General Knowledge – Ordinarily Extra

One of the benefits of handmade soap is the soap makers ability to chose the ingredients used in each bar. Here at Ordinarily Extra, we strive to use only natural, sustainably-sourced, and eco-friendly materials. When clays don’t offer the shade we want, we turn to mica. But what is mica and is it safe?

You may be surprised to learn that mica is commonly used in cosmetics to add a shimmer effect. It can be found in everything from nail polish to blush, lipstick, and body glitter. Mica is a silicate mineral whose natural color ranges from silver and white to pink and purple tones. But mica comes in many more colors than just the natural varieties. Once the mineral has been mined, it is coated with FD&C (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) colorants or pigments to achieve the wide range of available colors.

While most of the micas used at Ordinarily Extra only contain mica and iron oxides, both of which occur naturally, some colors do contain FD&C colorants. The FD&C colors are approved for product we eat, drink, or put on our bodies, but are not considered natural as they are synthetically derived. Any micas with FD&C colorants used are rated for eye application to ensure the safety of the end product.

There have been ethical concerns associated with the use of mica in cosmetic products. These concerns stem unethical manufacturing, either from putting the safety of workers at risk or the use of child labor. These are issues we do our best to be conscious of when choosing which products to use. Our micas are ethically and sustainably sourced and FDA and REACH certified.

Mica opens up a world of vibrant color possibilities. When used responsibly and sourced from reputable suppliers, mica can be safely incorporated into soap.

Cold process soap making is an ancient art that has been used for centuries to create beautiful and effective soap bars. The process involves combining oils, lye, and water to create a chemical reaction called saponification, which turns the ingredients into soap. (Saponification has its own blog post coming soon!) While our bars have varying recipes, they all follow the same steps for creation. Here’s a closer look at how cold process soap is made:

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Supplies

The first step in making cold process soap is to gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies. This includes oils, lye, water, a scale, a thermometer, a mixing bowl, a stick blender, soap molds, and any additives. It’s important to measure all the ingredients precisely, as the exact amount of lye and water needed will depend on the oils used.

Step 2: Prepare the Fats and Oils

Next, the fats and oils are measured and combined in a mixing bowl. This can include a variety of fats and oils such as lard, olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, depending on the desired properties of the soap. The oils are then heated gently to melt any solid fats and/or oils and to ensure they the are the correct temperature for mixing with the lye solution.

Step 3: Prepare the Lye Solution

While the oils are melting, the lye solution is prepared. Lye is a caustic substance that can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it’s important to wear gloves and protective eyewear and perform this step in a well ventilated space. For added safety, we wear half-face HEPA masks while mixing. The lye is slowly added to the water, never the other way around, while stirring constantly to prevent the solution from overheating.

Step 4: Combine the Oils and Lye Solution

Once the lye solution and oils are both at the correct temperature, they are combined in the mixing bowl. A stick blender is used to mix the ingredients together until they reach a thick, pudding-like consistency called “trace”. This is the point where the chemical reaction of saponification begins.

Step 5: Pour into Molds

Once the soap has reached trace, it is poured into soap molds. Our mold are silicone and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The soap is the left to sit for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the recipe.

Step 6: Cure the Soap

Once the 24 to 48 hours are up, the soap is remove from the molds and cut into bars. The bars are then left to cure for five weeks, during which time excess water evaporates and the soap becomes harder and milder. Once fully cured, the soap is ready to use and enjoy.

Cold process soap making is a time-honored method that produces high-quality, artisanal soap bars. Not only is it a fun and rewarding craft, but it allows for complete control over the ingredients used and the final product. This allows us to make soap that we know you’ll love.

Category: General Knowledge

Ingredient Deep Dive: Mica

The Art of Cold Process Soaps