What's the truth behind soap making? An insider's perspective from a 'REAL' soap maker.

I must express my frustration with individuals who claim to produce natural soap yet merely melt pre-made substances in the microwave (yes, Melt + Pour), and then add essential oils, labeling it as natural. That's simply not true; it's a waste of time and money, but that's on you! Just a note...You aren't even selling soap—it's not soap, it's detergent! It's not genuine. I don't understand why they refer to themselves as soap makers and attempt to sell this product.

Here's the truth...

Why Melt + Pour Isn't Real Soap: The Essential Oil Myth

In recent years, Melt and Pour soap bases have gained popularity among crafters and DIY enthusiasts. Their ease of use and the ability to create beautiful, intricate designs make them a favorite choice. However, there's a common misconception that simply adding essential oils to Melt and Pour soap bases makes them "all-natural" or even comparable to traditional cold process or hot process soap. Let’s debunk this myth and explore why Melt and Pour isn't the same as true soap.

The Basics of Melt and Pour

Melt and Pour soap bases are pre-made and contain synthetic ingredients that enable them to be melted down and remolded easily. This type of soap often includes chemicals like surfactants, which contribute to its smooth texture and ease of melting. While these bases can be a convenient way to create aesthetically pleasing soap, they do not hold the same natural qualities as traditionally made soap.

Adding Essential Oils: A Partial Solution

Essential oils are praised for their natural fragrances and therapeutic properties. Adding them to a Melt and Pour soap base might enhance the scent and add some mild benefits. However, it does not change the fundamental composition of the soap. The base remains a blend of synthetics and chemicals, which means the final product is far from being "all-natural."

What Real Soap Is

Real soap is created through a chemical reaction known as saponification, which occurs when lye (sodium hydroxide) interacts with fats or oils. This process results in glycerin and soap, both of which have skin-nourishing properties. The oils used in cold process or hot process soap-making can be entirely natural, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter. This type of soap retains all the benefits of these oils, including their moisturizing and nourishing properties.

The All-Natural Misconception

The term "all-natural" should be reserved for products that genuinely consist of natural ingredients from start to finish. Simply adding essential oils to a synthetic Melt and Pour base does not meet this criterion. True all-natural soap does not rely on synthetic compounds and instead harnesses the power of nature's ingredients.

Conclusion

While Melt and Pour soap bases can be fun and easy to work with, it’s important to understand their limitations. Adding essential oils might make these soaps smell delightful, but it does not transform them into a natural product. For those seeking true natural soap, traditional soap-making methods that involve the saponification of natural oils are the way to go!!!

Simply Made by Jodie's Real Handmade Soap