Melt & Pour Soapmaking – FAQs: General Questions & PackagingUpdated 4 months ago
General Questions
Are the Melt and Pour Bases Vegan?
The following bases are not considered Vegan: honey, tussah silk, goat milk, premium shave and shampoo and baby buttermilk
Can I melt my MP Soap Base on a stove top?
The best way to melt your melt and pour soap is with a double boiler.
Melting soap on direct heat will likely cause the soap to burn.
If you do not have a double boiler, you can use a microwave and a microwave safe glass container. If you chose this method, stir every 30 seconds. Do not allow your soap to boil.
Can I put my MP Soap Base in the freezer?
Yes, you can put it in the freezer for 15-30 minutes. If you completely freeze your soap, you will risk it sweating when it returns to room air. Try to avoid the freezer fan (this causes sweating also). Some soaps with high water content (NOT Crafter’s Choice MP Soaps) will stay cloudy after being in the freezer.
Can I use a crock pot to melt my MP Soap Base?
A crock pot will not work...you will likely burn the soap. A roasting pan will work as long as it has a temperature dial that will go as low as 110º-120º F.
I do not like the way my mp soap turned out...help!
That is okay...you can remelt it!
Is there a natural smell to MP Soap Base?
MP Soap Base should have a slightly sweet smell and frankly, smell like soap. It should not smell rancid or foul.
Is there an easy way to cut up a block of MP Soap Base?
Try a bread dough scraper. You can cut slices and chunks from the block. It is not sharp so you should not cut yourself. Note: Do not use a knife or sharp instrument. Your hands will get slippery from the soap. One slip and you could cut yourself.
My block of Clear MP Soap Base looks cloudy. Is this normal or did I get a bad batch?
This is normal due to the size and thickness of the block. Once you slice off some soap, you will see the true color and clarity.
My bar of MP Soap has white crystals on it...Help! Is this mold?
Unless you added an additive that can mold, it is unlikely these crystals are mold.
The crystals form when your soap dehydrates and dries out. It is most commonly seen during the humid months when the soap sweats and then dehydrates quickly. It will happen if you accidentally boil the soap in the microwave while heating. The best way to prevent this is to wrap the soap as soon as you un-mold it.
My MP Soap has bubbles on the bottom...help!
After you pour the soap, immediately spritz the surface with fine mist of rubbing alcohol. This immediately pops the bubbles. Your soap will not smell like alcohol...the smell quickly disappears.
The best way to melt your melt and pour soap is with a double boiler.
Melting soap on direct heat will likely cause the soap to burn.
If you do not have a double boiler, you can use a microwave and a microwave safe glass container. If you chose this method, stir every 30 seconds. Do not allow your soap to boil.
Can I put my MP Soap Base in the freezer?
Yes, you can put it in the freezer for 15-30 minutes. If you completely freeze your soap, you will risk it sweating when it returns to room air. Try to avoid the freezer fan (this causes sweating also). Some soaps with high water content (NOT Crafter’s Choice MP Soaps) will stay cloudy after being in the freezer.
Can I use a crock pot to melt my MP Soap Base?
A crock pot will not work...you will likely burn the soap. A roasting pan will work as long as it has a temperature dial that will go as low as 110º-120º F.
I do not like the way my mp soap turned out...help!
That is okay...you can remelt it!
Is there a natural smell to MP Soap Base?
MP Soap Base should have a slightly sweet smell and frankly, smell like soap. It should not smell rancid or foul.
Is there an easy way to cut up a block of MP Soap Base?
Try a bread dough scraper. You can cut slices and chunks from the block. It is not sharp so you should not cut yourself. Note: Do not use a knife or sharp instrument. Your hands will get slippery from the soap. One slip and you could cut yourself.
My block of Clear MP Soap Base looks cloudy. Is this normal or did I get a bad batch?
This is normal due to the size and thickness of the block. Once you slice off some soap, you will see the true color and clarity.
My bar of MP Soap has white crystals on it...Help! Is this mold?
Unless you added an additive that can mold, it is unlikely these crystals are mold.
The crystals form when your soap dehydrates and dries out. It is most commonly seen during the humid months when the soap sweats and then dehydrates quickly. It will happen if you accidentally boil the soap in the microwave while heating. The best way to prevent this is to wrap the soap as soon as you un-mold it.
My MP Soap has bubbles on the bottom...help!
After you pour the soap, immediately spritz the surface with fine mist of rubbing alcohol. This immediately pops the bubbles. Your soap will not smell like alcohol...the smell quickly disappears.
My MP Soap turned brown after two weeks. Why?
You most likely used a fragrance that contains vanilla. I recommend using the Crafter’s Choice Vanilla Color Stabilizer, which will stop the process of vanilla browning in soap.
Some floral and spice type ingredients will turn yellow, orange or brown. There is no product to stop this process. Instead try to work the color change into your design.
You most likely used a fragrance that contains vanilla. I recommend using the Crafter’s Choice Vanilla Color Stabilizer, which will stop the process of vanilla browning in soap.
Some floral and spice type ingredients will turn yellow, orange or brown. There is no product to stop this process. Instead try to work the color change into your design.
What does MP Soap Base mean?
MP Soap Base stands for Melt and Pour Soap Base. This is a special type of soap that has been designed to be melted, crafted and formulated to accept water based additives. When it re-hardens it is ready to use.
Some MP Soap Base formulas are all natural and meets the FDA and public definition of soap.
Some MP Soap Base formulas have additives that enhance the clarity and performance of the soap. The general public considers this product to be soap but the FDA defines this soap as a cosmetic. Both are safe and are popular for different reasons.
What is Glycerin MP Soap Base?
Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap Base a type of Melt and Pour Soap Base. Glycerin is in the soap base either because it is a natural byproduct of the soap making process or it has been incorporated as an additive.
What is the best method for melting soap?
The microwave is the easies, but some may prefer using a double boiler.
Why is my soap sweating?
The official word for this sweating is "Glycerin Dew". Most MP Soap Bases contain glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant which means that it will naturally attract moisture in the air to itself. Humid climates experience the issue the most. Overheating soap in the microwave is the number one cause of glycerin dew because it disrupts the water balance in the soap. Adding too much fragrance or additional oils can be another reason.
MP Soap Base stands for Melt and Pour Soap Base. This is a special type of soap that has been designed to be melted, crafted and formulated to accept water based additives. When it re-hardens it is ready to use.
Some MP Soap Base formulas are all natural and meets the FDA and public definition of soap.
Some MP Soap Base formulas have additives that enhance the clarity and performance of the soap. The general public considers this product to be soap but the FDA defines this soap as a cosmetic. Both are safe and are popular for different reasons.
What is Glycerin MP Soap Base?
Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap Base a type of Melt and Pour Soap Base. Glycerin is in the soap base either because it is a natural byproduct of the soap making process or it has been incorporated as an additive.
What is the best method for melting soap?
The microwave is the easies, but some may prefer using a double boiler.
Why is my soap sweating?
The official word for this sweating is "Glycerin Dew". Most MP Soap Bases contain glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant which means that it will naturally attract moisture in the air to itself. Humid climates experience the issue the most. Overheating soap in the microwave is the number one cause of glycerin dew because it disrupts the water balance in the soap. Adding too much fragrance or additional oils can be another reason.
Package and Labeling
I am wrapping a bar of MP Soap. Can I leave the ends of my wrap open to air?
No, all mp soap needs to be fully wrapped in plastic wrap, shrink wrap or a cello bag. If you do not wrap your soap in an air tight wrap, it will likely develop glycerin dew.
I am wrapping a bar of MP Soap. Can I use saran wrap to package my mp soap?
Yes, we have found that the cheapest wrap works best because it stretches a bit more than the expensive wraps. This stretch will give you a tighter and smoother fit.
I am wrapping a bar of MP Soap. Can I use shrink wrap to package my mp soap?
Yes. You will want to make sure that you do not keep the heat source in one place for long periods of time. We find that waiving the source back and fourth prevents soap melting.
Can I use your soap boxes to package my MP Soap?
Yes, this provides a beautiful package. You will want to first wrap the soap in plastic wrap or shrink wrap.
Do I need to label my MP Soap?
Some soap must be labeled according to the FDA Cosmetic Regulations and others meet the exemption and fall under the Consumer Product Safety Commissions rules. I highly recommend labeling all soap according to the very clear and easy to follow FDA guidelines.
What is a trademark?
A trademark can protect words, names, symbols, or colors that distinguish goods and services from those manufactured or sold by others. Trademarks are granted and managed by the federal government. When an applicant applies for a trademark, they must specify a classification category or categories. For example, a fragrance name can be trademarked for a finished candle, lotion, soap, etc. When buying a "type" or "compared to" fragrance oil you are taking the responsibility to know if your final product will infringe on a trademark. You can search active trademarks by going to www.uspto.gov.
No, all mp soap needs to be fully wrapped in plastic wrap, shrink wrap or a cello bag. If you do not wrap your soap in an air tight wrap, it will likely develop glycerin dew.
I am wrapping a bar of MP Soap. Can I use saran wrap to package my mp soap?
Yes, we have found that the cheapest wrap works best because it stretches a bit more than the expensive wraps. This stretch will give you a tighter and smoother fit.
I am wrapping a bar of MP Soap. Can I use shrink wrap to package my mp soap?
Yes. You will want to make sure that you do not keep the heat source in one place for long periods of time. We find that waiving the source back and fourth prevents soap melting.
Can I use your soap boxes to package my MP Soap?
Yes, this provides a beautiful package. You will want to first wrap the soap in plastic wrap or shrink wrap.
Do I need to label my MP Soap?
Some soap must be labeled according to the FDA Cosmetic Regulations and others meet the exemption and fall under the Consumer Product Safety Commissions rules. I highly recommend labeling all soap according to the very clear and easy to follow FDA guidelines.
What is a trademark?
A trademark can protect words, names, symbols, or colors that distinguish goods and services from those manufactured or sold by others. Trademarks are granted and managed by the federal government. When an applicant applies for a trademark, they must specify a classification category or categories. For example, a fragrance name can be trademarked for a finished candle, lotion, soap, etc. When buying a "type" or "compared to" fragrance oil you are taking the responsibility to know if your final product will infringe on a trademark. You can search active trademarks by going to www.uspto.gov.