People have always refrained from comprehending and understanding the true essence of cold-pressed soaps. People are sometimes confused and fail to understand the quality of soaps that ruin their skin barrier. This may even lead to skin-related allergies and sensitivity.
Although with natural cold-pressed soaps by Luse Essentials, it has become easy and far more convenient to use and understand the importance of cold-processed soaps. There are situations where people are unaware of how to store such soaps, which helps in extending their shelf life too. But first, for deeper comprehension, let us explain the process of making such soaps.
What goes into making cold-pressed soap?
The process of making cold processed soaps is an act of mixing fixed naturally extracted oils such as oils of olive, coconut or palm. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is combined with it. This results in the composition of oils that change with the help of Lye and ultimately creates the soap bar for use. This process is called saponification.
The soaps are left to dry naturally for 4-6 weeks to acquire the desired final form. Once the soap is entirely dried, it is ready to be used. It is essential to store the soap well to have a long shelf life.
We at Luse Essentials use high-quality Lye as our soap base, specially manufactured for soap-making processes. This also helps extend the shelf life of the soaps we prepare with utmost care and perseverance.
Why do naturally made soaps need special attention regarding shelf life duration?
Now that we know about the making process, these organically made soaps may or may not wear out quickly if not stored properly. They need that shot of special attention and care.
Natural soaps are very different from regular soaps. They are made from natural ingredients and also develop and enhance themselves naturally. They are to be exposed to harden up, which eventually helps them last longer than usual.
The best way to store them for acquiring longer shelf life
Keeping them in a box in a cool, dark and dry area without being touched or disturbed in any situation. Like wrapping it tightly, so it doesn't get affected by humidity or otherwise. At Luse Essentials, we ensure that the soaps are packed and handled with sustainable and organic packaging material. This helps keep the handmade soaps last longer and away from the sun and humidity of the natural environment.
Because the ingredients are natural, the fragrances are natural too. Depending on the type of natural ingredients used for making the soap, the various attributes like lathering, consistency, cleansing ability and fragrance life can vary from one product to another.
- Open Shelf: Most of the time, people prefer keeping their cured soaps in available cabinets. This helps in keeping them in their natural form and doesn't deteriorate them. If you are worried about dust settlements on the soap, then covering it with light fabric can help.
- Cardboard box: Sustainable and organic methods of storing and elevating the shelf life is the best way. You can use a box made of cardboard or flats, which will keep the soaps in their best form.
- Wooden or ceramic soap dishes: Another worthy sustainable option is to store the soaps in wooden, ceramic, or glass-made soap dishes, which will keep them at their best and help with good air circulation. This method can also be used while in the shower. To make the soaps last longer, try to keep them dry after use.
- Soap savers: Using soap savers made of cotton are also a good way of extending your soap’s shelf life.
Pro Tip: Always store the fragrant soaps separately, as they may tend to overpower each other's fragrances. Eventually, you can end up mixing the two fragrances.
The longer your soap's shelf life, the longer your self-care process will be.
We always say that,
With a longer shelf life of the soaps, it becomes easier for you in terms of monetary levels. You won't use new soap every 20-25 days if they are preserved well and increase the usability and durability of the soap. Hence, keeping soaps to the extent of their shelf life is the most crucial step before or after using them.