HUMONGOUS batch of melt and pour soap base from scratch - with Recipe

I Upload on the 1st & 15th of each month.
Hey friends, my name is Lissa, (aka The Soap Chef ) I've been creating luxurious soap, bath & skincare products since April, 2002.
I am a Licensed Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, Certified Aromatherapist and up until my retirement in 2020, I held a Nursing License in the state of Pennsylvania.
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SAMPLE SOAP RECIPE
3% Beeswax (hardness, conditioning, creamy lather)
27% Coconut (lauric & myristic acid for lather/cleansing)
10% Cocoa Butter (palmitic & stearic for longevity & hardness. Has high stearic amount)
20% Palm (palmitic & stearic for longevity & hardness)
20% Sweet Almond (86% Oleic for nourishing)
15% Avocado (75% Oleic for nourishing)
5% Castor (lather stabilizer)
Hardness: 45
Cleansing: 18
Conditioning: 51
Bubbly: 23
Creamy: 30
INS: 156
LYE SOLUTION STRENGTHS (plug into soapcalc.net )
Lye x 3 (your water amount) = 25% lye concentration Good for beginners who need a lot of time to work (lots of water, very fluid, will take longer to cure)
Lye x 2.5 (your water amount) = 28.6% lye concentration Good for Kaleidoscope Pour
Lye x 2.3 (your water amount) = 30.3% lye concentration Good for Swirls
Lye x 2.2 (your water amount) = 31.3% lye concentration Good for Hanger Swirls
Lye x 2.1 (your water amount) = 32.3% lye concentration Good for Soap Dough
Lye x 2 (your water amount) = 33.3% lye concentration Good for Layers
Lye x 1.7 (your water amount) = 37% lye concentration Good for Frosting (you want this to thicken up quickly to pipeable consistency)
Lye x 1.6 (your water amount) = 38.5% lye concentration Good for experienced soapers (Steep water discount)
Lye x 1.5 (your water amount) = 40% lye concentration Good for Castile Soap (Very DEEP water discount to cure/harden more quickly)
The information provide by The Soap Chef ("we", "us", or "our") on / thesoapchef (the "site") is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE IS SOLEY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
This video may contain features and/or materials used for research and development that may be protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
© August 23, 2020 The Soap Chef
All right reserved

[@TheSoapChef]

I SO despise doing voice overs. I can never get the recording to match up exactly on the video. Ugh. Well, enjoy anyway.

[@pjelvis22]

Hi! If I were to do a huge batch 120 ib In oils with lye and fragrance, You think I can get away with using 10ib of glycerin? 😊

[@TheSoapChef]

@@pjelvis22 my best advice is to just start pouring whatever solvent you choose until it is liquid enough to be portable. There is no exact science to how much of a solvent you should or should not use. It’s just a matter of trial and error with your own personal recipe too little of a solvent and it’s going to be a chunky batter. Too much of a solvent, and it’s going to be too liquidy. It will not firm up properly, and it’ll be rubbery and bendable.

[@pjelvis22]

@@TheSoapChef gotchu. Thank you!

[@TheSoapChef]

I wouldn't use that much for 2 reasons. 1 it will be soft/rubbery feeling and 2 it will sweat. Just use enough so that it becomes fluid enough to pour. @@pjelvis22

[@pjelvis22]

@@TheSoapChef I just learned the hard way, if you’re alone and nobody can help you pour 135 pounds of saponified oils into mold, don’t try to make 500 bars in one go😆😆😆

[@karendenbok3206]

Cool!!!

[@Ikkey73]

Great video

[@mudpyz]

thanks so much for showing this process

[@TheSoapChef]

You are so welcome!

[@sl4983]

This is so easy to understand, your voice is clear, not too fast. Good video

[@TheSoapChef]

Thank you so much.

[@tonimartin6861]

I Love your Channel I really do your amazing.

[@TheSoapChef]

Oh wow, hi Toni, I can't even remember last time I "saw" you here, then again, not everyone likes to comment so there's that..........anyhoooooo.....I'm so happy you stopped by. Thanks.

[@lauriewilson4741]

Back after work 😊

[@RED-cy7ig]

This makes me want to try and make a small batch of melt and pour.. love this video.

[@TheSoapChef]

It’s a lot of fun actually. Try it.

[@MsAubrey]

Big... big... big batch 😉

[@barbaramundy5039]

Wow 💜 was that a challenge. That's a seriously huge batch of soap, making it into Melt and pour. Thank you for the guidance, it's not easy to make, especially when the feel of the finished product becomes like plastic. You've made the process a lot easier to understand. 😍 😍

[@TheSoapChef]

Thanks for watching Barbara

[@Imprasario]

I’m a hot process soap maker and love everything involved with making soap this way but the workout you got from stirring that huge batch made ME tired just watching! Nice beat down save on the volcano, you had me nervous for a few seconds. Thank you so much for explaining your choices for oils, solvents, etc. it’s so helpful and much appreciated!

[@TheSoapChef]

Oh yes, my poor biceps needed a rub down with some magnesium butter after that monster batch 🤣. Thanks for watching.

[@noorfarazkhan8881]

Thanks so much

[@jobo8819]

Yo Soap Chef, how ya doing???? Yup dat a big az batch. This was super interesting to watch and learn from. Never ever seen a turkey roaster😮😮 before.

[@TheSoapChef]

I used to use that in my massage practice many moons ago for hot stone massage. It’s a beast for sure but I love it for making huge batches of melt and pour.

[@sassynyc7327]

So far your rendition of handmade MP base clicks in my brain. Thank you so much for your transparent/ concise explanation of this recipe. I’m very diligent with percentages especially when formulating a recipe. Everything is so costly today. I want to be able to make a small batch to try out. I’ve never made M/P base and I’m hyped to try it. I make CP/HP and love this as well.

[@TheSoapChef]

You're welcome. *tip* only use the amount of solvent you need to make the batch liquidy enough to pour. Too much solvent and the end product will be too soft. I don't normally use the entire amount of solvents that I've made for a batch. This one I did b/c it was humongous and needed it.

[@sassynyc7327]

I would like a test batch of 16 oz batch. Should I stick with 16% of total oil weight which is about 2.6 oz of each solvent or eyeball to as close a loose consistency of batch

[@TheSoapChef]

@@sassynyc7327 make up your solvents 1st.....equal portions......doesn't matter which solvents you choose to use.....just equal portions. What I would do is weigh the vessel you have the solvents in......write down that total weight. After you've poured however much solvent you think is good for your batch......re-weigh the container that has the leftover solvent in it and write down that number. Subtract from the 1st amount and you'll then know how much solvent it took for that particular batch. Every batch is different, ingredients are different, hot/cold environment is going to be different (than mine) etc.

[@sassynyc7327]

Got it. Thank you.

[@deebee4751]

I want to thank you for this recipe. I love to make soaps of all kinds. My favorite method is hot process. I use M&P with my grandchildren or 11:29 when I’m in a pinch needing bars that don’t require curing time. I started making my own and wasn’t exactly satisfied with the end result. But I prefer using my m&p knowing what’s inside my soaps. I acquired all the ingredients needed and will be trying this recipe. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheSoapChef]

You’re welcome just be sure to only use the amount of solvent necessary to turn the paste into a liquid form again. Using too much solvent will produce a rubbery soap. Not using enough and you’ll have chunks. It’s a fine line and a delicate balance. One that you will have to figure out on your own. What I did in this video worked for my recipe.

[@deebee4751]

I believe I added a bit too much solvent. It’s in the mold now. I will see tomorrow. I got distracted and as soon as I added the rest I knew I over did it. My other m&p recipe is a bit shiny and yes, on the rubbery side. (I only used glycerin in my last recipe) It needs tweaking. My son helped me with the math on this recipe, thank goodness. I ran it through soap calculator to adapt to 3 pounds. I have to say the bubbles are fantastic when I was cleaning up and testing. I will be able to salvage it. But most of all I’m learning. So much chemistry in soap making which wasn’t my best subject. But I love to learn and enjoy soaping so much. 😊

[@sl4983]

Btw I went through a HUGE bully issue a few years ago. Thank you for your work in that area.

[@TheSoapChef]

yeah I don't stand for that kind of thing whether it's in person or on the socials. If I see it happening, no matter who it's happening to, I'm going to step in. That type of behavior in ANY form is unacceptable and I for one, will never tolerate it.

[@sl4983]

@@TheSoapChef Same Here Soap Chef! Not kidding! We can get in contact if you ever want, but I am THE SAME WAY. 👍

[@pamichic]

This is fantastic! Saving this for when I finally have the guts to soap! Thank you so much for sharing! One question I had was, with the HP, do you wear a mask the whole time your mixing and such?

[@TheSoapChef]

Yes. Last time I looked, it was roughly $130 for a block of mp from WSP. No, I don’t wear a mask the entire time.

[@hbrunet72]

I have to admit that making M&P from scratch has me a little intimidated. I have a few projects in the plans for the coming year that will require me to use some, so I am thinking I will need to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing your process with us.

[@TheSoapChef]

Thank you for watching. It’s really not that bad, just have to be watchful and not panick

[@harlanshandmade]

Congrats on not volcanoing out, I was worried for a minute.

[@TheSoapChef]

Yeah, it can be quite intimidating. If you’re not ready for it and it starts doing that. I’ve seen so many people panic and not know what to do when that happens. It can be pretty scary.

[@sarouamansouri3309]

Thanks a lot can we add apple cider vinegar to lye silution

[@TheSoapChef]

You can, but I don’t see a reason to. Contrary to the myths that are all over the Internet, adding citric acid and/or vinegar when you’re making soap does not lower the pH.

[@gabrielibarra3711]

Hello thank you for the instructional on this. Maybe this question has already been asked. But looking to make a powdered goats or coconut milk based melt and pour. Any suggestions?

[@TheSoapChef]

you can add 1 oz. per pound of soap base of any additive you'd like

[@denisestich8731]

Very cool! Instead of hand stirring, can we use a hand mixer? I have arthritis and chronic fatigue so I wouldn't be able to to stir by hand for long durations. Thank you.

[@TheSoapChef]

Yes, you can

[@jeannettecain7163]

Can I use white sugar instead of sorbitol? Would it be the same amount as sorbitol? Thank you.

[@TheSoapChef]

You can make a sugar liquid and use that. The amount is up to you. I tell everyone that you don’t have to use the amounts of solvents that I did. Do what works for you. Add as much as it takes to get the mixture fluid.

[@thesoapilove]

13:59 i am watching so much amole on my right, how hot is the “dough” at this time?

[@user-lt6ws7yy1p]

Great video thank you. Can you make a semi transparant version.

[@TheSoapChef]

I don’t make transparent soap b/c of how badly the solvents smell plus, it never turns out clear. There’s always a yellow tinge. So, I leave the clear soap making to the professionals.

[@user-lt6ws7yy1p]

@@TheSoapChef Clear 😊

[@maishair]

Thanks for such a useful video... One question, it has all the same ingredients as transparent/clear soap base... So what makes it white?

[@TheSoapChef]

There is no alcohol used in the melting pour. These are just my regular base oils that I use all the time for regular cold process soap. How do you get a transparent or clear melted pour soap is by using alcohol.

[@maishair]

@@TheSoapChef Thanks for the swift reply.... I use to make clear soap with all these same ingredients with different proportions....Propylene glycol is the ingredient I think which fulfils the place of alcohol....

[@TheSoapChef]

@@maishair i’ve been a soap maker for 22 years now, and in my own personal experience, propylene glycol does not turn the soap batter clear, you need alcohol for that.

[@rhondadelaney9390]

Awesome video! How long does a bar or M&P last compared to a bar of Cold Process soap?

[@TheSoapChef]

It’s definitely less than CP but way longer than traditional m/p

[@rhondadelaney9390]

@@TheSoapChef Thank you! Is it ready to use once poured into the molds or do I need to wait 4-6 weeks?

[@thesoapilove]

As i am watching you Mixing i can’t thinking i probably would abort, cause i probably wouldn’t have the strenght to mix ! And probably my arms fall off. Lol 😮

[@TheSoapChef]

You don’t have to make a batch this size, I just needed to because I have a ton of kids soaps that are coming out this year

[@skuldarchleone]

May i ask how you disolve the sorbitol? I only know the crystalline one but i never tried to disolve in other liquid than water.

[@TheSoapChef]

I buy the liquid sorbitol, so no need to dissolve because it’s already in liquid form

[@skuldarchleone]

@@TheSoapChef thank you, i will take a look if its available in germany 😊

[@TheMswilson123]

Is the Sorbitol liquid or powder? All I'm seeing on Amazon is Sorbitol powder. Thanks!

[@TheSoapChef]

liquid

[@thesoapilove]

12:05 if i wanna make my sorbitol wich is nothing more than water and sugar, what measure Should i do? Can you please help me with that, cause i am from Portugal and i can’t find sorbitol and if i buy it online, sorbitol is very affordable but the shipping costs are very expensive so i thought to make it myself.

[@TheSoapChef]

It's not quite "just" sugar water, there's more chemistry involved however, sugar water is perfectly fine as a replacement. Most Sorbitol is 70% solution.

[@user-oq8md6od7y]

Hi! thank you so much for this video. I tried this and mine came out pretty soft. I am back trying to trouble shoot what I did wrong. So total your solvents are 48% of total weight of oil (16% each) when all is said and done right? I super fatted at 5%

[@TheSoapChef]

I don’t use as much solvents if the end product is coming out too soft

[@user-oq8md6od7y]

@@TheSoapChef Thank you! I am trying again today. I am going to go down to 10% each for this next round. Even though it is soft.. it is still so luxurious!

[@TheSoapChef]

@@user-oq8md6od7y only use as much solvent as needed until it gets to a pourable state. Too many solvents will indeed make the end product soft. When I made that humongous batch, it needed the entire amount of my solvents. Your experience may be different. that’s why I said in the video to just keep pouring a little bit at a time and judging how much more you need.

[@TheSoapChef]

@@user-oq8md6od7y I like the fact that you are experimenting and doing your own research and development as all good formulators should do. You can take a base formula from someone and then make it your own.

[@user-pm1kk6bw4m]

At what point do we add the super fat please ? And if I need to add purees, clays how should I add it ? At what point ?

[@TheSoapChef]

This isn’t a typical hot process soap, it’s making melt and pour.

[@sl4983]

Did you have to grate the beeswax first, or just chop it in?

[@TheSoapChef]

At that time that I made this, I used beeswax pellets. Since then I have melted down a humongous batch of beeswax blocks, poured them into my silicone mold, cut them into small little squares while it was still warm so it’s more manageable for me to work with that way.

[@bettycosworld3621]

How much of that clear stuff did you add at the end before you poured it? Was it glycerine?

[@TheSoapChef]

In the video, I state that I use propylene glycol, sorbitol, glycerin

[@roxaneevans1187]

I was wondering if I could use just glycerin, and not the propylene glycol and sorbitol, Im trying to keep them as chemically restrained as possible for the fact one child chemical sensitivity and if its really needed?

[@GillFarmsDairyGoats]

Does homemade MP base still sweat like store bought?

[@TheSoapChef]

Yes, it can depending on what solvent you use and how much. That is why I don’t use only glycerin as a solvent because it sweats too much and makes the bars soft and rubbery.

[@thesoapilove]

I don’t have a croc pot. That’s not a thing Portuguese have in our kitchen. Can i do this in a double Boiler tecnique.

[@TheSoapChef]

Yes you can

[@thesoapilove]

@@TheSoapChef thank you so much for response to my question! Soapy kisses

[@sherrymccurdy1328]

Is your sorbitol pure or 70% solution?

[@TheSoapChef]

Yes

[@lilianamontero230]

Por qué lo dejaste endurecer tanto?

[@TheSoapChef]

I don't understand the question. It's melt and pour, you have to allow it to get hard after you make it so you can re-melt and re-pour into your silicone molds

[@roxaneevans1187]

Could I use more glycerin instead of the added chemicals?

[@TheSoapChef]

I don't know what you mean by "chemicals". If you're talking about the solvents, Propylene Glycol is a wonderful humectant. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. You certainly can use just glycerin. In my personal experience of doing that, the end result is rubbery, soft & bendable. Not to mention how much it will sweat afterwards. But, go ahead and experiment. That's the beauty of creating.

[@roxaneevans1187]

I did a little research and Im just so cautious these days but I dont want sweaty, bendy melt and pour, Im making it because I have grandkids that want to play with soap with grandma and since I dont want them around the lye I figured if I made this they can make their own soaps and I have really cute molds for them and its just a fun project to do when they are over. The kids are 5, 10, 11, 12 , I have a soap supplier just down the road so I will be getting those and thank you for your understanding and knowledge.

[@TheSoapChef]

@@roxaneevans1187 I do understand. With little ones however, I would use extreme caution when making hot process as it can and will bubble over causing not only a huge mess but potential injury if the kiddo's are close enough. Have you considered just buying m/p soap base from michaels/JoAnns/Hobby Lobby?

[@roxaneevans1187]

@@TheSoapChef oh no Im making this way ahead of time so it will be ready and all they will be doing is melting and pouring sorry, I dont want them making this part with me just the finished product, in fact how would I store this because it will be a while before we get moved and I see them , Im just planning ahead.

[@TheSoapChef]

@@roxaneevans1187 ok ok, wheeeeew.

[@jeffhein7275]

21:39 How many exits are on this aircraft and where are they located? 😂😉

[@TheSoapChef]

🤣🤣🤣 hysterical

[@VicToria-sd1dn]

The elbow grease though.

[@lauriewilson4741]

🤯$121. Seriously 😳

[@TheSoapChef]

Yep, and then you have to factor in the shipping cost for 24 pounds to your location. It’s robbery for sure. Even when they offer their usual 25% discount it’s still one arm and one leg to purchase it.

[@lauriewilson4741]

Hot process 🤦‍♀️ 1st batch was wine soap. Thought it was a flop. Cut it up and shoved it somewhere. Came back 3 mo later and it was good.

[@TheSoapChef]

I love that