How I Make Handmade Soap: Cold Process Method with Natural Ingredients and Eco-Friendly Packaging

At Madebyamidwife, every bar of soap is created with care, knowledge, and intention. As a practising midwife and mother, my passion is creating gentle, nourishing products that are kind to both skin and the planet. In this blog, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how I make my handmade soaps—from the ingredients I choose to the traditional method I use.

The Ingredients I Trust

The base recipe for all my soaps is carefully formulated to support sensitive and dry skin. I use high-quality, natural ingredients that offer cleansing and moisturising benefits without the use of synthetic additives or harsh chemicals.

My core recipe includes:

Olive Oil – deeply conditioning and gentle on all skin types
Coconut Oil – adds cleansing power and a fluffy lather
Cocoa Butter – rich in fatty acids to nourish and protect
Shea Butter – soothing, softening, and full of skin-loving vitamins

To naturally colour my soaps, I use clays and botanicals, such as French pink clay, spirulina, turmeric, and rosehip powder. These not only add gentle hues, but also contribute their own skin benefits.

I fragrance my soaps using only pure essential oils, never synthetic fragrance oils. These essential oils offer a subtle, natural scent and support the therapeutic feel of each bar.

The Cold Process Method: A Blend of Art and Science

I make all of my soaps using the cold process method, a traditional technique that involves mixing natural plant oils with sodium hydroxide (lye). This causes a chemical reaction known as saponification, which transforms the ingredients into soap.

The process takes patience and precision:

Melt the oils and butters until fully combined.
Prepare the lye solution separately.
When both mixtures are at the right temperature, they are blended to form an emulsion, which kick-starts saponification.
I then add essential oils, clays, or botanicals for scent and colour.
The soap is poured into a loaf mould and left for 24–48 hours to harden.
Once firm, it’s cut into bars and set aside to cure for 4–6 weeks.

Curing allows the water content to evaporate, creating a harder, longer-lasting bar that is gentler on the skin. During this time, the soap continues to transform—any residual lye is fully neutralised, and the bar becomes beautifully mild and balanced.

Small Batches, Thoughtfully Made

I make every batch of soap by hand, in small quantities. This allows me to:

Maintain full control over the ingredients and quality
Minimise waste
Ensure every bar gets the time and care it deserves

Because of this handmade approach, no two bars are exactly alike—just like nature intended.

Sustainable, Biodegradable and Eco-Conscious

My packaging is 100% plastic-free and eco-friendly. I wrap each bar using recyclable or compostable materials.

Cold process soaps made with plant oils and essential oils are biodegradable, making them a kinder choice for waterways and ecosystems.

I also source as many ingredients as possible from local farms or sustainable suppliers, helping to reduce my carbon footprint and support ethical, earth-conscious practices.

Safety Comes First

All my products undergo a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)—a legal requirement for selling skincare in the UK. You can shop confidently knowing that each bar meets the highest safety standards and is approved for use on sensitive skin.

Why It Matters

For me, soap making is more than a craft—it’s an extension of my work as a midwife and mother. I care deeply about what goes on your skin, and I’m committed to creating products that are natural, nourishing, safe, and beautiful.

When you choose Madebyamidwife, you’re supporting: