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Ansa Smit

In this course, we'll begin with the basics of soap making, including safety protocols and selecting the best ingredients for your desired soap type. Different oils and ingredients produce varying results, so we’ll guide you through making informed choices.

We dive deep into recipe formulation, a topic often skimmed over in soapmaking books. Instead of just providing pre-made recipes, we teach you to create your own balanced, unique recipes. This flexibility allows you to use ingredients that are accessible and affordable.

Read more

In this course, we'll begin with the basics of soap making, including safety protocols and selecting the best ingredients for your desired soap type. Different oils and ingredients produce varying results, so we’ll guide you through making informed choices.

We dive deep into recipe formulation, a topic often skimmed over in soapmaking books. Instead of just providing pre-made recipes, we teach you to create your own balanced, unique recipes. This flexibility allows you to use ingredients that are accessible and affordable.

You'll also learn to use a free online Soap/Lye Calculator, making inventory management and product costing simple. We cover labeling requirements and legal considerations from different countries, which is crucial as many hobbyists transition into micro or even macro businesses.

We explore various ingredients like natural and synthetic colorants, fragrances, exfoliators, and different soapmaking methods, detailing the pros and cons of each so you can find the best fit for you.

A dedicated troubleshooting unit helps you identify and resolve common issues, ensuring your soapmaking journey is smooth and enjoyable.

Finally, our bonus section offers money-saving tips, DIY soap mold tutorials, and advice on choosing the right equipment to avoid unnecessary costs.

This course is designed to take you from beginner to pro, making soapmaking therapeutic and fun. Join us and unlock the art of soapmaking.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to safely make quality natural soap.
  • How to choose the best oils and other ingredients.
  • How to formulate a recipe for good quality soap to nourish your skin.
  • Bonus materials where you can learn to make basic soap making equipment on a budget, this will save you a lot of money if you are new to soap making.

Syllabus

Introduction
You will know if this course is a personal fit for you, what you will learn as well as what is not included in this course.
For who is this course
Read more
What will you learn in this course
What is not included in this course.
You will be able to make a batch of soap from a recipe, using the heat transfer method.

All the Safety equipment you need for soap making, and why we use them.

The Basic Equipment you will need to make soap. As well as other "non-compulsory" items that can make soap making faster or easier.

The bare basic ingredients you need to make soap. Additional ingredients follow in the next unit.

Other Natural Ingredients like herbs and clays, and how to use them in soap.

Colorants, Fragrances, and exfoliators are covered in detail in Section 6.

Demo on how to use the different functions on an electronic scale.

Heat transfer Method demonstration. Various oils, natural colorants, and essential oil added, then poured into the mold with the in the pot swirl technique.

How to Store and Cure Soap.
Packaging Options and Labeling Laws
You will be able to formulate your own soap recipes. You will be able to choose your oils according to their properties in soap and calculate all other ingredients.

How soap is formed between Oil and Lye, and why soap removes dirt and grime.

How to Choose your Oils According to their Properties in Soap.

How to calculate the volume of a mold, as well as all the ingredients in your recipe that needs to go into it.

How to Calculate the volume of your mold, using Imperial Measurements

Demo on how to use an online Soap/Lye Calculator, including keeping stock and costing on your products.

You will understand the differences between various soap making methods and be able to choose and use the one best suited for your needs.

Weighing up the pros and cons of different methods in soapmaking.

Learn the differences between all the natural and synthetic options available.

Differences between natural colors and synthetics. Usage rates and colorfastness.

Essential oils. How they are made, why they are expensive, and how to ensure you are getting what you pay for. (Testing Essential oils for purity) 

Perfume - Scent - Fragrance oil. What you can use in your soap, how much, and when to avoid them.

What you can use as exfoliators in soap and what to look out for.

You will be able to identify problems that might arise and know how to apply solutions.

What can go wrong? How to identify problems and how to avoid or fix them.

Find a Troubleshooting chart resource to print out and keep.



Extras that can save you a lot of money as a beginner (And even as a Soap Master)

A budget-friendly mold you can make with very little experience or tools needed.

DIY wooden molds, see the resources for measurements and material lists for a 20 bar soap mold, as well as the 6 bar mold, as demonstrated in the tutorial.

Soap Cutter

There are so many Stick or Immersion blenders on the market to choose from, this video is not a review on different brands, I point out certain properties and design elements on blenders to consider when you buy one for soap making.

Soap stamps are a useful tool to brand "naked" soaps but also a fun element you can use to spruce up a plain bar of soap. This unit is about the different kinds of materials used in stamps, and different ideas on how to use them with or without mica.

Additional Resources.
Epilogue

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ultimate Guide: How to Make Soap at Home from A-Z with these activities:
Review Basic Chemistry Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of basic chemistry principles, especially saponification, to better grasp the chemical reactions involved in soap making.
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of acids, bases, and pH.
  • Study the chemical process of saponification.
  • Practice balancing simple chemical equations.
Explore 'Making Soap From Scratch'
Deepen your understanding of soap making fundamentals and advanced techniques by exploring this comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Making Soap From Scratch'.
  • Read the sections on advanced techniques and ingredients.
  • Try a new soap making method described in the book.
Read 'The Natural Soap Book'
Expand your knowledge of natural soap making ingredients and techniques by reading this comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Natural Soap Book'.
  • Read the chapters on ingredients and formulations.
  • Experiment with a recipe from the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Recipe Formulation
Solidify your understanding of recipe formulation by creating and adjusting soap recipes using a soap calculator.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of oils with different properties.
  • Use a soap calculator to formulate a balanced recipe.
  • Adjust the recipe to achieve desired soap qualities.
Document Your Soap Making Process
Reinforce your learning by documenting each step of your soap making process, including ingredients, techniques, and observations.
Show steps
  • Take detailed notes during each soap making session.
  • Photograph each step of the process.
  • Compile your notes and photos into a blog post or journal entry.
Design a Unique Soap Recipe
Apply your knowledge by designing a unique soap recipe tailored to specific skin types or preferences.
Show steps
  • Research different skin types and their needs.
  • Select oils and additives that cater to the chosen skin type.
  • Formulate and test your unique soap recipe.
Create a Soap Recipe E-Book
Consolidate your knowledge and share your expertise by creating an e-book of your favorite soap recipes.
Show steps
  • Compile a collection of your best soap recipes.
  • Write detailed instructions for each recipe.
  • Design and format your e-book for easy readability.
  • Share your e-book with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Ultimate Guide: How to Make Soap at Home from A-Z will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Soap Maker
A Soap Maker formulates and produces soap products, understanding the chemical processes and artistic elements involved. This course helps aspiring Soap Makers by covering the fundamentals of soap making, from safety protocols to ingredient selection. The detailed exploration of recipe formulation, teaching you to create balanced, unique recipes using accessible ingredients, is particularly relevant. You'll also appreciate the thorough discussion of natural and synthetic colorants, fragrances, and exfoliators, allowing you to tailor your soaps to specific preferences. The troubleshooting unit prepares you to handle common issues, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable soap making process, which is why anyone who wants to become a Soap Maker should consider it.
Artisan
An Artisan crafts unique, handmade goods, often focusing on traditional techniques and high-quality materials. This course ignites your journey as an Artisan by teaching the art of soapmaking. The course covers the selection of ingredients, showing you how to choose the best oils for your soap, which helps you create unique soaps that nourish the skin. In addition, this course details the use of natural ingredients like herbs and clays, alongside colorants, fragrances, and exfoliators, so you can create distinct products. You'll also learn to use a Soap/Lye Calculator, simplifying inventory management and product costing, allowing you to create a smooth business, which can accelerate your career as an Artisan.
Small Business Owner
As a Small Business Owner, you manage all aspects of your business, from product development to marketing and finance. This course is perfect for Small Business Owners interested in creating and selling handmade soaps. The course covers labeling requirements and legal considerations, vital knowledge for running a compliant business. The instruction on recipe formulation allows you to develop unique products that appeal to your customer base. Gaining skills in cost-saving tips, DIY soap mold tutorials, and equipment selection helps you manage your resources effectively. The information provided prepares you to transition from hobbyist to successful business owner.
Natural Product Retailer
A Natural Product Retailer sources and sells natural and organic products, catering to health-conscious consumers. This course is useful for Natural Product Retailers looking to expand their product line with handmade soaps. The course covers a wide array of points that may interest you, from safety protocols to selecting ideal ingredients for soap-making. The course also helps to take you a step further, by teaching you to formulate your own balanced recipes and use ingredients most available to you, while simplifying product costing. By taking this course, you will be prepared to offer diverse, high-quality soap products.
Craft Fair Vendor
A Craft Fair Vendor creates and sells handmade items at local craft fairs and markets, interacting directly with customers. This course may be useful for learning to create and market your own line of handmade soaps. The course may also enable you to formulate your own recipes and choose oils based on their qualities. This course might be handy when it comes to covering labeling requirements and legal considerations for different countries, which keeps you compliant with local regulations. In addition, the course includes a bonus section with money saving tips, DIY soap mold tutorials, and advice on equipment, all valuable for maximizing profits at craft fairs.
Cosmetic Product Developer
A Cosmetic Product Developer researches, formulates, and tests new cosmetic products, focusing on safety, efficacy, and market trends. This course may be useful as it covers essential aspects important to the field, starting with safety protocols and selecting quality ingredients to create distinct soap types. The course's focus on recipe formulation may come in handy, since it teaches how to develop balanced recipes with available ingredients. Instruction with a free online Soap/Lye Calculator may also be beneficial for inventory management and product costing. Additionally, the course covers varied ingredients like natural and synthetic colorants, fragrances, and exfoliators, which all serve the needs of this position.
Cosmetology Instructor
A Cosmetology Instructor educates students on various aspects of cosmetology, including skincare, hair care, and makeup application. This course may be useful to incorporate soapmaking into your curriculum. The course may also help to enhance your classes with fundamental coverage of soapmaking, like safety protocols and ingredient selection, while teaching students to create their own balanced recipes with affordable ingredients. You may also find the discussion on natural and synthetic colorants, fragrances, and exfoliators useful, as well as the troubleshooting unit, when training students to fix common issues. This knowledge makes you a more effective and well-rounded instructor.
Home Economics Teacher
A Home Economics Teacher educates students on essential life skills, including cooking, sewing, and home management. This course helps enhance your curriculum by incorporating soap making into your lessons. The course is useful since it covers the basics, including safety protocols and best ingredients for the desired soap, which will show your students how to make informed choices. You may also find the course's bonus section useful to you and your students, which goes over money-saving tips, DIY soap mold tutorials, and advice on choosing the right equipment to avoid unnecessary costs. This additional information can help you create engaging and educational lessons.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise businesses on strategies to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. If you are a Sustainability Consultant, this course may be useful to educate clients on creating sustainable soap products. The course may cover using natural ingredients and minimizing waste in soap production. The course is also a great resource, covering how to formulate recipes with mindful use of ingredients. The course also covers a bonus section, where you can offer tips on making soap molds and selecting equipment to reduce costs and environmental impact. This knowledge enables you to guide clients toward more sustainable and eco-friendly soap making practices.
Health and Wellness Coach
A Health and Wellness Coach guides clients toward healthier lifestyles through personalized plans and support. This may be useful for Health and Wellness Coaches interested in incorporating natural soap making into their wellness programs. The course may cover topics like selecting natural ingredients and understanding their benefits for the skin. The course's bonus section can also be useful, offering a glimpse into money saving tips and DIY soap molds which can help your clients create affordable and natural products. This knowledge allows you to offer more comprehensive and holistic wellness advice.
Cosmetic Chemist
A Cosmetic Chemist develops and formulates cosmetic and personal care products, ensuring their safety and efficacy through rigorous testing. While this role typically requires an advanced degree, the course may prove useful to Cosmetic Chemists interested in expanding their skillset for natural soap making. The course may cover safety protocols and selecting ingredients for your desired soap type. The course's bonus section also covers money saving tips and advice on choosing the right equipment. This additional knowledge can help you in the world of cosmetic chemistry.
Environmental Educator
An Environmental Educator teaches individuals and groups about environmental issues and promotes responsible environmental stewardship. This course may be useful for educating others about sustainable soap making practices. The course may cover selecting natural ingredients and minimizing waste in soap creation. The course also touches on bonus materials where they can learn to make basic soap making equipment on a budget, saving money and the environment. This enables you to raise awareness about reducing the environmental impact of personal care products.
Personal Care Product Formulator
A Personal Care Product Formulator develops and refines formulas for a wide range of personal care items, ensuring they are safe and effective for consumers. This course may be useful for learning to create your own unique soap recipes from scratch. The course may cover selecting ingredients and formulating balanced recipes. The course also shows you how to calculate the volume of a mold. You may also find the course's discussions on fragrances and exfoliators useful, which will allow you to tailor your soaps to specific preferences.
Cheesemaker
A Cheesemaker crafts various types of cheese, overseeing the entire process from milk selection to aging, with a focus on quality and flavor. While seemingly unrelated, the skills learned in areas like recipe development, ingredient selection, and process control may be useful for Cheesemakers interested in expanding their skill set. The course may cover how to choose the best oils and other ingredients. Similarly, the course may help to formulate a recipe for good quality soap. The bonus materials may also demonstrate how to make basic equipment. This additional knowledge can help you fine-tune the cheese making process.
Candle Maker
A Candle Maker crafts candles, selecting waxes, fragrances, and wicks to create diverse and appealing products. Similar to soap making, this course may be useful for understanding how to make informed choices, and select the best ingredients for your candle type. The course may cover different oils and ingredients that produce varying results. The course may additionally dive deep into recipe formulation and teach how to create your own balanced recipes. Finally, a bonus section may offer money-saving tips, DIY soap mold tutorials, and advice on choosing the right equipment to avoid unnecessary costs.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ultimate Guide: How to Make Soap at Home from A-Z.
Provides a comprehensive guide to making natural soaps using herbs and vegetable-based ingredients. It offers detailed recipes and techniques for creating a variety of soaps, aligning perfectly with the course's focus on natural soap making. It valuable resource for expanding your knowledge of ingredients and formulations. This book is commonly used by hobbyists and small-scale soap businesses.
Is an excellent resource for beginners looking to delve deeper into the art of soap making. It covers the fundamentals of soap making, including safety, equipment, and basic recipes. It also explores more advanced techniques and ingredients, making it a valuable resource for expanding your skills. This book is particularly helpful for understanding the nuances of different soap making methods.

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