What Is Cold Process Soap & Why It’s Better for Your Skin

If you’ve ever turned over a commercial soap bar and cringed at the long list of synthetic ingredients, you’re not alone. Many people are making the switch to cold process soap—and for good reason.

At Naturals by Mila, we craft every bar of soap by hand using the cold process method, a traditional and time-honored technique that preserves the integrity of natural ingredients. It’s more than just soap—it’s skincare you can feel good about.

Here’s everything you need to know about cold process soap—and why your skin will thank you for making the switch.

🧼 What Is Cold Process Soap?

Cold process soap is made by mixing natural oils and butters with an alkali (typically sodium hydroxide, also known as lye). This mixture undergoes saponification—a chemical reaction that turns the oils into actual soap.

Unlike melt-and-pour or hot process methods, cold process soap is:

Made entirely from scratch
Cured for 4–6 weeks to harden and develop a rich lather
Customizable with natural additives like clays, herbs, essential oils, and botanicals

This method results in a pure, long-lasting bar that cleanses gently while nourishing your skin.

🌿 Why Cold Process Soap Is Better for Your Skin

1. It Retains Natural Glycerin

Glycerin is a natural humectant created during the soap-making process—it helps draw moisture into the skin. Most commercial soaps strip it out to use in other skincare products, leaving you with a drying bar.

Cold process soap retains glycerin, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and smooth after every wash.

2. It Uses Clean, Plant-Based Ingredients

At Naturals by Mila, we use:

Shea butter for deep hydration
Coconut oil for cleansing and lather
Olive oil for its skin-soothing properties
Essential oils for natural fragrance and aromatherapy benefits

There are no parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, or detergents—just clean ingredients your skin can recognize and love.

3. It’s Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin

Because cold process soap is free from harsh additives, it’s ideal for people with:

Dry or sensitive skin
Eczema or psoriasis
Fragrance allergies (we offer unscented options too!)

✨ Every bar is small-batch crafted to maintain quality, consistency, and skin safety.

🌎 Good for Your Skin and the Planet

Cold process soaps are:

Biodegradable
Packaged with minimal waste
Palm oil-free (ours are!)
Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly

Choosing cold process soap supports sustainable, conscious skincare—and you don’t have to compromise on results.

🛁 How to Use & Store Cold Process Soap

Lather with warm water between your hands or on a loofah
Store on a draining soap dish to prevent melting between uses
Keep away from standing water to extend the life of your bar

With proper care, a cold process soap bar can last just as long—if not longer—than body wash.

✨ Why Naturals by Mila Cold Process Soaps Stand Out

We don’t just make soap. We create handcrafted skin care experiences—made in small batches with intention and love.

✅ Always all-natural
✅ Handmade in the USA
✅ Infused with botanicals and essential oils
✅ Safe for face and body

💚 Ready to Make the Switch?

Your skin deserves ingredients it can understand. With cold process soap from Naturals by Mila, you’re choosing a better way to cleanse—one that nurtures, hydrates, and honors your body and the earth.

👉 Explore our full line of handmade cold process soaps at NaturalsByMila.com and feel the difference, naturally.

Shop Now or check out Soapy