May 24th, 2023

Hot process soap is a method of soap making that involves cooking the soap mixture in a crockpot or slow cooker. It's a quicker process compared to cold process soap making because it speeds up the saponification reaction. Here's a general overview of how hot process soap is made in a crockpot:

1. Safety first: Before you begin, make sure you are wearing appropriate protective gear such as gloves and goggles. Soap making involves working with caustic materials, so it's important to take precautions.
2. Gather your ingredients: You'll need oils or fats, water, sodium hydroxide (lye), and any additives or fragrances you want to include in your soap. Be sure to use a soap calculator to determine the precise amounts of oils and lye needed for your specific recipe.
3. Melt the oils: In a crockpot, melt and heat your oils on low heat until they reach around 160°F (71°C). Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature.
4. Prepare the lye solution: While the oils are heating, carefully prepare the lye solution by slowly adding the lye to water. Be sure to follow proper safety procedures when handling lye, such as wearing gloves and mixing in a well-ventilated area. Stir the mixture until the lye is completely dissolved. Allow the lye solution to cool to around 160°F (71°C).
5. Combine the lye solution and oils: Once both the lye solution and oils are at the desired temperature, carefully pour the lye solution into the crockpot containing the melted oils. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to ensure proper mixing.
6. Cook the soap mixture: Set your crockpot to low heat and cover it. Let the soap mixture cook for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The mixture will go through various stages, starting with a thin, watery texture and gradually thickening.
7. Check for "gel" phase: After some time, the soap mixture will enter a stage known as the "gel" phase, where the mixture becomes translucent and semi-solid. This is an optional step but can help speed up the saponification process. To encourage gel phase, you can cover the crockpot with a towel or plastic wrap.
8. Test for doneness: After the soap has been cooking for a while, you'll need to periodically check for "doneness." Take a small amount of soap batter and dissolve it in a small amount of water. If the mixture produces a clear, soapy liquid without any oil separation, it's likely done. Additionally, I like to use a PH strip to test. 
9. Add additives and fragrances: Once the soap is cooked and deemed done, you can add any desired additives like colorants, herbs, or fragrances. Stir them into the soap mixture until well incorporated.
10. Mold the soap: Spoon or pour the hot soap mixture into molds of your choice. Silicone molds work well for hot process soap because they are flexible and allow for easy removal. Smooth the top of the soap with a spatula or spoon.
11. Allow curing: Unlike cold process soap, hot process soap is typically safe to use immediately. However, allowing it to cure for a few weeks can result in a harder, longer-lasting bar. Place the molds in a cool, dry area and let the soap cure and harden.
12. Unmold and enjoy: Once the soap has fully hardened and cured, gently remove it from the molds. Trim any rough edges if necessary. Your hot process soap is now ready to be used and enjoyed!

Remember, this is just a general process, and specific recipes and techniques may vary. Always follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided with your chosen soap recipe.