Behind the Scenes: How I Make My Cold Process Soap
I started Suffuse Soaps in my kitchen nine years ago, and I’m still obsessed with the alchemy of turning raw oils into skin-loving bars. Step inside my Shanti Nagar studio to see how it happens.
This is my happy place. I'm working on a large custom order for return gifts, and having a dedicated, organized space for each step of the soap-making process makes it a joy.
This is the first episode in my "Tips and Tricks" series, all about colors! I'm showing how I measure and mix cosmetic-grade micas to get vibrant, stable colors in my cold process soaps.
My version of a "Get Ready With Me" video. Safety is the most important part of soap making, so I never skip my gloves, apron, and respirator mask.
It's the little things that bring so much joy as a small business owner. This new label cutter gives me perfectly straight cuts every time, saving time and stress.
My soapy babies are back on the curing racks after my studio move. Cold process soap needs to cure for several weeks to become a hard, gentle, and long-lasting bar.
Big changes are brewing! This was the very first order I processed in my new studio space. I'm making a batch of my lucky charm soap that helped my brand get global recognition.
I'm trying out new eco-friendly packaging made from natural leaves. I love how earthy and elegant they look, and I hope they hold up well for shipping and display.
Let's talk about Luster Black mica. It looks unassuming in the jar, but once blended with oil, it creates a beautiful, glossy sheen that's stunning in both cold process and transparent soaps.
A closer look at my new soap boxes made from real dried leaves. I'm trying to move towards more sustainable packaging, and this is a beautiful first step.
I'm working to sell my current stock so I can switch to more sustainable packaging. The first rule of sustainability is to not waste what you already have, so help me clear these boxes!
About From My Studio to You: The Process
Every bar you see here goes through a four to six-week curing process on my racks before it’s ready to leave the studio. I don't use quick-curing shortcuts because that wait time is exactly what transforms raw oils into a hard, gentle bar that actually lasts in your shower without turning into mush.
Inside the Studio
When I moved from my kitchen to my dedicated studio in Shanti Nagar, I finally gained the space to properly organize my workflow. Making soap isn't just about mixing ingredients; it’s about managing the variables—temperature, moisture, and timing. You will often find me with my respirator mask and gloves on, measuring out base oils and additives like goat’s milk or fruit purees to ensure every batch is safe and effective.
The Science of the Swirl
People often ask how I achieve such vibrant colors without them fading. The secret is in the cosmetic-grade micas. I use a 1% usage rate, mixing them thoroughly into a small portion of the oil before adding them to the main batch. This ensures the color stays stable and provides that glossy sheen you see once the soap cures. Whether I am pouring a 'Ghost Swirl' or a multi-layered 'Frozen Yogurt' design, I am always tracking how these formulations behave during the saponification process.
Sustainability and Growth
As a small business, I am constantly learning. I am currently transitioning away from my previous packaging toward sustainable alternatives, like boxes made from dried leaves. It is a slow process because I believe in using up existing stock rather than creating waste, so you might see a mix of packaging styles while I make this switch. Whether I am cutting logs into individual bars or packing a custom return gift order, every step is done right here by hand.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
The Art of Handcrafted Soap Making
The Art of Cold Process: Our Soap Making & Packing Process
The Art of Cold Process Soap
The Art of Handcrafted Cold Process Soap
Behind the Scenes: Our Cold-Process Soap Making
The Art of Handmade Organic Skincare
More from Handmade Skincare & Supplies by Suffuse
More services by Suffuse