Call it Handmade soap, Handcrafted soap, Homemade soap, Herbal soap, Natural soap or Glycerin Rich soap. Whatever the name, it usually refers to the cold process of soap making. Hand made soap is "Glycerin Rich Soap." The glycerin is formed naturally by the cold process soap making method. In many commercial soaps, this extra glycerin, is harvested out. Since handmade soap makers don't harvest out the glycerin from their soap, all handmade soap is "glycerin rich".

Cold process soap making is considered an art. Well maybe it's a science. Most likely it's a combination of both. I call it a great hobby. The thumbnail version of this type of soap making process.... a specific proportion of lye (sodium hydroxide) and water, added to oil, creating a chemical reaction called "saponification." During which time the oils and the lye react to become soap - after this, there is a curing process that takes approximately six weeks to fully complete.

If you decide to start making soap as a hobby you should know that cold process soap is known for its hard, long lasting quality. Depending on the oils used, the bar can have great lather (use coconut oil for it's excellent lathering properties), be mild (olive oil is renowned for being gentle) or moisturizing (with the addition of oils like Shea and cocoa butter or hemp oil). You can add dyes and other colourings, fragrances and finely chopped organics such as oatmeal. The sky is the limit with this fun hobby.

If you want a fun hobby to make products at home that pamper your skin, then you will need to use quality products like food grade vegetable oils, also, natural oxides, micas and clays for colouring your soap and you will need to use the finest of natural plant essential oils and also cosmetic grade fragrances.

You can use animal fats instead of oils, however we stay away from animal products for various reasons.

When people start making soap they make comments like: "One thing I didn't count on was the amount of money we saved!" or "I am proud of the gifts I am able to give to my friends." Another, "I was amazed at the comments I get from my friends" and this one always, "I couldn't believe how gentle my soap is on my skin."

When you get to making your own soap you will definitely save money. You will not have to purchase soap, for starters. You will have a ready supply of gifts for family and friends, you will find yourself making custom soaps for family members and the one I like, Citronella as an insect repellent.

The onecaution: Lye is corrosive and can be quite dangerous. By following the proper precautions it can be used safely.

Keep in mind, making soap can become a very lucrative home based business. Many people have quit full time jobs to make and sell their soaps.