Cold Process Soap Making
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What is Cold Process Soap Making?
Cold process soap is a traditional method of soap making that combines oils and lye to trigger a natural chemical reaction called saponification. This process produces a solid bar of soap rich in skin-loving glycerin, making it ideal for gentle, moisturizing cleansing. Cold process soap is prized for its purity, craftsmanship, and the ability to customize ingredients, textures, and scents
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How We Make Cold Process Soap at Riverbend
At Riverbend Soap Company, we honor this age-old method by crafting each batch of cold process soap with care and intention. Every bar begins with a precise blend of high-quality oils—including olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and castor oil—combined with a carefully measured lye solution. This starts the saponification process, which creates a naturally rich lather and preserves the glycerin that keeps your skin soft and hydrated.
As the mixture thickens, we add our signature phthalate-free, paraben-free fragrance oils and natural botanicals. The result is a luxurious, artisanal soap that looks as beautiful as it feels.
Why Choose Handcrafted Soap?
Choosing handcrafted cold process soap means choosing intentional skincare. Each bar from Riverbend Soap Company is made in small batches with purpose, offering benefits that mass-produced soaps simply can’t match:
- Retains natural glycerin for superior moisture
- Free from harsh detergents and synthetic additives
- Infused with nourishing oils like olive, coconut, and castor
- Rich, creamy lather for a satisfying cleanse
- Each bar is unique, with hand-poured charm and character
The Curing Process: Why It Matters
After pouring, our soaps are set aside to cure for 4–6 weeks. This essential step allows excess water to evaporate, producing a harder, longer-lasting bar with a creamier lather and enhanced cleansing performance. During this time, the soap continues to saponify fully, ensuring that it’s gentle, balanced, and ready for use.
Our slow, patient approach is key to creating a bar of soap that delivers exceptional quality with every wash.
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Dusting with mica
Crafting beauty: our artisan dusts mica to create a one-of-a-kind design on a small batch of cold processed soap.
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Explore Our Collection
Ready to experience the luxury of handcrafted soap?
👉 Browse our cold process soap collection and discover the Riverbend difference
Cold Process Soap FAQs
How long does cold process soap take to cure?
Our soaps cure for 4 to 6 weeks to harden and complete saponification, creating a longer-lasting bar with better performance.
Is cold process soap better for your skin?
Yes! It retains natural glycerin and uses high-quality oils, making it more moisturizing and gentler than most commercial soaps.
Does cold process soap use chemicals?
The only essential chemical is lye (sodium hydroxide), which reacts with oils to create soap. No lye remains in the final bar after saponification.