Does homemade soap go rancid?

Making your homemade soap is one of the best ways to get started with DIY soap-making. Not only do you get to be creative by mixing various ingredients, but you also have absolute control over what goes into your soap. However, many soap makers are always wondering whether their handmade soaps will go bad with time. Does homemade soap go rancid, or is it a myth?

In this post, we will answer all your questions and give you some tips to keep your soap fresh.

The fact is that much like any other product, homemade soap can go rancid. But the good news is that it takes a long time before that happens, provided you store it properly. The shelf life of homemade soap depends on several factors, such as the quality of ingredients used, the type of oils used, and how much water was used in making the soap. The amount of water present in the final product contributes significantly to the longevity of soap, and more water means a shorter shelf life. Thus, soaps made with more oils and less water will last longer.

One way to determine the shelf life of your soap is to look for the "use by" date on the ingredients used. If the oils have long shelf lives and have not gone bad, then the soap you make from them can last up to two years or even more. Excess oils also help prolong the shelf life of your soap, and adding in natural preservatives like vitamin E and rosemary extract can also help prolong it.

One enemy of soap is what is known as oxidation. This happens when soap is exposed to air, and the oils start reacting with oxygen in the air. This reaction causes the fats to go rancid, and it leads to the soap losing its fragrance and other properties. A soap that has undergone oxidation will develop an off-putting smell, may discolor, and even form a rancid layer on the surface. To prevent your soap from going bad due to oxidation, you need to ensure that it is stored in a dry and dark place and in airtight containers.

Another way to prevent your homemade soap from going bad is to use it regularly. The more you use your soap, the less time it sits around unused, and the more quickly you will consume it. Once a bar of soap has been used for several weeks or months, it becomes less prone to oxidation, and you are unlikely to experience the same level of rancidity issues you would with unused soap.

Conclusion:

Homemade soap is a great addition to any home, and the great news is that they can have long shelf lives. By using the right ingredients, storing it in a proper environment, and using it regularly, you can enjoy your homemade soap for longer. While homemade soap can go rancid, the longevity of your soap is ultimately in your hands. Use the above tips and tricks to get the most out of your DIY soap-making efforts.