Cold saponification: a chemical reaction ...

 

Cold saponification is a chemical reaction between a fatty substance (vegetable oils) and a base, soda (sodium hydroxide) for solid soaps. Two elements result from this reaction, glycerin and soap.

 

We have chosen to proceed by cold saponification in order to preserve the properties of the oils used as much as possible.

 

"Cold" saponification consists in not heating the soap paste. Fat and soda are mixed for about 20 minutes without heating them, the properties of the vegetable oils thus remaining intact.

 

This chemical reaction is complete, it takes place until one of the two elements is exhausted, which is why it is important to have an excess of oil compared to the soda so as to have a superfatted and non-caustic soap.

 

Each oil contains non-saponifiable elements (which will not react with soda) and which will provide a specific property to the soap depending on the nature of the oil. Cold saponified soaps are called "surgras", that is to say they contain a significant amount of vegetable oil. This excess fat allows your skin to benefit from the nourishing, moisturizing (thanks to the glycerin which is naturally present there) and antioxidant (thanks to the natural presence of vitamin E) qualities of oils.

 

This working method is artisanal. Indeed, it requires a drying time of 4 weeks and therefore limits the possibilities of storage.The environmental impact of this cold process is minimal: no waste and small amount of water is used (no rinsing).

 

Choosing cold saponification means choosing a manufacturing method that respects your skin but also the environment.

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