Morganst

Hello, I've always used Sodium Hydroxide for soaping but was wondering if there's a difference between that and Potassium Hydroxide? Is there a difference in the finished product, one easier to work with over the other? etc etc. Would love to get your opinions. Thanks

Very very lovely. Giver yourself a pat on the back. My 2nd batch didn't look anywhere as good as this. Great Job!! S

I would try www.nashvillewraps.com or www.papermart.com Good Luck S

Can I have one too? Any size will do

Hi, I'm 98% sure it's the shea butter that has granulated. When using shea butter you have to cool it down quickly to avoid the "beading". I usually stick products in the fridge or freezer immediately after pouring and this works for me. Good Luck! S

Tahitian Vanilla - (Like a whole bunch) Gardenia - (LOVE) Pink Sugar - (Like a bunch) Pumpkin Spice (LOVE times 10)

I've been wordering the same thing myself. Here in CT we even have a store where they sell hundreds of different fragrances for you to scent your own lotions and bath salts. I personally don't like the way they smell. Maybe it's the stuff they use to dilute or "cut" the oils to make them safe for direct contact with the skin? Not sure though.

Their fragrances are better now than they used to be but they wouldn't be my first choice.

FINALLY, I think I may have a helpful tip to share. I have managed to achieve a pretty true yellow color with my CP soaps. I stick a lemon zinger tea bag in the lye solution for a little while until the water turns yellow. Don't leave it in too long though otherwise the water will eventually turn brown.

Another option is to go to www.essentialwholesale.com they have a simple chart that you can print and keep.

Thanks for the info. I headed to Trader Joes in search of Olive Oil. I'll be in my kitchen this entire weekend experimenting. Thanks again all

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I will definately try that this weekend (if I can find some Pomace OO). I'll let you know how it turns out.

Oh DUH - sorry. I don't have any of my recipes with me here at work but I do remember the last time I made a 2lb batch, I added 2oz of shea butter after trace. Thanks

Hello All, sorry for the long message but I thought I should introduce myself formally to the group. Here goes... I just joined and am so glad that I did. I've learned so much just reading the threads these past couple of days. You are a very talented group. Now for my question - I have been meddling with soap-making for a few years now and have tried many different recipes. The one thing that eludes me is, how can I get my soaps to be more moisturizing than they are without totally eliminating coconut oil? Should I superfat more? I have dry skin in the winter and I am trying to create a soap that I can use without having to use lotion afterwards. Is this possible? Any advice will be much appreciated.