Learning to make soap: it sounds complicated but it is manageable if you know what you are doing. The biggest hurdle is working with lye, a caustic substance that is necessary for the cold process. That hurdle is surmountable with the right preparation.
Two ways to learn soap making
Starting at home — you buy the necessary ingredients and materials, follow a recipe and get to work. The advantage is that you work at your own pace. The disadvantage is the cost of materials, working with lye without guidance and the chance of mistakes you only discover after four weeks of curing.
Taking a workshop — you learn the process step by step under the guidance of an experienced soap maker. No need to buy materials yourself, the safety aspects of lye are explained and you go home with a successful result. After the workshop you know exactly how to continue at home.
For most people a workshop is the better way to start. You avoid the most common beginner mistakes and afterwards have the knowledge and confidence to continue at home.
What do you need to make soap at home?
Equipment: safety goggles, gloves, face mask, glass measuring cups, thermometer, stick blender, soap mould and a spatula.
Ingredients: plant-based oils (olive oil, coconut oil), lye crystals (sodium hydroxide) and optionally essential oils and botanicals for scent and colour.
Space: a well-ventilated area. Dissolving lye in water produces fumes.
Ingredients available from Youwish or Natural Heroes. More details in our basic soap making recipe.
Soap making workshop in Amsterdam
At Nature Bar we organise a soap making workshop in Amsterdam every Saturday in our soap studio at De Hallen. In 2.5 hours you learn the complete cold process under guidance. You take your own soap bar home and afterwards know how to continue at home. €74.95 per person including all materials.
Want to come with a group? The private soap making workshop is available from 5 people.
Frequently asked questions
Is soap making difficult?
The saponification process itself is manageable. The biggest challenge for beginners is working safely with lye. In a workshop this is guided. At home preparation and safety equipment are more important.
What is the easiest way to learn soap making?
Taking a workshop with an experienced soap maker. You learn the process step by step, work safely with lye and go home with a successful result.
Can I learn soap making at home without a course?
Yes, with a good recipe and the right safety equipment. Our basic recipe at naturebar.nl gives you everything you need to get started.
