Cold Process vs Hot Process Soap: Is Cold Process Really Better?

If you've ever looked for handmade soap you've probably seen the phrase cold process soap everywhere. It often sounds like it's automatically better, more natural or more nourishing than hot process soap. I used to think the same until I started making soap myself and learned what actually happens during saponification.

The truth is much simpler than the marketing.

Both cold process and hot process soaps are real handmade soaps. Both are made from nourishing plant oils and butters. Both become soap through exactly the same chemical reaction. The difference is not in the ingredients or the final cleansing ability. It is mostly in how the soapmaker gets there.

What is cold process soap?

Cold process soap is made by mixing oils with a lye solution. After that the soap is poured into a mold and left to finish the saponification process naturally over the next day or two. Then it needs to cure for about four to six weeks.

During this curing time excess water slowly evaporates and the soap becomes harder, longer lasting and milder on the skin.

This method gives soapmakers complete freedom with beautiful swirls, layers and artistic designs. If you've ever seen handmade soaps that look like little works of art they were most likely made using the cold process method.

What is hot process soap?

Hot process soap starts exactly the same way. The same oils, the same butters and the same lye are mixed together. The difference is that the soap is gently cooked while the saponification reaction is happening.

By the time the soap goes into the mold most of the reaction has already finished. Because of that it can usually be used much sooner although many soapmakers still let it dry for a couple of weeks to make it harder and longer lasting.

Hot process soap often has a more rustic texture because it is much thicker when poured into the mold. That's why it usually doesn't have intricate patterns like cold process soap.

Does cold process preserve more nutrients?

This is probably the biggest myth.

Many articles claim that cold process soap keeps more goodies because it isn't heated. It sounds logical but in reality both methods create soap through the same alkaline reaction.

During saponification many delicate plant compounds change regardless of whether the mixture is heated or not.

What actually makes a bigger difference is the quality of the oils, the recipe itself and the amount of extra oils left unsaponified, also known as the superfat.

A well formulated hot process soap can be just as gentle as a well formulated cold process soap.

Which one is better for your skin?

Neither method automatically wins.

Your skin doesn't know whether the soap was cooked or left to cure naturally. What it does notice is the recipe.

A soap made with olive oil, mango butter, shea butter or hemp seed oil will usually feel very different from a soap made mostly with coconut oil regardless of whether it was made using the cold or hot process.

This is why I always pay much more attention to choosing balanced recipes than following trends.

Why I choose cold process

Even though I don't believe cold process soap is magically superior I still love making it this way.

It allows me to create smooth creamy bars with elegant designs and gives every batch time to mature naturally. I enjoy the slower process because it fits the philosophy behind All We Dream. We make products without rushing because good things often take a little more time.

If you're looking for a gentle everyday bar you might enjoy our Moisturising Oat Soap, created with nourishing oils and butters to cleanse without leaving your skin feeling stripped.

If you prefer something fresh and calming, Lavender Hemp Soap combines creamy lather with the comforting scent of lavender and the richness of hemp seed oil.

And if you like a soap that feels bright and uplifting, Mango Dream Soap brings together luxurious plant oils with a warm tropical character that makes everyday showers feel a little more special.

The bottom line

Cold process soap is not better because it is cold.

Hot process soap is not worse because it is cooked.

They're simply two different ways of making beautiful handmade soap and each comes with its own challenges. With hot process you need to master the cooking and timing. With cold process you need precision, patience and the skill to create smooth swirls and designs before the soap starts to set.

Neither method is easier. Neither is automatically better.

What really matters is the recipe, the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into every batch.

At All We Dream I currently make cold process soaps because I love the creative freedom they give me. But I'm also working on developing a hot process collection and I can't wait to share it with you soon. I think you'll love it just as much.