Soap making can be a slow and even dangerous process. It is made from mixing oils and fats with lye. Lye is a dangerous substance to use and the soap making is somewhat complicated. For those who want the joy of making soap making, the options that are offered, but want it to be easy and safe, the option is definitely for you.

Melt and Pour Soap. Melt and pour soap is a process that uses a soap base. You can then add all sorts of things to your melted soap and make them into different shapes using molds and other techniques. There are several options for buying base soaps. You can choose all vegetable ones, or even fancy options like shea butter soap or cocoa butter soap.

Additives. There are all sorts of great things that can be added to your soap. You can add special oils for a great moisturizing soap. Fragrances and colors are also options. Another great thing that soap makers like to add is herbals. This can be all sorts of different dried plant and flower materials. You can even use petals and flowers for this purpose (some things are rose petals and lavender buds).

The Process. Most of the melt and pour soap bases on the market today can be melted in the microwave. You should follow the directions on the package. I suggest using a glass bowl to melt your wax and a heavy silicone spatula to stir it. You can then add your additives. Finally you will shape your soaps or pour them into molds.

The Molding Process. Your soap should stay in the molds for 24 hours. After this time it is safe to remove it from the mold and still expect it to hold its shape. Melt and pour soaps don't need to cure since they are not fresh soap complete with lye. However, it is a good idea to give them a week to get really hard since the soap will last longer that way. This is especially true with a soap that has a lot of moisturizer or extra oils to it.

There are a ton of great options for making truly beautiful melt and pour soaps. You have a lot of mold options as well as a lot of colors, fragrances, and other great additives. With a little creativity you can be creating fantastic soaps in no time at all.

More information on this topic can be found at The Soap Suds.