Prerequisites:

• None

Target Audience:

• Beginner or First Time Soapmakers
• Individuals who are 12+ in age

Course Supplies List:

• 10 oz soybean oil
• 10 oz olive oil (not extra-virgin)
• 10 oz coconut oil
• 4.25 oz lye
• 5 oz goat milk
• 5 oz bagged ice
• 2.5 oz fragrance or essential oil
• Rubber Gloves
• Protective Eyewear
• Small, Medium, and Large glass/plastic/steel mixing bowls (1 each)
• Plastic/Stainless steel mixing utensils
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Strainer
• Paper Towels
• Digital Scale
• Detachable Immersion Blender/Stick Mixer
• Plastic Wrap
• 42 oz silicone soap mold
• Sheet Rock Knife or “Crinkle Type” Knife

NOTE:  You are more than welcome to purchase these items individually by clicking on each item.  Alternatively, we recommend going to your local thrift store/Dollar Tree/grocery store to find supplies sustainably or cheaply.  Lastly, we also sell “Beginner Soapmaking Kits” in our storefront and online as well for your convenience.  Please visit https://www.sparrowsoaps.com/ to purchase your kit today.  (Shipping times and estimated cost are calculated at checkout, however, we strive to send your products out within 5-7 business days within the continental U.S.)

Students will Learn:

• The importance of lye safety, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling techniques, and appropriate storage practices to minimize risks associated with working with caustic substances.
• How to accurately measure and mix lye and water, following a step-by-step process that minimizes splashing and fumes. You will also learn the importance of adding lye to water rather than water to lye and its implications for safety.
• The concept of flashpoint in relation to fragrance oils and essential oils, and demonstrate the ability to locate and interpret flashpoint information on product labels.
• To evaluate various fragrance oils based on their flashpoints and suitability for cold process soapmaking.  Thus making informed decisions when choosing scents to ensure both safety and desired scent retention in the final product.
• To differentiate between light trace, medium trace, and heavy trace in soapmaking; describing the characteristics of each stage, such as fluidity and thickness. You will also be able to identify visual cues to recognize when the soap batter has reached these trace stages.
• How each type of trace affects the soapmaking process including texture, moldability, and ability to hold additives
• Proper technique of heating oils before incorporating lye to initiate saponification. Emphasis will be placed on reaching safe temperature ranges to prevent overheating and potential consequences of overheated oils are discussed.
• To apply the acquired knowledge of lye safety, flashpoints, trace development, and oil heating to successfully create a cold process soap batch–all while prioritizing safety and technique.