An Insider's Look at Soapmaking

We're giving you an in-depth look at every step of the process that turns lye, natural plant oils and botanicals into an ultra-moisturizing Spinster Sisters soap bar.

Stage One: Saponification

Our soap is crafted in 35-pound batches that produce up to 114 bars. We use the cold process soap method which is formulated to create a high-fat, moisturizing bar.

To start a batch, we dispense liquid lye from a large vat. The lye is then blended into a base of plant oils, exfoliants, scent and colorants.

Emulsification with a blender creates a milky-looking liquid that is then poured into a mold. Saponification has begun! The alkalinity of the lye changes the chemical structure of the mixture to create soap. No lye remains in a finished soap bar. 

The soap mixture hardens very quickly, but there is just enough time to pour a second color over the soap in the mold to create swirling designs in the soap bars.

Stage Two: Cure & Cut

The soap rests in the mold for up to 48 hours to allow it to heat up and pass through the gel phase. After the soap cools and is firm enough to handle, it is cut and divided into bars.

Fresh soap bars are cured on the rack for 4-6 weeks. During this time, the soap hardens and the soap becomes milder as water evaporates from the bar and the saponification process completes.

The soap is then boxed and ready to be lathered up and enjoyed!

Stage Three: The Finished Bar

The luxurious ingredients we use provide our finished Bar Soap with a rich lather that is gloriously moisturizing for skin. It is vegan, biodegradable, long-lasting and sulfate free.

Shop our entire Bar Soap collection to try our latest scents.

Want to get started making your own soaps at home? Check out these Tips from the Experts including our own founder Kelly Perkins over on porch.com. 

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