I recently found this soap recipe on a blog and was wondering what you expert soap makers thought.
Soap
4 c. water 48 oz. vegetable shortening 32 oz. coconut oil 16 oz. olive oil 12 oz. lye
2-3 oz. essential oil added at the very last just before pouring into molds. Can add spices or oats at this point too.
Mix thoroughly in order until soap begins to "trace" ~ pour into greased molds. Let sit for 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Cut into bars. Let harden and remove from container. Let bars harden and dry by curing for two weeks. Made about 45 bars.
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~Does the amount of essential oil sound right to you? ~When using fragrance oil (vs.essential oil) does the amount used differ?
I would appreciate any input. I would love to make my own soap
Sounds alot like my favorite recipe. Yes the essential oil ammount sounds right...it really does depend on the scent though. Some are much stronger than others. If I use fragrance oil I usually use a little more..only since they are usually not as long lasting.
The good thing about that recipe is you can get everything you need locally and you dont have to order a lot. Its a good one to start out with. I would recommend adding a little salt to the traced soap though for hardness. The coconut oil will help harden your bar too but in my experience (certainly not exhaustive of course) shortening soaps tend to be softer than I like. I love bergamot too. As time goes by you will become addicted to soaping and then you will make soap all the time and it will overrun your house. :)
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Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E... http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/
Sharon - out of curiosity I ran this through my Soapmaker software. It called for 4.15 cups or 34.62 ounces of water and 13.97 ounces of lye at 6% superfat. Always be sure and weigh everything including the water and lye. The only thing I would question is the amount of coconut oil because it can be drying to the skin. I might up the olive oil and lower the coconut oil if you like a more moisturizing bar. I love shortening soap - it makes a nice hard bar with lots of lather.
Essential oils can be added at .50 oz per lb of base oils. You have 6 lbs of oils in this recipe so 2 to 3 oz would be perfect depending on what you are using.
Soap Making Question
Posted - Oct 23 2009 : 7:56:39 PM
