The Advantages of French Milled Soap
French milled or triple milled soap is made by shredding cold-processed soap, drying it and then running the shredded soap through a series of rollers. This extra step refines the soap and removes all traces of lye. French milled soap requires a milling machine which makes it difficult for a home soap maker to produce, but it does have some distinct advantages over handmade soap.
-
Longer Lasting Bar
-
In the milling process, the soap is shredded and then left to cure (or dry) for several days to several weeks. The soap flakes are flattened and run through rollers that compress them into a hard, compact bar. This process makes a harder soap than cold-processed glycerin soap. Harder soap lasts longer than soft soap because less soap is dissolved and washed away at each use.
Uses Less Essential Oil for Scent
-
During the curing process, any traces of lye in the soap dissipate. Lye bonds to oil, which is an essential component of the saponification process. This bonding is what gives soap its cleaning properties. The soap bonds to the oils on the skin, trapping dirt and grease. When you wash off the soap, the dirt and grease trapped by the soap rinse off as well.
There is always a small amount of lye left unsaponified in cold-processed glycerin soaps. These traces of lye are not harmful, but they do "eat" or bond with essential oils added to scent the finished soap. Curing the soap removes those traces of lye and allows the soap maker to use less essential oil to achieve a scented bar of soap.
-
More Complex Molding
-
Because French milled soap is broken down into flakes and compressed into bars or molds, it can take more complex shapes than a softer glycerin soap. French milled soaps are often molded into beautiful, realistic flowers and other figures.
Milder than Cold-Processed Soap
-
Cold-processed glycerin soap always has a trace amount of lye present. For most people, this does not cause problems, but for those with sensitive skin or skin allergies, French milled soaps are a milder option. Look for all-natural French milled soaps. Some manufacturers add synthetic additives to their French milled soaps to harden them.
Smoother, Richer Lather
-
The refined soap flakes in French milled soap produce a smoother, richer lather than cold-processed glycerin soap. This lather may not contribute to more effective cleansing, but it does give the soap a luxurious feel.
-
