The first fruit that I used in cold process soap was avocado. From that moment I knew that I wanted to experiment and make more soaps with fruits. Adding fruits to your soap adds color, nutrients, and increases lather. You can make your own puree or you can go to the supermarket and buy baby food that is a puree; making sure that there are no additives. I prefer to make my own knowing that … [Read more...]
My Soap Cracked
For forty-three hours I was filled with anticipation for the unmolding of my oatmeal soap. What a surprise I received when I saw that there was a crack in my soap. For water as a percentage of oils, I used 37% instead of 38%. I thought that that was the problem because I am experimenting with reducing the water in my soapmaking to cut down on the curing time. Because when you do a water … [Read more...]
Stearic Acid Spots In Soap
Since learning how to make soap, this is the first time that I have encountered white spots on my soap. Otherwise known as stearic acid spots. But as one continues to make soap, eventually you are going to run into soaping problems. It’s inevitable. This learning experience was the result of my intentions to reduce the time that it takes for the lye water solution to cool down, and to cut down … [Read more...]
Water Discounting Cold Process Soap
Today I want to talk about water discounting. As I continue to learn and do research, I believe that it is important to understand the chemistry of soapmaking so that I can become more knowledgeable of the craft and improve on my soapmaking abilities to become a better soap maker. You need water to dissolve sodium hydroxide/lye and it is that lye solution that is mixed with your oils and … [Read more...]
Soapmaking: Behind The Scenes
As I finished pouring the soap batter into the soap mold, I realized that I just completed a creative process. And it would be within 24 to 36 hours that I will see the result of that process. That creative process is the background of what you don’t see in the finished product. So, as I continue my journey as a diy soapmaker, I want to talk about my process and some of what goes on behind the … [Read more...]