simone

You shouldn't have any problem soaking in a tub with some milk in it. Skin is designed to keep things out, and there are actually very few things that can be absorbed in significant amounts (garlic is one of the few). Skin is the body's first line of defense against infection. You wouldn't want your skin to be able to absorb everything it came in contact with, or you would probably be dead. Have you ever seen the episode of Myth Busters where the guy soaks in a tub full of beer, and then takes a breathalizer test? He was very disappointed to discover his skin didn't absorb a bunch of alcohol. Simone

I started getting my emu oil here recently, and I've been very happy with both the pricing, and the great service. They're very quick with shipping. http://www.thesoapdish.com Simone

I pour my lotion bars in muffin tins, then package in little terra cotta saucers that I spray with a clear sealer (which keeps the saucer from absorbing oils from the bar). I shrink wrap the whole shebang, and use a round label on the top. Simone

I've searched and searched, and there are no other magazines for this trade! Can you believe it? This is the one and only, and like I said before, it's about time! This first issue is more bath and body related, but when I looked at the editorial calender they have on their website, it looks like the next 3 issues are going to have quite a bit more on the subject of candles. I'm in the same state as the magazine, so that's probably why I got mine so fast. I bet you'll be getting yours any day now. Simone

I just checked out that link you posted for The Soap Dish, and discovered that they've got their emu oil on sale for $21 a pound right now. That's the best price I've ever seen for it. I think I'm going to stock up. Thanks! Simone

I subscribed to it, and just got my first issue today. If you haven't subscribed, you should! I thorougly enjoyed it. The soap and candle world FINALLY has a magazine to be proud of. The pages are nice heavy glossy paper, and I found the articles informative. I also liked the bright, colorful photography. Jane, I'm also on the magazine's email newsletter, and to my understanding, they had a computer crash in the last couple of weeks that caused them to lose some records. You might want to contact them to see if they still have your subscription information. There is a phone number on the inside cover of my magazine 260-489-3633. Simone

Scrubs usually end up having water introduced into them because people stick their wet hands in the jar when they scoop it out. If you're selling the scrub, then you really should add a preservative. Since a scrub is oil based, you'll need to use an oil soluble preservative like Phenonip. Simone Edited to add....OOPS! I just reread that you're using lotion for the scrub. If it's your own lotion recipe, then yes, you absolutely need a preservative. If it's a base that you're buying, then it should already have the necessary preservative in it.

I make my own laundry soap with 100% tallow, and add sweet orange oil to it. I grate it up, and store it in a plastic container with a lid. I use about 1/2 cup per load of laundry. If you have a good water softener, then residue isn't a problem, and you don't have to use a rinsing agent like vingear. If your water is hard, then you will have to use a rinsing agent, since soap will bond with minerals in the water to form a residue (otherwise known as soap scum). Simone

For anyone interested, there is a new magazine that has just come out for chandlers and soapmakers. I took out a subscription, at http://www.createthedream.com. The first issue is supposed to be out in a couple of weeks, and I'm looking forward to finding it in my mailbox. Simone

Thanks maryann! Simone

I have an oily skin type, so I make my scrubs with lighter oils that penetrate quickly, and don't leave a heavy greasy film. I don't always use the same thing. It depends on my mood. Sometimes I only use one oil, and when I'm feeling adventerous, I'll use several. My favorites are macadamia, rice bran, grapeseed, and hazelnut. Simone

I've been thinking of getting some squalane. Where do some of you get yours? Simone

I just took out a subscription to a new soap and candle magazine a friend told me about. It has a website, and I was able subscribe online. My first issue is supposed to show up in the mail at the beginning of May. Here's the link if you're interested. http://www.createthedream.com Simone

I make a fisherman's bar that my hubby uses on fishing trips, but he always fishes in freshwater. I don't know if it would later in salt water, but I use a combination of 25% Olive, 25% Palm, 20% Coconut, 20% Shea Butter, and 10% Castor oil. I make it CPHP, and at a 6% lye discount. Simone

I think what Gene said about one being food grade, and the other not, is what the difference is. Personally, I've made soap with both kinds, and I haven't noticed any difference. Simone