Extra Extra Purissima

THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF 1899

The production process used to make Cella Shaving Cream Soap is an artisanal procedure that still complies with the original manufacturing process dating back to 1899. The inimitable Cream is the embodiment of ultimate quality, thanks to its carefully selected raw materials, the hot mixing phase in a steam boiler, the saponification process, performed with ultra-pure lyes in precise quantities, and the slow maturing phase in a temperature-controlled environment.
This is the secret behind an artisanal production process which, for over 100 years, has respected a philosophy of excellence defined by Master Soap Makers as EXTRA EXTRA PURISSIMA.

After years of training, the Master Soap Maker acquires the ability and sensitivity required to correctly assess the progress of the production process within the boiler. He or she observes the soap and the designs formed on the surface during the mixing phase and uses his/her long experience to suggest the appropriate adjustments required to make the product perfect. One of the essential steps carried out by the Master Soap Maker is the “soap test”, designed to assess its quality and alkalinity. At the end of each production run, the cream must meet his/her high standards in order to be labelled as Extra Extra Purissima!

Discover the main phases of the original production process

Fusion

Vegetable oils and fats are placed in a boiler and brought to fusion point. They are then shaken, and the lyes or alkaline solutions are slowly added in accurately calculated proportions, sparking the saponification process. Alkaline solution is a solution of several alkaline substances such as potassium, soda and others.

Mixing

The triglycerides, treated as a strong base with the lye, lead to the division of the carbonyl connections and produce glycerol and fatty acids. At this point, the saponification process commences.

Saponification

The heat is maintained for the time required to complete the saponification process. The paste thickens, and at this point the heat is turned off, the mixture is shaken and the additives are added.

Maturing

At the end of the saponification process, the cream obtained is transferred into special containers called “marne” for the time required to eliminate the excess moisture and take on its characteristic mother-of-pearl appearance, in a temperature-controlled environment. During the maturing phase, important phenomena occur within the soap, modifying its structure and making it less aggressive.