Soap Makers Help!

[TM Chickens]

Quote:
*Bows*
At your service, madam. (Or should that be sir?)

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I stink at computer stuff. I know...nothing should "stink" in this house full of soap
I can't figure out how to have a shipping option so my local customers can pay online without shipping being added. I'm using Paypal.

Today I made a Cranberry Citrus soap and added the zest of an orange, a lemon and a lime. Also did a better version of my Lavender Orange. Earlier this week (after work) I did Lake Effect, In The Woods, Rosemary Mint and Cinn. Chai. I finally feel like I'm catching up. I'm getting orders daily. It's nice

Cindy

www.rockytoggsoapco.com

 

[RockyToggRanch]

Just did a copy cat version of a scent sold at a soap shop locally. They call theirs "Windchill". With eucalyptus, spruce and spearmint EO's in a shade of gray-blue.

Not sure what I'll call it, but it smells amazing.

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

I do a eucalyptus and mint ... the addition of spruce sounds interesting!

 

[alabama49]

I just made my first small batch of soap after reading, listening, etc., all I could on making soap. So, I used 6 oz. olive oil, 4 oz. palm oil, 4 oz. coconut oil, 2 oz avacado oil & 2 oz almond oil with 4 plus oz of water & 2 plus oz of lye (can't remember the exact amts there since I don't have the receipe in front of me). Anyway I made this Sunday and it still seems a little soft on the bottom. Is that normal and did I use too many kinds of oil? I did run it through a calc. Will this soap have lots of lather? Thanks!

 

[RockyToggRanch]

FYI....rose essential oil is now over $300. an ounce...LOL. Rose scent will not be on my menu:/

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

Quote:
2.4 oz would be correct for this recipe.

No, you didn't use too many oils. A lot of times small batches do not go through a gel so it takes longer for the soap to complete saponification.

 

[alabama49]

Thanks MullersLane for that advice! Its like anything I do for the first time or so, I am a nervous nelly-especially the soap since it takes so many ingredients! But the soap had hardened more by last night so I think it will end up being ok. It also appears to be pretty fluffy when I cleaned out the pot I made it in there were lots of bubbles! So does it have to gel to be a good soap or not? I think I have read different opinions on this-ya or nay? Also is there a scent that stays longer in soap-some soaps I have gotten from people don't keep their fragrance very long but I have 1 that still smells nice after 6 months?
Thanks

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

To gel or not to gel can be a fighting point among soapers.

The way I think is since the chemical reaction between the base (lye) and acid (oils) is exothermic (creates heat), it is better to allow the chemical reaction to take place (gelling) and even help it along, then try to retard it.

There are times that you won't want to help gel along: if you are using 'hot' essential oils such as cloves or cinnamon, or if you are using honey or sugar water in your recipe. These will gel quite nicely without the addition of added insulation or heat.

For small batches like you made, you can put a heating pad under the mold and insulate well.

How well a fragrance will stick in a soap can depend on how much fragrance you used and the quality of the fragrance you bought. I generally use about .5 oz PPO (per pound oil). If you add a bit of collodial oatmeal (or oatmeal baby cereal - about 1 tsp ppo) it can help your fragrance to 'stick' better.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

Does anyone have experience with shaving soap? I want to do some pored directly into a shaving cup. My question is....what kind of cup is best to use? Stoneware, metal, china???