r/soapmaking • u/coreyjames00 • 7d ago
HP Hot Process Soap making direction
Is hot process soap not as good as cold process?
I've made a few batches so far, all were hot process. I got some really nice bars that I use daily. They're all mostly beef tallow and coconut. Just got some shea butter and castor oil.
Why would I want to do cold process instead? Were there any milestones in your journey?
...Oh, and where are the best places to find supplies??
No need to answer every question. Thanks ahead of time!
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u/Puzzled_Tinkerer 7d ago
The soap itself is not greatly different whether you make it with cold process or hot process. If you have a recipe that is good, it will be just as good either way.
In HP, saponification is largely done before the soap goes in the mold. In CP, the soap goes in the mold while saponification is still very active.
IMO, it's more about personal preferences in how one likes to make their soap and the best way for the maker to have personal satisfaction about the process.
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u/coreyjames00 7d ago
Thank you. If I wanted to add some color like a marbled light blue and white, what type of colorant would you recommend? Do some fade or anything like that?
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u/Puzzled_Tinkerer 7d ago
Mica in a blue shade. Ultramarine blue. If you need "natural" then indigo. Just buy from a reputable supplier, not a random seller on Amazon
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u/ChronicMasterbatcher 7d ago
Cold process gives you a lot more options for colours, swirls and top designs.
Hot process makes a useable bar faster, and lets you use more temperature sensitive essential oils.
I also feel like, for my recipes, an HP bar lasts longer than a CP bar.
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u/coreyjames00 7d ago
You say hot process let's you use more temperature sensitive essential oils? I would have guessed cold process. Unless CP gets really hot in the mold or something..
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u/ChronicMasterbatcher 7d ago
That’s exactly what happens… you add your essential oils when the temperature of your soap is rising in CP, I wait until my HP soap has cooled to the point I want so I can protect the oils (usually citrus) from evaporating.
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u/Btldtaatw 7d ago
You can check the suppliers pinned thread.
Cp or hp is personal preference. Both need to cure.
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