Course Content
Week One
Module 1: The History and Basics of Soap (May 30th, 2025, 8:30, Public) Explore the origins of soap-making, its cultural significance, and fundamental principles, including soap’s chemical composition and basic techniques. Module 2: Safety and Equipment Learn essential safety practices for handling soap-making materials and the key equipment needed to start crafting soap effectively.
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The History and Basics of Soap
03:42
Module 1: The History and Basics of Soap Quiz
00:15:00
Safety and Equipment
Safety and Equipment
00:20:00
Week Two
Learning Objectives: 1. Calculate lye-to-water ratios using a soap calculator. 2. Analyze the properties of common soap-making oils. 3. Design a balanced soap recipe based on oil properties. 4. Execute the cold process method step-by-step. 5. Identify and achieve "trace" consistency. 6. Safely mold and cure soap. Week 2 Key Takeaways • Lye Math: Precision is critical—always use a soap calculator. • Oil Synergy: Balance cleansing, hardness, and lather. • Cold Process Mastery: Trace consistency and curing define success.
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Understanding Lye and Oils
Understanding Lye and Oils Quiz
00:10:00
Your First Cold Process Batch
Your First Cold Process Batch Quiz
00:10:00
Week Three
Week 3 Key Takeaways • Hot Process: Faster curing, rustic appeal, ideal for additives. • Melt-and-Pour: Instant creativity, no lye, perfect for gifts.
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Hot Process Soap
Hot Process Soap Quiz
00:10:00
Melt-and-Pour Basics
Melt-and-Pour Basics Quiz
00:10:00
Create a Hot Process Soap Loaf Assignment
Week Four
Module 7: Natural Colorants and Additives Explore natural ingredients like herbs, clays, and botanicals to add color and texture to your soaps, enhancing their aesthetic and functionality. Module 8: Fragrance and Essential Oils Understand how to incorporate fragrances and essential oils to add scent and therapeutic properties to your soap creations.
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Natural Colorants and Additives
Natural Colorants and Additives Quiz
Natural Colorants and Additives Assignment
Fragrance and Essential Oils
Fragrance and Essential Oils Quiz
00:15:00
Fragrance and Essential Oils Assignment
Week Five
Module 9: Common Soap Making Mistakes Identify and troubleshoot frequent soap-making errors, such as improper lye measurements or curing issues, to improve your craft. Module 10: Advanced Designs Master creative techniques like swirls, layers, and embeds to elevate the visual appeal and complexity of your soap designs.
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Common Soap Making Mistakes
Common Soap Making Mistakes Quiz
00:05:00
Common Soap Making Mistakes Assignment
Advanced Designs
Advanced Designs Quiz
00:05:00
Advanced Designs Assignment
Week Six
Module 11: Selling Your Soap Learn the basics of branding, packaging, and marketing your handmade soaps, including legal considerations for selling products. Module 12: Final Project and Certification Complete a capstone project to showcase your soap-making skills and earn a certification upon successful completion. Module 13: Bonus Content Access additional resources, tips, or advanced techniques to further enhance your soap-making expertise.
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Selling Your Soap
Selling Your Soap Quiz
Final Project & Certification
The Art and Science of Soap Making

The History and Basics of Soap

Learning Objectives:

  • Trace the historical evolution of soap-making.
  • Recognize soap’s cultural and economic impact.
  • Explain saponification and soap types.
  • Define key terminology.

 

Content outline:

  1. History of Soap Making
    • Ancient Origins:
      • Babylonians (2800 BCE): Earliest recorded soap-like substance made from animal fats and ash.
      • Egyptians (1500 BCE): Used alkaline salts + plant/animal fats for cleaning textiles and treating skin.
      • Roman Legend: The word “soap” derives from Mount Sapo, where animal sacrifices mixed with ash created a cleansing clay.
    • Medieval Europe: Soap guilds in France/Italy; Castile soap (olive oil-based) became famous.
    • Industrial Revolution: Mass production of bar soap (e.g., Lever Brothers, P&G).
    • Modern DIY Revival: Rise of natural, handmade soaps with eco-friendly ingredients.
  2. How Soap Works: The Science of Saponification
    • Chemical Reaction:
      • Lye (NaOH/KOH) + Fats/Oils → Soap + Glycerin.
      • Exothermic reaction requiring precise measurements.
    • pH Balance: Soap’s alkaline nature (pH 9–10) vs. skin’s acidic mantle (pH 4.5–6.5).
    • Superfatting: Leaving excess oils unsaponified for moisturizing properties.
  3. Types of Soap
    • Cold Process (CP):
      • Mixing lye solution and oils at room temperature; cured for 4–6 weeks.
      • Pros: Full creative control over ingredients/designs.
      • Cons: Requires safety precautions and patience.
    • Hot Process (HP):
      • Cooking soap batter to accelerate saponification; ready to use in 1–2 weeks.
      • Pros: Faster curing; rustic texture.
    • Melt-and-Pour (MP):
      • Pre-made soap base melted, customized, and poured into molds.
      • Pros: Beginner-friendly; no lye handling.
  4. Activity: Self-Assessment Quiz
    • Sample Questions:
      1. Which soap type requires handling lye? (A) MP (B) CP (C) HP (D) B & C.
      2. What is the primary purpose of superfatting?
      3. True/False: Saponification is an acid-base reaction.
    • Purpose: Gauge learners’ baseline knowledge and spark curiosity.

Resources:

  • Downloadable timeline of soap history.
  • Infographic: “Saponification Simplified.”
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