The Handmade Process: My Soap Making Method
Ever wonder what goes into your favourite bar of soap? From precisely measuring oils to the weeks of patience required for curing, here is a look at the real science and work behind my studio practice.
The simple joys of a small business owner. A new label cutter means straighter cuts, neater labels, and time saved. It's these little victories that make a big difference in my daily process.
My soaps taking their much needed beauty sleep on the curing racks. The curing process is essential for cold process soap, as it allows the bars to harden and become milder over several weeks.
The very first order being processed in my new studio space. Even during the move, I couldn't pause production. I'm making my lucky charm product that helped my brand grow.
A quick recap of my year. It was filled with soap making competitions, lots of workshops, countless exhibitions, and of course, making batch after batch of handmade soap.
A behind the scenes look at all the work that goes into getting my soaps ready for the festive season. It's a slow process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a lot of love.
Making a large batch of my bestselling Panchamrutam soap. The formulation includes skin loving oils, curds, and a special blend of essential oils. It's a customer and student favorite.
I challenged myself to make five large soap batches in one day to test my capacity. Here I am cutting the massive slabs the next day. It was a success, and resulted in hundreds of beautiful soap bars.
Cutting a large batch of my Charcoal Terrazzo soap. The soap bits embedded in the charcoal base make it a bit of a struggle to cut, but the final result with the colorful confetti is worth the effort.
About The Handmade Process: From My Studio to You
You might notice some soaps are available immediately while others need time. That is because I refuse to rush the curing process. Cold process soap must sit on my racks for weeks so the water evaporates and the bar hardens properly. When you hold one of my soaps, you are holding weeks of patience, not just a quick factory batch.
At Suffuse Soaps, my studio is where science meets creativity. I specialise in the cold process soap method, which preserves the integrity of my ingredients like locally sourced ghee, goat milk, or fruit purees. Unlike mass-produced bars, cold process means I control every component, from the lye concentration to the superfatting oils, ensuring the final bar is gentle and skin-loving.
The process is not just mixing; it is a rigorous, multi-step routine. I measure everything by weight, blend the oils with the lye solution until we reach the 'trace' stage, and then pour the batter into molds. The real magic happens once the soap leaves the mold. Each batch goes to my curing racks for 4 to 6 weeks. This 'beauty sleep' is non-negotiable. It allows excess water to evaporate, resulting in a harder, longer-lasting bar that creates a rich, creamy lather.
Whether it is a batch of charcoal terrazzo or a delicate floral swirl, the process remains consistent. You might see slight variations in color or swirl patterns between bars because that is the signature of truly handmade soap. My Shanti Nagar studio is always buzzing, whether I am cutting fresh slabs or labelling the latest batch. If you are planning an event and need custom favours, please account for this 30 to 45-day curing timeline. Good skincare, like good things in life, simply cannot be rushed.
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