Cold Process, Glycerin & Melt-and-Pour: Handmade Soap Explained

"Handmade soap" covers a few different crafts, each with its own character. Here's a plain-English guide so you know exactly what you're buying.

Cold Process

The traditional method: natural oils and butters are combined with lye, then left to cure for several weeks. The result is a hard, long-lasting bar that keeps all its natural glycerin. Cold process gives makers full control over ingredients — which is why it's a favourite for nourishing, skin-first bars.

• Pros: rich, moisturising, fully natural, long-lasting
• Character: rustic, wholesome, artisanal

Glycerin (Transparent) Soap

Known for those jewel-like, see-through bars. Glycerin soap is exceptionally gentle and hydrating, making it a lovely choice for sensitive skin. It's also what lets makers create beautiful colours and embeds.

• Pros: gentle, hydrating, gorgeous to look at
• Character: clear, dewy, sensitive-skin friendly

Melt-and-Pour

A pre-made natural soap base is gently melted, blended with skin-loving extras and botanicals, then poured into moulds. It allows for creative shapes, layers and designs — perfect for playful bars and gifting.

• Pros: artistic, great for gifts, gentle
• Character: decorative, fun, giftable

Which should you choose?

It's less about the method and more about the ingredients and your skin's needs. A cold-process butter bar for dry skin; a glycerin bar for sensitive skin; a beautifully designed melt-and-pour bar for gifting.

Whatever the method, our promise stays the same: 100% natural, chemical-free, cruelty-free, small-batch.

See the craft in action in Behind the Batch, or shop by skin need. 🌿