If you never want to buy soap again, then this is the course for you. In this course, you will learn how to make natural and vegan-friendly soap bars from scratch.

This course is structured to answer every little question that beginners might have, and it assumes zero knowledge about soap ingredients, equipment, safety, method, recipe formulation etc.

In this class, you will learn:

How to make natural soap bars from scratch using the Cold-Process (CP) method.
The safety associated with soap-making and know what precautions to take when making homemade soap.
How to formulate your own soap recipes with the ingredients that you have access to, so that you don't have to depend on other recipes.
How to formulate soap for different purposes like skincare, hair care and household cleaning.
How to create layered soap.
How to make soap with milk (including plant-based milks).
How to incorporate fresh food stuff in soap bars. Eg. Carrot juice, purees etc.
How to colour soap with natural colourants.
How to fragrance soap with essential oils.
When and how to cut and cure soap bars.
How to clean your kitchen equipment properly.
How to use (or re-use) common packaging as soap molds, which you probably already have at home.

After completing this course, most beginners won't need any additional soap-making courses, except perhaps those students who are interested in advanced soap techniques and swirling techniques.

Many beginners are concerned about lye safety, but after this course you will feel confident to attempt soap-making by yourself - because you will know enough, and because you would have seen enough soap-making in action.

You will receive soap recipes and watch demonstrations showing different soap techniques. This course balances theory and demonstration as best as possible, and will review your understanding of the material through the class project.

Who this course is for:

Beginners who know nothing about how to make soap from scratch at home, and who are looking to learn everything they need to know in one comprehensive course.
Melt-and-pour soapers who are looking for a new challenge, and are ready to start working with lye to make their soaps from scratch.
Vegans who want to learn how to make plant-based soaps in order to replace some of their cosmetics.
Zero-waste advocates who want make their own cosmetic products to reduce the packaging waste in their own lives.
People with a desire to make their own products, for whatever reason - frugal living, environmental, health, family, homemade gifting or a passion for DIY.

This course is NOT suitable for:

Experienced soap-makers.
Soapers who want to learn advanced swirling and design techniques.
People who want to learn how to make soap using the Hot Process (HP) method.
People who want to learn how to start a soap-making business and the industry practices and regulations related to this.
People interested in learning about the therapeutic or medicinal benefits of natural ingredients, and how certain ingredients can treat specific conditions or skin types (eg. best ingredients for acne, eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin etc.).

Requirements:

Understand English. (Note: I have a South African accent)
Equipment:
- Kitchen scale;
- Stainless steel pot;
- Two heatproof glass or ceramic bowls;
- Two stainless steel tablespoons;
- Electric blender;
- Soap mold (you can use a plastic-lined cardboard box, or margarine tub etc.);
- Towel.
Ingredients:
- Caustic soda;
- Distilled water;
- Cooking oils.
Safety equipment:
- Vinegar;
- Long-sleeve clothing;
- Protective gloves;
- Safety mask;
- Safety glasses.

Christina Goncalves

Natural Cosmetics Instructor & Blogger

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