Okay...I know this discussion can get heated...I've seen it happen before but...the way I see it is it's like making a cake...you can either make it from scratch or buy it pre-mixed in a box. Yes, you are adding a few extra things (eggs/oil/water) but, you really still don't have control over the ingredients within the mix itself. For me, I would rather make it from scratch...so I know what is going into it but...there are times, on occasion, I use the boxed mix...'cause...well, it is easier and faster, but 90% of the time, I would rather make it from scratch. Now I'm not knocking (not my intention what-so-ever) melt/pour soapers..because first, that is how I got started and when I use to soap, I loved being creative with it but I wasn't as creative as some of these gals (or guys) that make melt/pour soap and they sure can make a pretty bar of soap. I also found that making melt/pour soap got quite expensive...I know CP soap can too...but it's was much less expensive, for me, to just go with CP. Anyway, don't mean to step on any melt/pour soaper toes. That's just my two cents.