Soap is made using a variety of methods. Among these, the cold-press method is currently attracting attention for its beauty benefits. However, I think there are many people who don't know much about the specific benefits of cold-press soap for the skin.
Here we will explain why it is said to be good for your skin.
What is the cold press method?
Simply put, this method involves stirring oil, water, and caustic soda together to create a liquid soap using the heat from the chemical reaction that occurs, which is then poured into a mold and allowed to harden and mature.
Aside from the raw materials, soaps also differ depending on the manufacturing method. There are two main types of manufacturing methods: "neutralization method" and "saponification method." "Neutralization method" is made by reacting fatty acids, water, and caustic soda. The fatty acids used here are obtained by breaking down oils and removing the glycerin. In other words, soaps made using the neutralization method do not contain glycerin, which has high moisturizing properties.
The "saponification method" is made by reacting oil, water, and caustic soda, and there are different types. First, there is the kettle-cooked salting-out method, which uses heat, and the kettle-cooked saponification method. Then there is the cold-press method, which uses no heat. In the kettle-cooked salting-out method, the ingredients are mixed in a kettle, salt is added to remove impurities, and liquid soap is made over heat. The liquid soap is then poured into a mold and allowed to mature. Glycerin is also removed along with the impurities. In the kettle-cooked saponification method,
This method does not require the addition of salt, as is the case with the kettle-cooked salting method. However, since heat is applied slowly, heat-sensitive beauty ingredients can be destroyed.
Unlike other "saponification" methods, the cold press method uses the heat generated by a chemical reaction to make the coffee.
What is the history of cold-pressing?
The origins of soap are said to date back to around 3,000 BC. That's a pretty long history! At that time, soap was simply oil mixed with charcoal and sand. Soap has evolved over time, but the manufacturing process of adding an alkaline substance to oil to cause a chemical reaction has remained the same to this day.
The cold press method is a manufacturing method that dates back 1,000 years, and is a historic method that predates the Azuchi-Momoyama period, when soap is said to have been introduced to Japan. Over the past decade or so, convenient liquid soaps have been gaining popularity, but now simple, time-honored bar soaps are once again attracting attention. In particular, soaps made using the cold press method are gaining popularity among those who suffer from dry skin and those who want to use products that are gentle on the skin.
Why is it good for your skin?
So why is cold-pressed soap so good for your skin?
This is because it can lock in the ingredients that are good for your skin without destroying them. Other saponification methods require the application of heat, which can cause the natural ingredients, such as oils and beauty ingredients that are good for your skin, to deteriorate or escape.
Also, the neutralization method and the kettle-cooking salting-out method remove the highly moisturizing glycerin. The cold-press method uses the oil as is without breaking it down, and because it is made using only heat from a chemical reaction, the beneficial ingredients are tightly locked in without escaping. As a result, it has more moisturizing power than other methods, making it possible to leave your skin feeling soft and supple!
How to make cold-pressed soap at home
Did you know you can make soap at home? You can also make cold-pressed soap at home. It takes a long time, more than a month, to complete, but the fun and attachment to the soap will increase.
The ingredients and preparation required are as follows:
【material】
・Purified water...150g
・Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)...67 grams
・Oil...500g 【Things to prepare】
・Thermometer ・Measuring cup
・Whisk
・Rubber spatula
・Scales
・Mold (you can also make one from a milk carton)
·spoon
·bowl
·towel
・Rubber gloves
·mask
・Safety glasses
*1. Caustic soda is a toxic substance, so handle it with care. Wear rubber gloves, a mask, and safety glasses.
*2. Aluminum or iron bowls, whisks, etc. may be altered by caustic soda. Please use stainless steel or glassware.
【How to make】
1. Measure out the purified water, oil, and caustic soda.
2. Mix the purified water and caustic soda to make a water solution. Be careful not to splash it. Once mixed, let it cool to 40-45°C.
3. Heat the oil to 40°C. If it is solid, heat it in a water bath until it becomes liquid.
4. Slowly mix the water solution into the oil.
5. Stir for about 20 minutes until completely combined. When you start to see lines like the traces of a whisk remaining, it's ready.
6. Add your desired scent and color and pour into molds.
⒎Wrap in a towel to keep warm and let sit for 2 to 5 days.
⒏Remove from the mold and cut to the desired size.
⒐ Dry in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight for about a month.
1. Your very own original soap is complete! One of the great things about handmade soap is that you can customize it to your preferred scent and color.
Also, the characteristics of each oil vary, so it's fun to choose the oil that suits you best.
Try making your own soap.
summary
This time we're talking about cold-pressed soap.
We learned that even though they are all called soaps, there are big differences in the manufacturing method, and that the manufacturing method affects the quality.
I would be happy if this is of any help.
Be sure to try our cold-pressed soap!
