much for this basic recipe. I just made my first batch of soap. I am elated.

[@breadcrumbs3530]

Heads up: it actually only takes 10-20 minutes (30 minutes at the absolute max) to whisk a soap mixture to trace, which I don’t think is that bad. So don’t feel discouraged to not try soap making if you don’t have a stick blender, it’s totally possible with just a whisk!

[@eugenekatibang9903]

can i have your number, i think you can help me to do my own soap

[@EthanThomas-th6ps]

Yes whisking works, a stick blender saves time. It literally takes me blending a 3lb batch in 2-3 min.

[@celesteelijah8923]

So glad I saw this, Anne-Marie! I had been hesitant about doing CP. But now with your teaching, I know I can do it. I've been doing just MP going on 2 years, I'm ready to graduate. Love your website and I have joined so ready to learn. THANK YOU!!

[@bluepilledworld]

How is it going? I haven't even done m&p, I bought some, but actually I'd rather do cold to avoid some other ingredients... Good luck.

[@alankarsingers8697]

Simplicity is the essence of beauty.

[@hopeandstrength2831]

Thank you for sharing this absolutely informative and comprehensive video, I never made soap before and I really want to try it. Thank you.

[@agneszephyrin3937]

I was looking for a simple recipe for a long time, I am so excited to have found this one...because I can't use soaps with deodorants in in all of my soaps have to be simple soap..thank you so much for your recipe..

[@hlumelabongobi3933]

Geez you're really good at explaining. This video was excellent 🙏😍

[@CarlineFrancois]

Thank you. Loved it. Can't wait to make my first batch...😊

[@FluffFashion_21]

This is the best method I have found on line yet... thanks for simplify

[@saewelodivine1665]

This is such a great video for newbie/baby soapers! Thank you Anne-Marie ♥

[@motherofquills]

Thank you for getting back to basics. This is something my husband and I have been doing more and more of lately. Getting back to basics and kind of starting over if you will. This is a great refresher and a great starter. Thank you!

[@bramble-berry]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@RehabCareerCoach]

Thank you! This was simple and easy to follow.

[@callmecaptainrose7126]

Thank you for this you explain soap making very well😊

[@r.h.4318]

Wow ! You made cold process soap look easier and not too scary to work with. Thank you ! Maybe I will consider it in the future and I will get the lye flakes and all oil product's from Bramble Berry

[@LaPetiteBoulin]

I love the longer videos.

[@Ninadesignsdisney247]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m excited to start my first batch 🤗

[@togr824get]

Thank you..That was fun to watch..and I definitely can't wait to try this recipe with my daughters..

[@mduvigneaud]

Something I've started doing is adding my oils in stages depending on what function the oil has in the soap: castor oil is always added first, cocoa or shea butter is always added last.

[@KussDamato]

whats the reasoning for that? just curious :)

[@mduvigneaud]

@@KussDamato The oils I add first saponify more so there will be less left in the superfat, while the oils I add last will saponify less. It will never be 100% either way, though.

[@vaniawhitfield6486]

I’m going to try my hand at this soon

[@joyikoro9052]

I learnt how to make soap from you. I want to learn more. Thank you for all the tutorial. God bless you.

[@CakesbyLaurel]

Wonderful video and thanks for explaining things and what they are.

[@LadyGecko]

I think it would be cool if you did 'kit' videos. Where you open one of your kits and then go through the process. Not that the instruction cards provided aren't great because they are, but I know that some folks are still intimidated.

[@bramble-berry]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jin8339]

I will definitely buy a kit as first time beginner.

[@indirasharma6076]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/baaUqodjp5Wdo5I

[@maycuarecamacho]

Yay! I really love this soap making, thank you! 😍

[@tabithablalock]

Wow. This is right on time!

[@liferde7502]

This video was so informative. I am definitely going to try this soap!!

[@alexischavez3238]

But yes! I sighed as this was probably one of the first soap making videos I ever saw lol I've been making soap a year now and I just realized by looking to her left I have her Bramble Berry Milk Soap book! Which I absolutely love and recommend so worth the money its taught me everything I know, the measurements inside of it have always been my go to and the knowledge of milks and oils inside it is priceless!

[@qiud6795]

Thanks for this great video. Do I have to let the soap sit in the mold for 3-4 days, then let it cure for 2-3 weeks (like the written instructions say) or can I just cut it after 24 hours then use it?

[@kuyah7438]

Thank you very much Anne. I love the soap very much....😍😍

[@c.brannan1782]

Finally a tutorial that uses standard measurements! Thanks

[@MeBeingAble]

Lol you made the lining of the box very difficult 🤣 good to watch this for a change

[@ShyShyTheGem]

Just ordered everything I needed to make my first batches of soap 🧼 so excited ! Thank you for this video :) Update: I made the soap and the process was so easy !! :) next time I will add some scent because the smell of the olive oil and palm oil wasn’t very nice lol !

[@adamary8599]

I wish I knew about this kit before! I bought everything and was so confused and my soap ended up being a failure 😣

[@gavgav9476]

😁

[@manrajsinghchhabra1178]

Can u pls guide from where we can get essential oils and scents

[@adoniacummings3821]

@manrajsinghchhabra1178 did anyone responded back to u if so can you send me the information

[@adoniacummings3821]

@@adamary8599 where do u get you kit from ?

[@loisdouglass-alston7135]

Great tutorial - many thanks!!

[@lms2336]

Thank you! I've watched a few videos and while they make it look "easy" you really made it easy to understand the whys of it all. Thank you for, from someone who is trying to learn before taking that Jump.

[@karlabryan5854]

I'm just starting to collect the equipment for soap making and anxious to get started. Love that big measuring "cup" you have. Where did you get it? Your instructions are great! Thanks so much!

[@beckyluvstoscrapnsew]

Freezer paper is so expensive and extremely hard to find here in Australia...that much would cost at least $5.00 where I last bought some , if not more....... I often use it more than once, I start with pale colours and as I use it again it will get to the darker colours...lol.....my record has been five batches of soap using one lot of freezer paper lining!

[@cryingbroken8824]

Try "parchment" paper, or better still, butcher's paper.

[@ImGinaMarie]

Buy their silicone mold its cheaper than using paper all the time

[@yellowbanana8670]

I’m in NZ and have never heard if freezer paper, is it the same as cooking paper?

[@katherinetaylor6]

@@yellowbanana8670 I think its parchment paper lol

[@essebug1066]

@@yellowbanana8670 Pretty sure it's just parchment paper.

[@diegooland1261]

Great, thanks. Just what I'm looking for.

[@JenniferCollins-ch1up]

Thank you so much for your video I really appreciate this simple recipe I can't wait to try it

[@clarewhite3004]

Small Amazon boxes make perfect molds for my 2.5lb batches.

[@markbhie298]

Thank you Bramble berry. Im an Alternative Learning System Teacher from the Philippines. I learned a lot in your videos. 😊👍 And I share this learnings to my learners. Hopefully it will help them to make business. More power and Godbless your team.

[@susansanford9846]

I really want to learn how to make my own soap thank you for your help !!!!

[@nancykelly9712]

It would been helpful to show how to calculate the amount of batter you need to make and for what size of bars you will have once done. 🤷‍♀️ Thanks for sharing though, these videos are great for newbies, it just needed that step.

[@kathrynstowe5091]

I made this soap last week going by the instruction that was given with the kit. It came out brittle when I tried to slice the soap into pieces. Is it easy to make the cold process or heat and pour?

[@landhcreations]

Wow i never thought of using a box for the mold! So inexpensive!!

[@manrajsinghchhabra1178]

Very informative for beginners. Thanks a lot

[@zoeldanputrijulliana]

Hai anne Maria I'm from Indonesia..I love your videos

[@reginahudock7444]

Thank you Anne Marie. You forgot to show the beginner how to calculate the volume of the box × .39 to get the amount of oils they need. What if a box was chosen that ws too small for the recipe. Love Brambleberry fragrance, testing and research!

[@shira__]

How do you calculate it please!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks for showing us. Take care.

[@thomasbabroudi2757]

Thank you. Great recipe

[@itsclaudiasophie]

Hey! I have a question! In this recipie can I substitute the palm oil? If yes, what oil can I use and the amount. Thanks for this video 💕

[@jaunbonaysmith]

That's what i want to know too...

[@chrisdownes9771]

Yes u can substitute palm oil u can use hard butters like Shea butter cocoa butter or kokum butter

[@vivianwong5503]

Can you please do a beginners recipe without palm oil? Thank you!

[@RealDream112]

Yes please!

[@Clarimort]

@@RealDream112 60% olive, 30% coconut, 10% castor. This the first recipe I tried and it was easy enough and you can get those oils pretty easily. It does take a little longer to cure but after 6-8 weeks you have got a nice, lathering and gentle soap!

[@RealDream112]

@@Clarimort Thank you so much!!!

[@jseek2512]

U can use butters in the place of palm oil or lard or tallow

[@maggiefry3458]

Can you use avocado oil?

[@karolinaaristizabalm.5109]

Im really going to try it! Thanks for sharing! Greeting from Colombia.

[@ramonabear00]

I really enjoyed this thank you

[@Taniya.amaru21]

I’m just wondering how do you add scents do you add before or after the lye

[@thedarkhorse9218]

Fragrance goes in after you reach light trace... Around 13:40 in the video.

[@itsesquai9576]

Thanks for another amazing video. Just a suggestion, decrease the brightness of the video just a bit. I've decreased my device video brightness and it's still difficult to distinguish between the glaring white freezer paper and countertops and the soap. Cheers!

[@marciaholder1855]

Thanks for sharing Love your teaching ❤❤

[@camnnnr]

Very nice explained and I do love the creamy color 🤗

[@firdowskruger9896]

Greetings from Pretoria, South Africa. Love your videos and BRAMBLE BERRY.😊 Thank you for sharing. May we use goats milk instead of water for a creamy bar or will it be toooo creamy?

[@chrisdownes9771]

Yes

[@amandak.5354]

Is there a good alternative for palm oil? And would you use the same amount of it as compared to the palm oil?

[@angelbear_og]

Lard. Use one of the online soap calculators.

[@deedolce04]

Olive oil and sweet almond oil are great for substituting palm oil!

[@younganimals2948]

Shea butter maybe

[@bramble-berry]

We have a great article on alternatives to palm oil here: www.brambleberry.com/articles/ingredient-information/art0028-palm-oil-alternatives-in-cold-process-soap.html

[@chrisdownes9771]

Shea butter cocoa butter kokum butter are all alternatives to palm oil any hard butter can work

[@phorn_khann]

Wow! Wow!

[@veronicac.9137]

Hi, I love your video you explain very easy, thanks a lot for sharing it !!!!!!

[@ZeeZaky]

CAN YOU DO WHIPPED SOAP

[@floridagirl8563]

I’m new at soap making. I use lots of melt & pour soaps and I’ve been wondering why I need to do this from scratch when the melt & pour is so readily available & easy. I do mix different types of melt & pour together though. Is it because of different ingredients (oils) that can be used in this version? Help.

[@rdc197810]

I think the benefit of cold process soap is the ability to tailor the ingredients in the bar (oils) and I imagine you can better control the level of superfatting. I haven't tried melt and pours but if it's working for you I don't see why you'd change.

[@tenywadan8025]

Wow at least this method is somehow simple

[@tenywadan8025]

Can I find these materials in Uganda

[@user-sq6wj4xx5f]

I was so worried about taking the next step and trying cold process soap making. I was sticking with melt and pour😕 but learned so much on how to use it from Brambleberry that I figured why not. This has been such a great learning experience. Anything that is posted I watch! I’m so thankful, this has turned a fun hobby into something I love and enjoy, and now others are enjoying my creations as well. Maybe one day I will continue to a startup. 🙏🏼🙂 your a wonderful teacher!

[@bramble-berry]

That's wonderful! We're so glad we could help!

[@user-zi3im7pv7k]

Great job❤Thank you!

[@turlapatisarma3095]

Great video, which oil can be used as substitute for palm oil

[@3riversgirl777]

if you google oils to sub for Palm lots of options come up on the internet, its a wealth of information

[@gods-anointedcook462]

Thank you I love your soaps question how you make them lather ??? Because I’m starting to make soaps with no chimacals

[@MariaRamirez86]

The lye will make them lather. Lye disappears from the final product after the saponification time has passed. ( between 4 and 6 weeks). I hope this helps

[@turlapatisarma3095]

You can add soap nut powder for lather. Multani mitti for bonding.

[@zwelonkesimela5928]

Beautiful.

[@ammorales1524]

Enjoyed your video. I am an aspiring creator of beauty products using essential oils and this gave me a very good idra of what it takes to pursue one aspect of this field. Thank you!

[@suchannel8491]

Thanks for your great and simple tips! Can you just tell me how long should it be kept away before start to use it? 45 days? Or it is ready to used immediately after 24hr of it hardens.

[@bramble-berry]

Cold process is ready to use after about 4 weeks.

[@veronicawilliams2612]

I just need a scent that will stay..been making soap for two years.

[@gunrunner465]

Rose oil

[@imagean52]

Love your demo.. I hope to follow. Wish me luck..

[@roslynhudson6435]

Thank you for sharing.

[@thetonycam3944]

She sounds like someone who makes soap by day and hit clubs at night and goes to Coachella every year.

[@quinwitdafro222]

The Tony Cam bro LMAOOOOOO

[@jenniferrose8364]

could palm butter be used instead of palm oil ?

[@bramble-berry]

We have not tested this recipe with palm butter, but you may find this article helpful! www.brambleberry.com/articles/ingredient-information/art0028-palm-oil-alternatives-in-cold-process-soap.html

[@jenniferrose8364]

@@bramble-berry Thank you

[@thehysamshow1426]

What I watched is just so amazing, it's so clear,precise and understandable!!. Be blessed madam

[@liz_shamuhd6612]

Would like to try this soon :).. thanks for the recipe..

[@bennightingale3318]

Annemarie: dont just let the stick blender just go. Go in short bursts. * lets stick blender go solid, no short bursts *

[@chrisdownes9771]

Lol 🤣🤣😂

[@Delicate_Disaster]

I'm super impressed that her super fat speech went on for exactly how long it took to get the lye poured. If I tried that I would have stuttered, poured the wrong amount, lost my place and had to stop pouring or stop talking. I cannot multi task like she can lol.

[@ronaldhemmings2476]

Excellent training film. Very clear an to the point. I enjoyed your work.👍👍👍👍

[@bramble-berry]

Thank you very much!

[@christinahylton6425]

Thanks I appreciate this .