Bootleg Soapmaking

OK I did it! After running around to 4 different stores today looking for a digital scale, I finally came home, ordered a scale online and went ahead and made my first batch of soap. I'm calling this bootleg soapmaking because not only did I not have a scale to properly measure ingredients, I also don't have a real soap mold so I'm using a mini loaf pan and a little ceramic prep bowl from IKEA. But I was desperate to make some - any! - soap so I just went for it.

I'm starting out with a soap making process called melt and pour. It seemed like the best option for a beginner like myself with the limited space I have to devote to this new project in my apartment. Unlike Cold Process or Hot Process soapmaking, which involves the use of lye and- in the case of cold process- weeks of curing time, Melt and Pour doesn't require me to use any lye and the final result is ready as soon as the soap cools.  Here's additional info on the various types of soapmaking if you're interested in further reading. Melt and Pour used to have a bad reputation due to the prevalence of cheap, harsh, low quality soap bases that dry out and irritate your skin. But in recent years the quality of the bases has gone up and now there are many successful shops on Etsy and brick and mortar stores (LUSH) that use this method. Based on the ingredients list I think I've chosen a really good base but I can't elaborate on that until I try it out myself.

So I just whipped up my first batch of soap using a pound of soap base and some sweet almond oil, vitamin E in coconut oil, spirulina for green coloring, and one of the fragrance oils I purchased. Then I got a little crazy and sprinkled some green tea powder (matcha) on top. It smells great and I think the matcha is a nice touch but I'm now waiting for it to cool so I can pop it out of the mold, cut a bar and try it out. Check back tomorrow for pics of the finished bar and my review.

Comments

[Brittany Noel]

This looks like so much fun! I'll bet the matcha smells soooo good.

[talia]

Good for you! I'm so excited! Can't wait for your report!!

[maria]

The matcha sounds yum...Im volunteering to be a human lab rat.

[hammocks]

oh my goodness! I've had a soap making book for years and always wanted to add it to my product line. You go and make it look so easy after I already decided to shelve it for now!! I can't wait to see more and I just used my lush this morning...love them! sorry...scents and soaps make me so excited :)

[gaia]

I can't wait to see these!! I totally know that feeling-- I have to do this right now and I'll just make it work! Good for you:)

[Marichelle]

hey there! I actually just got started myself (over the holidays I decided to make soap for my friends and family and now I'm totally hooked!) I just recently unpacked my 2nd order of soap base and FOs. It's so nice to see someone else in the same boat! Your 2nd batch looks awesome!