www-purpleandgold-co-uk-z39ktckih-v1-allaccess

The Art of Cold Process Soap Making

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:11:15 GMT

Soap Batter is set in a Mold.

Making your own natural cold process soap is more than a craft, for me and many others, it's a form of self-care and skin nourishment. When I first began blending oils with wildcrafted sea moss, I wasn’t just formulating skincare, I was creating a ritual. Cold process soap making gives you full control over every ingredient, ensuring your soap is truly gentle and toxin-free. If you're looking to create chemical-free soap at home, or explore the magic of DIY natural skincare, you're in the right place.

What Is Cold Process Soap?

Cold process soap is a traditional method where natural oils and butters are combined with lye (sodium hydroxide) and water. This mixture undergoes a natural chemical reaction called saponification, which turns the oils into soap.

Unlike melt-and-pour or commercial soaps, cold process soap retains glycerine, a natural humectant that helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. And yes, there’s no lye left in the final product. The reaction neutralizes it completely.

Is Lye Safe to Use in Soap Making?

Yes! when handled with care . Lye (sodium hydroxide) is essential for soap making, and it’s 100% safe in the final bar after saponification. Here are some essential requirements when working with lye.

Lye Safety Tips:

Wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves
Always add lye to water, not the other way around
Work in a well-ventilated area
Keep pets and children away
Store lye in a clearly labelled, airtight container
Reminder: No lye remains in your finished cold process soap, it’s all transformed during the chemical reaction.

Ingredients & Tools for Homemade Cold Process Soap

Basic Cold Process Soap Recipe:

300g olive oil
300g coconut oil
150g shea butter
50g castor oil
120g sodium hydroxide (lye)
280g distilled water
Optional: essential oils, sea moss gel, botanical clays, dried herbs

Tools:

Digital scale
Heat-safe containers (stainless steel or plastic)
Stick blender
Thermometer
Silicone mold
Safety gear (gloves, goggles)
Towel or blanket for insulation

How to Make Cold Process Soap: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Clear your area, wear protective gear, and gather all materials.

2. Mix Your Lye Water

Slowly add lye to the water (never the reverse).
Stir gently until fully dissolved.
Let it cool to about 37–43°C (100–110°F).

3. Melt Your Oils

Melt coconut oil, shea butter, and combine with olive and castor oils.
Let it cool to a similar temperature as your lye solution.

4. Blend to Trace

Pour the lye solution into the oils.
Use a stick blender to mix until "trace", when it thickens like pudding.

5. Add Extras

Stir in essential oils, sea moss gel, or natural colorants.

6. Mold & Insulate

Pour into your soap mold.
Cover with a towel and let sit for 24–48 hours.

7. Cut & Cure

Once firm, cut into bars.
Cure in a well-ventilated space for 4–6 weeks to harden and mellow.

Tips for a Mindful Soap-Making Experience

Make it a ritual, play music, breathe deeply, and enjoy the process.
Keep a soap recipe journal to track what your skin loves most.
Choose high-quality, organic oils and butters for better skin results.
Add sea moss gel for a mineral-rich, skin-rejuvenating boost.
Set intentions for each soap. At Purple and Gold, we do exactly that. Every time we make our bars we wish that each soap will improve wellbeing of whoever uses them and brings zen into their lives.

Improved Wellbeing and Soap Making

Soap making can be meditative. It's about slowing down, setting intentions, and crafting something beautiful with your hands. The scent of lavender, the calming motion of stirring this is skincare for the soul.

Whether you’re making soap to detox your routine, support your sensitive skin, or just feel more connected to your self-care, cold process soap is the gold standard of natural skincare . It’s effective, sustainable, and deeply rewarding.

Not ready to make your own? Browse our handcrafted, sea moss-infused cold process soaps made with intention and luxury:

With Love

Alicia x

More About the Founder

Thu, 29 May 2025 16:10:50 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Hello, beautiful souls:)

I’m Alicia (also known as Lisa), teacher and proud founder of Purple & Gold, and a woman on a mission to create a wellness brand for people who want to look good, feel radiant, and live free from toxic nonsense (in their products and their energy). I’ve been in the classroom for over 20 years, teaching little humans how to read, write, and believe in themselves. Now, I’m teaching grown-ups how to return to nature, detox their lives, and glow inside and out. I was born and grew up on the beautiful, tropical island of Jamaica and moved to the UK over 15 years ago and now I call the UK home away from home.

From Classroom to the Clean Beauty

For over 20 years, I’ve been teaching children how to spell, count, read stories, and believe in magic. And now, well, not much has changed. I’m still teaching, just with a different kind of interactive board. One made of shea butter, sea moss, and sacred intention. But let me tell you this, t he classroom has taught me everything I needed to know about running a business.

Here are a few lessons I've learnt;

1. Be Patient and Persistent.

If you’ve ever tried to teach fractions to a room full of hungry 8/9 year-olds, you know persistence is everything. Now, that same patience shows up in how I test formulas, tweak ingredients, and refuse to settle for “good enough.” Our products work because I kept going until they did.

2. Listen First, Speak with Heart.

In the classroom, I learned how to really listen to voices big and small, confident and unsure and respond with love. At Purple & Gold, that’s how we create: by listening to our community’s needs and speaking with intention, clarity, and warmth.

3. Every Detail Matters.

Whether it’s the scent of our soaps or the texture of our butter, every element is crafted with the same precision I brought to planning, display. (And yes, the labels are straight. At least I try to make them straight most of the time).

4. Lead with Love.

I led my pupils with kindness and belief in their potential. That hasn’t changed. Now I lead a brand with that same love for wellness, for healing, and for the women (and men) walking this path with me.

Why Purple & Gold?

It all began with sea moss (well it began way before that) specifically purple and gold sea moss, glistening like treasure from the Caribbean sea. That colour combo? It stayed with me.

Purple : Power, transformation, intuition
Gold : Purity, warmth, divine prosperity

Together, they reflect the brand’s heartbeat: natural, wellbeing, clean, zen and royally rooted (luxury).

The Legacy I'm Building

Purple & Gold isn’t just a brand, it’s a legacy. One that blends education, nature, culture, and empowerment. I want every customer to feel like they’re stepping into something ancient but current, powerful and sacred. The truth is, you don’t need to add anything to be magical.
You just need to remove the toxins, the noise, and the doubt and I’ll be right here, with a jar/packet of sea moss and a whole lot of love, cheering you on.

Here's to the zen life

Alicia x

What is Sea Moss and its Benefits

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Sat, 17 May 2025 18:26:35 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

I want to tell you a story.

A few years ago, I caught myself in the mirror and if I’m being totally honest, I didn’t recognise who was looking back. Not because anything was wrong. Not because I was broken. But because I was tired. Drained. My skin looked as exhausted as I felt. And it hit me: I’d been pouring from an empty cup again.

There’s a kind of glow we all have when we’re well. Not from highlighter or filters or even 10-step routines. I’m talking about that soft, dewy, rested, loved-on skin. The kind that whispers “I’m being taken care of,'' and that’s where sea moss walked into my life like an old friend I didn’t know I needed.

So, what is sea moss?

Sea moss, or Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows on the Atlantic coastlines. For centuries, people in the Caribbean and Ireland have turned to it for nourishment, not just as food, but for healing, skin care, and soul care. It contains 92 of the 102 minerals our bodies need to thrive. Zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, iodine to name a few. It’s like a natural multivitamin for your skin and your spirit.

The skin benefits of sea moss

Sea moss calms stressed out skin. As it is rich in sulphur, which naturally fights bacteria and inflammation. It gently balances oil, reduces acne, and soothes redness. It’s like a warm, calming hug for overworked skin.

It hydrates deeply and beautifully
Its gel-like texture delivers hydration that sinks in and stays. Sea moss helps your skin retain moisture and feel soft, supple, and nourished.

It supports collagen and skin repair
Sea moss encourages collagen production, helps even tone, and restores elasticity. You’re not just looking fresh, you’re supporting your skin’s natural renewal process.

It works for nearly every skin type
Normal? Sensitive? Dry? Hormonal? Oily? Menopausal? Sea moss is gentle enough to care for all of it. It works with your body, not against it. How amazing!

If your skin feels tired, or your reflection feels unfamiliar, you’re not alone.

Sea moss won’t fix everything, but it will support you. It will remind your skin how to breathe, how to glow, how to soften. And maybe most importantly, it will remind you to care.

You don’t need fixing. You need nourishing.

With love and mossy magic,
Alicia x

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

Wed, 22 May 2024 17:37:19 GMT

If you’ve heard the buzz around sea moss, you’re not alone. This marine treasure has been around for centuries but has recently been rediscovered as a go-to skincare ingredient. So, what makes sea moss so special, and why is it earning a spot in skincare routines? Let’s dive into what it does and why your skin will thank you for using it.

A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse

One of the biggest reasons people are turning to sea moss in skincare is its impressive nutrient profile. Sea moss, often called “nature’s collagen,” is packed with vitamins and minerals that your skin craves. It’s loaded with Vitamin A, C, E, and K, along with sulphur, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients play a huge role in supporting skin health by promoting cellular repair, evening skin tone, and providing natural hydration. It’s like feeding your skin a smoothie packed with all the good stuff!

Hydration Hero for All Skin Types

If your skin has ever felt tight, dry, or just lacklustre, sea moss could be your answer. The natural polysaccharides in sea moss (think of them like nature’s sugars) are known for their hydrating abilities. They form a thin layer on the skin, which helps retain moisture without feeling greasy. This makes sea moss a great choice for dry skin that needs a moisture boost as well as oily skin that still requires hydration without clogging pores.

Say Goodbye to Inflammation and Acne

Sea moss is surprisingly gentle yet effective in reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin. Its high sulphur content is particularly helpful for those with acne-prone skin. Sulphur acts as an antibacterial agent that can help balance oil production and reduce the chances of breakouts. Meanwhile, the antioxidants in sea moss can help calm redness and irritation. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn acne, eczema, or just want to reduce redness, sea moss can provide relief and help your skin feel balanced.

Boosts Natural Collagen Production (My personal favourite)

Collagen is a crucial protein that keeps our skin firm, plump, and youthful. But as we age, collagen production naturally slows down, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Sea moss, rich in vitamins A and C, helps stimulate collagen production, making it a natural alternative to synthetic collagen boosters. Regular use can help improve skin elasticity, reduce signs of aging, and give you that sought-after “glow.”

Natural Exfoliation for a Smoother Complexion

Because of its texture and nutrient content, sea moss can also work as a gentle exfoliant. Unlike harsh scrubs, which can damage the skin’s surface, sea moss exfoliates naturally and supports cell turnover without causing irritation. The result? Softer, smoother skin without the redness or micro-tears that harsher exfoliants sometimes cause. Now who wouldn't want that?

Environmental Protection Against Pollutants

We live in a world full of environmental stressors—pollution, UV rays, and other toxins that take a toll on our skin. Sea moss contains antioxidants that help form a protective barrier on your skin, guarding against free radicals and oxidative stress. This can help prevent premature aging and reduce the daily wear and tear on your skin from the environment.

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 22 May 2024 17:37:19 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

WCAdmin@marketamerica.com (Market America WebCenters) — Wed, 22 May 2024 17:37:19 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.