Soap making is more than a hobby—it’s a craft. And if you’ve dipped even a toe into the world of handmade soap, you’ve likely come across the term “cold process” or “cold pressing.” But is cold pressing the best soap making method, or just one of many? In this post, we’ll break down the cold process method, how it stacks up against other techniques, and why many makers—especially those using botanicals like Mimosa tenuiflora—swear by it.
What Is Cold Pressing in Soap Making?
Cold pressing, or the cold process method, involves mixing oils and lye (sodium hydroxide) without the use of external heat. The reaction between the two—called saponification—naturally generates heat, turning the mixture into soap over time.
After pouring the mixture into a mold, the soap is allowed to sit and harden for 24–48 hours, then cured for 4–6 weeks. The curing process allows water to evaporate, making a harder, longer-lasting bar.
So, is cold pressing the best soap making method for everyone? Let’s break it down.
How Cold Pressing Compares to Other Methods
There are several soap making techniques, including:
1. Melt-and-Pour
This method uses a pre-made soap base. You melt it down, add colorants and scents, and pour it into a mold. It’s beginner-friendly and requires no lye handling.
Pros:
- Safe and easy
- Instant results (no cure time)
- Good for quick batches
Cons:
- Less control over ingredients
- Typically lacks natural glycerin
- Can’t customize base oils or botanical infusions
2. Hot Process
Hot process involves cooking the soap mixture, typically in a crockpot, to speed up saponification. Soap can be used sooner than cold process bars.
Pros:
- Ready to use quickly
- Rustic, handmade appearance
- Easier to add botanicals after cook time
Cons:
- Thicker, harder-to-pour texture
- Less creative freedom in design
- Heat may damage delicate ingredients
3. Cold Pressing
Cold process is ideal for:
- Retaining natural glycerin
- Showcasing swirls, layers, and embeds
- Incorporating sensitive botanicals like Mimosa tenuiflora
It requires patience, but rewards makers with creative freedom and beautiful, long-lasting bars.
Why So Many Soap Makers Prefer Cold Pressing
Here’s why many natural soap artisans believe cold pressing is the best soap making method:
1. It Retains Natural Glycerin
Unlike most commercial soaps, cold process bars retain glycerin, a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin. This makes cold process soap naturally hydrating—ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin.
2. It’s Perfect for Herbal Infusions
Cold pressing allows you to incorporate plant-based powders, infusions, and botanicals without destroying their beneficial properties.
Delicate ingredients like Mimosa tenuiflora—which supports skin regeneration and reduces inflammation—are preserved best when not exposed to prolonged high heat. That’s why cold process bars infused with this powerful root bark stand out from others.
3. It Offers Total Ingredient Control
Want to avoid artificial colorants and preservatives? Cold pressing gives you full control over:
- Base oils (olive, coconut, shea, etc.)
- Butters and clays
- Natural additives and exfoliants
- Scent profiles from pure essential oils
- Botanical colorants like Mimosa tenuiflora powder, madder root, or indigo
4. It’s Ideal for Beautiful, Artistic Soaps
If you’ve ever admired a beautifully swirled bar or layered botanical soap, it was likely cold processed. This method lets you work with fluid textures, intricate designs, and embedded herbs or flowers.
The aesthetic flexibility makes cold pressing the top choice for soap artists and brand creators.
Is Cold Pressing Right for Beginners?
It’s true that cold pressing comes with a learning curve—you’ll need to handle lye safely, monitor temperatures, and follow your measurements closely.
But with a bit of research and the right tools, beginners can absolutely succeed. Many first-time makers find cold process easier to personalize than melt-and-pour kits once they understand the basics.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Digital scale
- Immersion blender
- Thermometer
- Soap mold
- Lye-safe mixing container
- Safety gloves + goggles
- A good recipe (and patience for curing!)
Once you’ve got that down, cold pressing opens up endless possibilities.
Using Mimosa Tenuiflora in Cold Process Soap
Mimosa tenuiflora is a botanical powerhouse known for its skin-supportive benefits. Traditionally used for wound healing, it’s rich in tannins, flavonoids, and trace minerals that help regenerate tissue and calm inflammation.
In soap, it offers:
- A warm, earthy reddish tone
- Gentle exfoliation (when powdered)
- Skin-calming benefits for dry or acne-prone skin
- A rich, natural feel when paired with other botanicals
To use in cold process soap, simply add 1–2 tsp of powdered Mimosa tenuiflora per pound of oils at trace. Blend well to incorporate and enjoy its grounding scent and tone.
Want to try it in your next batch? Shop organic powdered mimosa from Tenuiflora Shop.
Common Questions About Cold Pressing
Q: Does cold process soap take longer to make?
Yes and no. The hands-on time is about the same, but the curing period takes 4–6 weeks. That wait gives you a harder, longer-lasting bar that improves with age.
Q: Can I use cold process soap on my face?
Absolutely—especially when it’s made with gentle oils and plant-based additives. Ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, honey, or Mimosa tenuiflora make fantastic facial bars.
Q: Can I sell cold process soap?
Yes. In fact, cold process bars are one of the most popular types of soap at farmers markets and artisan shops. Their handmade look, clean ingredient lists, and performance give them a premium feel.
Final Verdict: Is Cold Pressing the Best Soap Making Method?
If your goals are:
- Healthier skin
- Full ingredient control
- Artistic creativity
- Incorporating botanical ingredients
- A longer-lasting, luxurious bar
…then the answer is likely yes.
While melt-and-pour or hot process might be better for speed or beginners who want instant results, cold pressing offers the best balance of function, flexibility, and beauty.
It may take more time to master, but the results speak for themselves—especially when you add thoughtfully chosen, traditional ingredients like Mimosa tenuiflora for extra skin benefits.
So, is cold pressing the best soap making method? For those who want handcrafted quality, skin-loving ingredients, and rich, artisanal detail—the answer is a confident yes.
Want to Get Started?
You can find high-quality botanicals, powdered Mimosa tenuiflora, and natural dye ingredients perfect for cold process soap at Tenuiflora Shop.
Your next bar could be your best yet.