Homemade Soap

mememememe

I use sainsburys basics soap: http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/shopping/details/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1262740167534&NEW_NAVIGATOR%3C%3Elevel_0_id=0&NEW_NAVIGATOR%3C%3Elevel_1_id=1&NEW_NAVIGATOR%3C%3Elevel_2_id=2534374310898621&NEW_NAVIGATOR%3C%3Elevel_3_id=2534374310898623&NEW_NAVIGATOR%3C%3Elevel_4_id=2534374310899359&NEW_NAVIGATOR%3C%3Elevel_5_id=1689949389898056&GENERIC_EVENT%3C%3Egeneric_text_1=RESULT_SEARCH_CLICK&GENERIC_EVENT%3C%3Egeneric_text_2=basics+soap&GENERIC_EVENT%3C%3Egeneric_number_2=845524459766088&GENERIC_EVENT%3C%3Egeneric_text_3=basics+soap&bmForm=log_generic_event which is 3 bars for 13p - pretty good value I think!

Bronnie

Now I know why my skin is so much better for not using soap on my face!!

Gigervamp

charliee wrote: »

this site looks quite informative here

Yep, she pretty much covers it. One thing I would differ on, it's not necessary to use a thermometer, in fact, I've never used one, although I did buy one at the beginning of my soapmaking days.

The way I do it, is put the oils in the pan, then add the lye mixture as soon as it's dissolved. The heat from the lye will melt the oils usually. I occasionally partly melt the oils if I'm using a really hard oil like cocoa butter, but for other oils it's not necessary.

Handmade soap is so much nicer than shop bought soap, a lot of which aren't even soap but detergents. A good handmade soap won't leave your skin dry and can even leave your skin slightly moisturised. It all depends on the oils used.

You can't compare costs of handmade soap to cheap value soap because they are different beasts, but you can make a nice batch of soap pretty cheaply and a one kilo batch will last for ages.

The problem is, if like me, you really get the soapmaking bug, you'll find yourself wanting to buy luscious oils such as babassu, and expensive essential oils, so it can get expensive! :rotfl:

Oh, the other thing is, if you find that you enjoy doing it so much that you want to start selling your soaps, you need to be aware of the EU Cosmetics Directive. In order to sell your soaps, you'll need to get each recipe safety assessed by a cosmetic chemist.

Happy soaping.

nikki2804

Okay, I'm a little scared about using caustic soda (and having it in the house) so would I be able to use the clear soap base from the justasoap website and add shea butter, goats milk, oatmeal and jojoba oil? Would this work?

TIA

Gigervamp

You can only add about 5% of additives like shea butter and jojoba, otherwise it tends to hinder the lathering.
If you're planning on adding goatsmilk, I'd use powder rather than liquid.
Adding oats will be fine, but don't add too much or you'll end up with soapy porridge!

chalky_75

Wow. Thanks for all that info I would really like to have a try at this

craftdaft

We've been chatting about this quite a bit in the Christmas forum (Crafting for Christmas 2010 thread). You will prob need to read the last 10-15 pages but there are various suggestions and recipes (for soap, body butter, bath fizzers, etc).

Penelope_Penguin

As this has fallen from the front pagfe of OS, I'll add it to the existing thread to give you more hints

Penny. x

EagerLearner

Thanks for bumping this PP - I made a batch of soap a while back and it actually worked so I was very pleased.
However, I wouldn't use goats milk again, as others have suggested, powdered goats milk is probably better.
At Christmas I bought a homemade soap for a friend and then gave in and got one for me too. Not impressed with my one as I speficically asked if it would make my skin 'squeaky' as I have dry skin.
Sure enough, it does, what a waste of £2.50...
So once I have gotten though my first so-so batch, I'd like to make a proper one that is more moisturising.
I'd then like GinverVamp to adopt me and come stay in Brighton for a masterclass so she can teach me all she knows...

Gigervamp

EagerLearner wrote: »

I'd then like GinverVamp to adopt me and come stay in Brighton for a masterclass so she can teach me all she knows...

Haha, I'm tempted to take you up on that! It's been years since I went to Brighton. Used to pop down there several times a year when I lived in London. One of the few things I miss since moving out of London is getting on the train and going to Brighton for the day. It'd take me half the day just to get down there now.