top of page
Search

Cold Process vs. Hot Process—How I Decide Which Method to Use

Updated: Sep 15

ree

From my bench to your sink

When I say my soaps are “handmade using cold- and hot-process methods,” I mean I choose the technique that best serves the recipe, the scent, and—most importantly—your skin. Here’s how I decide which method gets the job.


Cold process: slow magic, silky lather

I love cold process when I want a silky, refined bar with delicate swirls and a long-lasting feel.

  • Texture & look: Smooth, creamy, and perfect for intricate designs.

  • Fragrance: Essential oils and fragrance oils tend to smell a touch brighter.

  • Cure time: Needs a patient 4–6 weeks to fully harden and mellow.

  • Why I use it: For goat milk soaps and gentle everyday bars where I want a luxurious lather and a polished finish.


Hot process: rustic beauty, ready sooner

Hot process gives me that cozy, farmhouse look—slightly rustic, deeply conditioning, and ready faster.

  • Texture & look: More rustic, with a “hand-hewn” vibe I adore.

  • Fragrance: Cozier and more grounded; great for woods, resins, and “warm” scents.

  • Cure time: Saponifies during cook, so it can be used sooner (still benefits from a short cure for hardness).

  • Why I use it: For tallow bars, shaving soaps, and utility bars where function and feel take center stage.


Which one is “better”?

Both! Cold process lets me paint with swirls; hot process lets me lock in certain butters and clays just the way I like. I match the method to the recipe:


  • Goat Milk Bars: Usually cold process—gentle, creamy, beautiful.

  • Tallow Bars: Often hot process—rich, cushiony lather and classic feel.

  • Scent-forward designs: Cold process for crisp notes and visual artistry.

  • Function-first bars (e.g., shave): Hot process for performance and quick turnaround.


Caring for your bar (either method)

  • Let it dry between uses. A draining soap dish is the unsung hero of bar longevity.

  • Keep a backup. Rotate two bars to extend life and enjoy a scent change.

  • Mind the heat. In warm months, store extras somewhere cool and dry.

If you ever wonder which bar fits your routine, ask me—I’m happy to recommend one based on skin feel and scent preferences.

Shop the styles:

  • Goat Milk Soaps → gentle, creamy, family-friendly

  • Tallow Soaps → rich lather, classic clean


Until next time—Be Good, Do Good & Keep it Clean.

— Kunié

 
 
bottom of page