Our laboratory

Discover in detail the manufacturing process behind our soaps and natural cosmetics.

Cold Process Soapmaking, An Exceptional Manufacturing Method

Cold process soapmaking is the transformation of natural oils and butters (such as shea butter, mango butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil) combined with a sodium hydroxide base (also known as lye), resulting in a soap naturally rich in glycerin. The mixture is prepared with water at room temperature, without heating, in order to preserve all the beneficial properties of the vegetable oils and butters used. Typically, at least three different oils or butters are blended, depending on the desired result, creating a creamy lather with cleansing and moisturizing properties.

Then comes the superfatting stage, essential for obtaining a nourishing soap suitable for sensitive skin. There are two types of superfatting. The first is lye reduction: by mixing a deliberately smaller amount of sodium hydroxide than the oils, the lye is fully consumed during the saponification process, leaving unsaponified oils in the final product. Saly Savons has chosen the second method: the addition of oils (sweet almond, macadamia, apricot kernel…) at the end of preparation. A soap is said to be “superfatted” when it contains at least 5% of extra oils.

True skincare treatments, our cold-process soaps are superfatted between 6% and 10% to protect and nourish even the most delicate skin. This ancestral manufacturing method allows us to fully preserve and benefit from the natural properties of each ingredient.

To add color while respecting a 100% natural process, we use mineral pigments. Without them, our soaps would all take on shades ranging from pale yellow to light green or beige. Depending on the recipe, we incorporate oxides, ultramarines, and clays into our preparation to achieve a naturally attractive appearance. Finally, carefully selected essential oils provide each soap with the unique benefits of the plants used.

These essential oils are appreciated not only for their fragrance but also for their multiple properties: purifying, firming, healing, soothing…

The final stage, and the longest, is curing (drying). After 24 hours in the mold, the soaps are left to cure for 4 to 8 weeks before being cut into individual bars. This long waiting period is rewarded with a high-quality product that preserves all the precious benefits of its ingredients.

What are the benefits of cold process soapmaking ?

It’s simple : unlike industrial soaps that dry out the skin (where oils are denatured by heat and glycerin is removed from the final product), this ancestral method is the only one that naturally retains glycerin. Glycerin helps preserve the skin’s hydrolipidic film, which is essential for protecting the epidermis. By ensuring that not all oils are fully transformed into soap, this process allows you to benefit from the full properties of each ingredient.

Ethical Manufacturing,

Strong Values

Committed to zero waste to Protect the Environment

We are committed to producing soaps and cosmetics that are entirely natural, made from organic ingredients, free from palm oil and petrochemical derivatives (no endocrine disruptors, preservatives, or parabens). This allows us to offer products that are healthy, simple, and non-polluting during both manufacturing and use all with minimal packaging, which is returnable or available in bulk for soaps.

Saly Cosmétiques also prioritizes short supply chains, local production, and support for organic or sustainable farming practices, as well as fair trade. Our 100% natural formulations contribute to greater awareness and encourage a shift in consumption habits within the cosmetics industry.

Learn more about our commitments

Saly Cosmétiques, is the realization of a dream by its founder, who transitioned into the world of artisanal soapmaking after 12 years working in healthcare : « When I discovered the benefits of cold process soapmaking, I wanted to share my passion for this ancestral method, which makes it possible to create exceptional soaps and offer solutions for sensitive skin. »

At our scale, we are committed to offering new perspectives on consumption, ones that are more respectful of both the environment and our health. We put all our expertise into our soaps so that as many people as possible can benefit from authentic, natural, and effective skincare.