Freshly cut cold process soaps need at least a month-long hibernation without being disturbed before they can be used. This process is known as a soap cure.
Pics by Supraja Srinivasan
What happens after a log of soap is cut?
It gets so tired that it needs curing.
Sorry about the terrible pun. Couldn't resist.
WHY DO COLD-PROCESS SOAPS NEED CURING?
The most crucial reason to cure a soap is for the water to evaporate slowly over time. What you are left with is hardened fat. Glycerine is a natural byproduct of this process.
The curing time (4-6 weeks) allows the soap to harden. A harder bar of soap will last longer, produce more lather, and be an overall better bar of soap.
Curing time is only for cold processed soaps and not for melt and pour soaps.
Here is a picture of one of our small batches of lavender curing. The soaps are left naked on open shelves to allow air to circulate, and water evaporates. Over a month, the weight of the soap will decrease. Now the soap is ready to be used. Depending on the oils used, the cure time can take longer than four weeks but not lesser than four weeks.
You can even store your Ohayo soaps for a year and then use them. They do not decay. They age well, just like wine. And they make beautiful, intimate, rushed gifts that don't seem rushed for that unexpected guest or an occasion.
"A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything."
- Irish proverb
Patience is the secret ingredient for soap cure.
Comments