When to Insulate Handmade Soap
Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen
All the fundamentals of making cold process soap from scratch with lye and oil; make all natural sustainable soap from scratch for yourself of start a side hustle selling soap.
Anne-Marie Faiola
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

When to Insulate Handmade Soap

E102 • Apr 2, 2025 • 4 mins

In episode 102 of Soapmaking 101 with the Soap Queen, Anne-Marie Faiola delves into the critical aspects of temperature and insulation in soapmaking. The episode begins with an introduction to why these factors are vital for successful soap production. Anne-Marie discusses the benefits of achieving gel phase and strategies for preventing soda ash. She highlights the risks associated with overheating and offers specific considerations for crafting milk soaps. The episode also covers how to decide when insulation is necessary for your soap. It concludes with a recap of key insights, equipping listeners with essential knowledge to optimize their soapmaking process.

Key Points

  • Temperature control is essential in soapmaking, with ideal soaping temperatures being between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for both lye and oil.
  • Insulating your cold process soap promotes the gel phase, which enhances the soap's translucency and vibrancy, especially when using colorants like LabColors.
  • While insulation helps prevent soda ash and supports gel phase, it is crucial to avoid overheating, which can cause cosmetic issues like the 'Alien Brain' texture.
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