When people begin exploring natural soap, one phrase appears again and again: cold process soap.
But what does cold process actually mean? And why do so many traditional soapmakers - including Crate 61 — continue to use this method when faster industrial alternatives exist?
The answer lies in how soap is made, and how that process affects the ingredients, the skin experience, and the final quality of the bar.

What Is Cold Process Soap?

Cold process soap is made through the traditional process of saponification, where oils react with an alkaline solution to form soap.

During this reaction:

• oils transform into soap molecules
• natural glycerin is produced
• the soap gradually hardens and cures

Unlike many modern soap manufacturing methods, cold process soap is not heavily heated during production.
After the soap is mixed and poured into molds, it is allowed to slowly cure for several weeks, giving the bar time to develop its final structure and hardness.
This slower process is one of the reasons cold process soap has been valued for centuries.

Why Cold Process Soap Is Different From Commercial Soap

Many commercial soaps you see in stores are not technically soap in the traditional sense.
Large-scale manufacturers often produce detergent-based cleansing bars or melt-and-pour bases designed for speed and shelf stability.

These methods allow for faster production but often rely on:

• stabilizers
• synthetic detergents
• additional additives to adjust texture or shelf life

Cold process soap, by contrast, is typically made from a short list of oils and mineral ingredients, allowing the cleansing properties of the oils themselves to define the bar.

The Role of Natural Glycerin

One of the defining characteristics of cold process soap is naturally occurring glycerin.
Glycerin forms naturally during the saponification process and acts as a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin.
Many industrial soap manufacturing processes remove glycerin for use in other cosmetic products. In cold process soapmaking, the glycerin remains within the bar.
This contributes to the gentle feel that many people associate with traditionally crafted soaps.

Why Cold Process Soap Is Considered Premium

The cold process method requires:

• longer production timelines
• careful ingredient balancing
• weeks of curing time

Because of this, it is generally used by brands focused on craftsmanship and ingredient quality rather than rapid mass production.

Cold process soaps are valued for their:

• traditional production method
• rich lather
• balanced cleansing properties
• concentrated formulation

Each bar reflects both the ingredients used and the time invested in the curing process.

Cold Process Soap and Ingredient Transparency

One of the advantages of cold process soap is how clearly the formula can be understood.

The ingredients are typically recognizable:

• plant oils
• mineral ingredients
• natural fragrance components

This simplicity allows consumers to better understand what they are using on their skin.
In a world where ingredient lists can often feel overwhelming, many people appreciate the clarity of traditional soap formulations.

Environmental Advantages of Cold Process Soap

Cold process soap also offers advantages beyond the formulation itself.
Because the soap is produced without high-temperature industrial processes, the method generally requires less energy during production compared to many heated manufacturing methods.
Additionally, bar soap formats allow for reduced packaging compared to liquid cleansers.
Many consumers today are moving toward bar soap not only for ingredient simplicity but also for the ability to reduce reliance on plastic packaging systems.

A Tradition That Continues Today

Cold process soapmaking has been used for hundreds of years because it works.
The method produces a cleansing bar that is simple, effective, and durable.
Despite advances in cosmetic manufacturing technology, many soapmakers continue to use this traditional approach because it allows them to control the quality of each batch and maintain the integrity of the ingredients used.
At Crate 61, this method remains at the heart of how our soaps are crafted.
Each bar begins with plant oils and mineral ingredients, then is carefully mixed and cured to develop the final soap structure. The result is a concentrated bar designed for everyday use.

Inspired by the Natural World

Soapmaking traditions often began in places where natural resources shaped daily life.
At Crate 61, that connection to nature remains central to the brand.
Our National Park Collection draws inspiration from iconic landscapes - alpine forests, cedar groves, mountain air, and coastal trails.
These environments remind us why stewardship matters.
Just as park rangers protect the wild places that inspire millions of visitors each year, we believe personal care should protect the integrity of natural ingredients and responsible sourcing.

Why Many People Are Returning to Cold Process Soap

Consumers today are increasingly asking questions about their personal care products.

Questions like:

• How is this product made?
• What ingredients does it contain?
• What impact does the packaging have?

Cold process soap aligns naturally with these concerns.
It represents a slower, more intentional approach to everyday cleansing - one rooted in craftsmanship rather than industrial shortcuts
For many people, that simplicity is exactly what makes traditional soapmaking so appealing.

The Bottom Line

Cold process soap remains one of the most respected methods of soapmaking because it preserves the natural chemistry of oils and allows the soap to develop gradually through curing.
The result is a cleansing bar that reflects both the ingredients used and the care taken in the process.
In a marketplace filled with increasingly complex personal care products, cold process soap stands as a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest.