- Lye Calculation Fundamentals
- Saponification (SAP) Values:
- Definition: The amount of lye required to saponify 1g of oil.
- Example: Coconut oil SAP = 0.183 (NaOH), Shea butter SAP = 0.128 (NaOH).
- Using a Soap Calculator:
- Input oils/weights → calculator outputs lye and water amounts.
- Importance of superfatting (5–8% for moisturizing).
- Safety Margin: Always double-check calculations to avoid lye-heavy soap.
- Saponification (SAP) Values:
- Properties of Oils
- Coconut Oil: High cleansing, bubbly lather; can be drying in excess.
- Olive Oil: Mild, moisturizing; produces a soft bar with stable lather.
- Shea Butter: Adds hardness and creamy lather; high in vitamins.
- Palm Oil: Firm bar, stable lather (use sustainable sources!).
- Castor Oil: Boosts lather; use sparingly (5–10% of total oils).
- Balancing a Recipe
- Hardness vs. Moisturizing: Coconut (hardness) + Olive (moisture).
- Lather: Coconut + Castor for bubbles.
- Example Recipe:
- 40% Olive Oil, 30% Coconut Oil, 20% Palm Oil, 10% Castor Oil.
- Activity: Practice Calculating a Basic Recipe
- Task: Use a soap calculator to determine lye/water for 500g of oils.
- Input: 50% Olive Oil (250g), 30% Coconut Oil (150g), 20% Palm Oil (100g).
- Output: Lye (NaOH) = (250×0.134) + (150×0.183) + (100×0.141) = 72.05g.
- Submission: Learners submit a screenshot of their soap calculator results.
- Task: Use a soap calculator to determine lye/water for 500g of oils.
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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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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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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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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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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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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