moosey Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I have a clear M&P base that, in my opinion, is too hard. I do have a base I like, several actually, but this was sent to me in error & the supplier did not ask me to return it , so while it is a bonus, I don't want to just toss it! I can't afford to spend much on doctoring it up either, so hopefully the fix may be something I already have or can get at a grocery store.Can anyone suggest which oil or additive might help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 May I ask where you got the base from? And why do you think its too hard? Most are looking to harden their base to make longer lasting soap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitn Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 you could add a little more than the recommended amount of another oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosey Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 I was well aware as I posted that most are seeking a harder bar! That's why I hesitated to make this my first post as I have been doing MP since late '06 and have tried multiple bases, additives, etc., but after lurking for months & months, I decided to register. Then I ask a question that sounds like I've never done this before... The base in question is NG's clear, no longer available as they've gone to natural bases, if I'm not mistaken. I have used their French Milled & the Honey and both were okay, but this one just isn't tripping my trigger. I've tried a few different fo's in it, too, as in my experience even the scent can affect the outcome, but the bars seem too hard. It doesn't seem to lather much, either, which had not been the case when I tried a couple of other NG bases, but I know of a few things to try for that. I could use up the base by adding a small amount to other bases, I guess, but thought maybe someone had tried this at some point in their base testing and/or experiments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarsBars Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 You can add glycerin to make it softer and pilable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Don't know if you want to keep it clear. Personally, I would add honey to it. I love honey soap made with clear glycerine base. It will help soften it but will give your soap a subtle honey color. If you want to go with it add a touch of gold dye to make it a golden honey color. If you don't have gold use a bit of brown, yellow, and orange. I guarantee you will love the honey soap. I would also throw in some castor oil and glycerine at about a tsp pp of each. For the honey I'd go with 1 tbs pp. It will still be clear but golden honey colored with the honey and dye.If you are trying to keep it clear your choices are limited to clear oils and additives like glycerine, castor oil, olive oil, tocopheral, etc. You will still have a clear enough base to see embeds in it.Another thing you could try is adding a bit of a softer base to it. If you use part clear and part opaque you can get an awesome pearlized effect by blending the two together. I think the formula for that is 2 parts clear and 1 part opaque. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosey Posted January 11, 2012 Author Share Posted January 11, 2012 Thanks for the info! I do have plans to try a couple of the recipes you have shared, Candybee, but wanted to salvage this base, too. And I have everything on hand that was suggested as fixes (except tocopheral). I thought I'd read that olive oil added to MP made the bars harder, though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 But it also adds moisturizing. I think if your base is so hard already adding OO will actually only improve it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosey Posted January 11, 2012 Author Share Posted January 11, 2012 Thanks, again! I can see several experiments in my future - without even having to buy more "stuff"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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