How is liquid soap made ?

At our natural Liquid Soap Making Course we teach the 'paste' method. This means that, using a bain marie, or double boiler, we saponify a selection of botanical oils over a period of several hours. We are then left with a concentrated paste which we dilute and during dilution we add essential oils.

What will I learn on the Liquid Soapmaking Course ?

As the soap cooks in goes through numerous stages before full saponification occurs. You will learn to recognise these stages so that you can understand when your soap is ready for dilution. Whilst the process is quite long winded, the advantage with liquid soap is that when made correctly it can be stored, in paste form for many months so you can make a large batch in one go and then dilute the soap as and when you need it. You can see the various stages on the photos to the left.

Each group will work with a different formula so that you can see how some oils saponify faster than others and can also recognise problem factors such as 'separation' in the pot.

It is important to note that whilst natural liquid soaps are equally effective, they are thinner than their mass produced counterparts and the relatively high PH factor makes them difficult to thicken naturally. You do however have the option of bottling them in an air pump dispenser so that the same formula creates a rich foam soap. (See photo bottom left)

Why should I attend a Liquid Soapmaking Course?

If you have any thoughts about running a soap making business you should bear in mind that liquid soaps outsell bar soaps eight to one. By learning the method you are giving youself a head start on your bar soap competitors.

What can we take home with us?

We run a shop at the course where you can buy ingredients and equipment so that you are ready to make more soap when you get home. You will also have complete course notes and a cd containing some very useful software designed to help you with formulations. You will each take some of the soap paste home with you so you can dilute it later on.You will also find that you have made a lot of new friends who share your interest and hopefully you will take home their telephone numbers !