Soap is made through a chemical reaction between sodium hydroxide and the triglycerides in fats and oils. When this chemical reaction occurs, the original ingredients are changed into something completely new: Soap.
This process is called Saponification.
In the soap-making process, each oil and fat reacts slightly differently to the sodium hydroxide, producing bars of soap that have different qualities.
Here at Good News Soap, I use Olive oil, Coconut oil, Palm kernel oil, Castor oil, Cocoa butter, and Shea Butter, in a blend that was specifically formulated to create long-lasting bars of soap that produce a rich, creamy lather with lots of bubbles.
The oils are mixed together, and then the Sodium Hydroxide is mixed with water and added to the oils. The ingredients are all thoroughly blended together so the saponification process can begin. Colorants and fragrances are added, and the mixture is poured into a silicone mold to harden.
The soap remains in the mold for several hours. The sodium hydroxide continues to react with the oils until all of it has been used up in the chemical reaction. After 12 to 24 hours, the soap is removed from the mold and cut into bars. It is still very soft at this point, so it is placed on a curing rack for 4 weeks to allow it to finish hardening as excess water evaporates.
Finally, when the soap is fully dried, it is labeled and made available for purchase and use.