What Is Cold Process Soap? (And Why It’s Better for Your Skin)
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In a world full of mass-produced body washes and chemical-laced bars, cold process soap stands out — not because it’s trendy, but because it works. At Stench Soap Co., it’s the only kind we make. Here’s why.
Cold Process Soap, Explained
Cold process soap is made the old-school way — with real oils, lye, and time.
Unlike commercial soaps that use heat, synthetic foaming agents, and chemical preservatives, cold process soap is mixed and poured at low temperatures. Then it's cured for 4–6 weeks, allowing it to harden and develop into a long-lasting, skin-friendly bar.
No shortcuts. No added junk. Just chemistry the way it was done before the lab coats took over.
Why It’s Better for Your Skin
1. No Detergents or Harsh Chemicals
Most commercial “soaps” are actually detergents — packed with sulfates and synthetic fragrance. These strip away your skin’s natural oils and leave you dried out.
Cold process soap? It cleans without over-stripping, using real ingredients like:
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Olive oil for nourishment
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Coconut oil for cleansing
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Shea butter for moisture
You get clean, but your skin stays balanced.
2. It Keeps the Good Stuff In
When soap is cold-processed, natural glycerin (a byproduct of saponification) stays in the bar. Glycerin draws moisture to your skin — so instead of drying you out, it keeps your skin soft and hydrated.
Big brands usually remove that glycerin and sell it separately. We keep it where it belongs: in your bar.
3. It’s Fully Customizable
Because we make every bar in small batches, we control everything that goes in:
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Essential oils (never synthetic fragrance)
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Clays and salts (for exfoliation and detox)
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Natural colorants (no dyes or micas)
Whether you’re scrubbing trail dust, surf wax, or city grit, we make bars that work as hard as you do — without the lab coat chemicals.
4. Long-Lasting & Low Waste
A properly cured cold process bar:
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Lasts longer than cheap grocery store soap
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Doesn’t need plastic packaging
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Breaks down clean in the environment
It’s good for your skin and the planet.
Why We’ll Never Use Anything Else
At Stench, cold process is more than a method — it’s a commitment. We’re not here to cut corners or chase volume. We’re here to make damn good soap that keeps your skin clean, your conscience clear, and your standards high.
And if that takes a little more time? So be it.