What is Cold-Process Soap Making?
Making Goat Milk Soap with Lickskillet Soap Co.
Cold-process soap-making is a centuries-old technique that transforms natural oils, lye, and liquids into nourishing soap through a chemical reaction called saponification. Unlike commercially produced soaps that prioritize speed and efficiency, cold-process soap requires patience and craftsmanship. This traditional method preserves the integrity of natural ingredients while creating long-lasting, luxurious bars.
At Lickskillet Soap Co., we have perfected this time-honored process to deliver handmade soaps that are rich in nutrients, free from synthetic additives, and designed for a truly indulgent experience.
Why Cold-Process Goat Milk Soap Stands Apart
1. Preserves the Goodness of Natural Ingredients
Cold-process soap making ensures that beneficial ingredients remain intact, resulting in a more nourishing and gentle bar.
Oils retain their vitamins and antioxidants, such as olive oil’s moisturizing properties and shea butter’s conditioning fats.
Goat milk remains nutrient-rich, preserving vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as lactic acid, for a creamy, gentle cleanse.
Botanicals like kaolin clay and oatmeal maintain their natural textures, enhancing the sensory experience.
💡 Commercial soaps often rely on high-heat methods that strip these natural benefits, replacing them with synthetic fillers.
2. Longer Cure Time = Longer-Lasting Bars
Unlike factory-made soaps, cold-process soap is not rushed. Our bars cure for six weeks in our Illinois studio, ensuring:
A harder, longer-lasting bar as excess water evaporates naturally.
A milder pH makes it gentle on the skin.
Stronger scent retention as natural fragrances settle and mature.
💡 A well-cured cold-process bar can last 4-6 weeks with daily use, outperforming many commercial alternatives!
3. No Harsh Chemicals, Just Honest Craftsmanship
Our ingredient list is simple and free from synthetic additives:
Oils & Butters: Olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and castor oil for a balanced lather.
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): Essential for saponification—once cured, no lye remains in the final bar.
Goat Milk: Freshly sourced from Swisher Hill Farm in Illinois, replacing water for extra creaminess.
💡 Unlike mass-produced soaps, we avoid sulfates, parabens, and artificial lathering agents—just pure, skin-loving ingredients!
Behind the Scenes: How We Craft Our Cold-Process Goat Milk Soap
Step 1: The Perfect Blend
We combine precise ratios of oils and butters with fresh goat milk and lye. Careful temperature control ensures ingredients blend smoothly while retaining their nutrients.
Step 2: Scent & Design
We infuse our soap with phthalate-free fragrances or essential oils. Then, we add different botanicals like lavender buds or poppy seeds to create unique textures and natural exfoliation.
Step 3: Pouring with Precision
The mixture is carefully poured into wooden and latex molds, where it begins to solidify. This 24-48 hour insulation process allows saponification to fully develop.
Step 4: The Waiting Game
After unmolding, the bars cure for six weeks on ventilated racks. This slow process ensures firmness, gentleness, and long-lasting quality.
💡 Every batch is hand-cut, making each bar uniquely beautiful!
Why Choose Our Cold-Process Goat Milk Soap?
Naturally Moisturizing: Retains glycerin, a natural skin-conditioning agent that’s often removed from commercial soaps.
Handcrafted Beauty: No two bars are identical—each one carries its own rustic charm.
💡 Imagine the rich lather of Wild Mulberry gently moisturizing your skin or the calming scent of Woodsy Amber turning your shower into a spa retreat.
The Lickskillet Difference
At Lickskillet Soap Co., we are passionate about creating small-batch, cold-process soaps that offer:
✔ Locally Sourced Ingredients: Fresh goat milk from Swisher Hill Farm, located just 30 miles away.
✔ Ingredient Transparency: We proudly share every detail of our process—just ask!
Experience the Craft
Cold-process soap isn’t just about cleansing—it’s a sensory ritual.
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