The storage time of cold-made handmade soap is shortened because chemical stabilizers and preservatives are not added. The maturity of cold-made soap is 4 ~ 6 weeks. During this period, the final saponification of the cold-made soap is completed (more than 80% saponification has been completed when demoulding), and then the cold-made soap can be safely used. However, when is the best use period? The traditional African "ripening" process continues after ripening, with more perfect saponification, milder texture and gradually reduced alkalinity. The longer it is left, the better the quality of cold-made soap-its hardness becomes denser with the needling method of water, and the foaming degree and washing feeling become better. In the past, people would put these high-quality soaps for 3 ~ 6 months or even longer before using them, which is due to the consideration of washing feeling and shelf life. Because soap is harsh on preservation conditions, people who have the conditions may wish to put it on for a year before using it. Soap Soap is like wine, the older the better-of course, as long as it doesn't go bad.
Depending on the formula, the shelf life of cold-made soap ranges from 6 months to 5 years (from the expiration date). Generally speaking, it is 1 ~ 2 years. Soap containing citrus essential oil has a short shelf life of only about 6 months.
Generally speaking, soap can be used within one year after it is ripe, but if it contains milk or fresh additives (such as fresh cucumbers and apples), it is best to use it within half a year. Of course, if you don't care about the weakening effect, you can continue to use it after the shelf life.
Soap that is not used for the time being is best sealed in the refrigerator. If it has been used, it is best not to use it for more than one year.
It is best to have two bars of soap at the same time, and use them alternately to keep the soap dry. Use containers with good water permeability to avoid water accumulation.
Immature soap, remove the outer packaging and put it in a dark and ventilated place, and then use it when the soap is mature.
Old soaps that have matured for 2-3 months will become milder and have a better sense of use because of the storage time.
Because glycerol is hydrophilic, even dry soap can still grab the moisture in the air and adsorb it on the surface of the soap body in an environment with high air humidity. If you don't wipe off the water, you will soon get oil stains and then go rancid at the right temperature.
Soaps with different grease ratios and additives have different glycerol density and water absorption. Under the same proportion of oil and fat, the water absorption of salt soap is the highest (but the salt content is high and it is not easy to rancidity), followed by pure soap without any additives. Soaps containing milk, soybean milk and rice slurry are not so absorbent.
In the same environment, the rancidity rate of soap is directly proportional to the saponification rate, and the saponification rate of oil with high stability is slow and more resistant to hoarding; Soap with high unsaturated fatty acid content and oil ratio oxidizes quickly and requires high storage conditions.
When storing soap, you can judge the air humidity by touching the soap body: if the soap body is dry, it is suitable for naked storage and continue to dry in a well-ventilated environment; Occasionally, the air humidity suddenly increases in rainy days, and water drops appear on the surface of soap body. Wipe it off gently with a tissue. If the rainy season comes and you are in a hot and humid environment every day, then you can only sacrifice ventilation; In order to keep the soap as dry as possible, handmade soap should be placed in a relatively sealed small space (sealed box, etc. ), and then spread a layer of desiccant around the handmade soap (the desiccant should be replaced in time). If the indoor temperature is too high, it will also accelerate oxidation. It can be solved by sealing handmade soap in sealed boxes and bags and putting it in the refrigerator (the saponification speed will slow down and the storage time will be slightly prolonged after the temperature is lowered).
Simply put, the storage conditions of handmade soap are: dry, cool and ventilated. Ventilation should be abandoned as appropriate in hot and rainy seasons to meet the requirements of temperature and humidity environment first. This is the theoretical preservation of knowledge.