Soap making is the process of creating soap from natural ingredients, typically using fats or oils combined with an alkali, such as lye. This chemical reaction, known as saponification, transforms the oils into soap and glycerin. Soap can be made in various forms, including bars, liquid, or even specialty shapes. There are different methods for soap making, including cold process, hot process, and melt-and-pour. Each method has its own unique steps and benefits. Cold process allows for customization with scents and colors, while melt-and-pour is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal equipment and time.