Palm Oil Alternatives in Cold Process Soap

According to The Soap Queen, Palm adds an unique feeling to cold process soap.  It helps hardens the bar of soap and it creates lather when paired with coconut oil.  While Brambleberry's palm oil is from a vendor that supports sustainable products, some chose not to use it.  If you want learn more about paom oil production, please read a recent post from The Soap Queen called Palm Oil Alternatives in Cold Process Soap.

Funnel Pour Soap Design with Mad Oils Mica

Have you ever heard of the technique called Funnel Pour Design?  This technique for the cold process method is a very easy method that looks great poured into a loaf mold, but it looks even better when it is poured into a round column mold or PVC pipe.  Interested in learning about this technique?  Then check out this posting from Lovin' Soap called Funnel Pour Soap Design with Mad Oils Mica.

Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils

There are so many options when it comes to scenting your soap that it is so hard to decide. In a recent post from The Soap Queen called Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils, you will learn about the difference between essential oils and fragrances to help you choose the best option for your project.

Hot Process and Rebatch Soap Inspiration

Do you like to make your soap by the Hot Process or Rebatch Soap Methods?  Are you running out of ideas?  In a recent posting from The Soap Queen called Hot Process and Rebatch Soap Inspiration gives you plenty of ideas that you can create and the bars will be ready to use in just a few days.  There are several ways to make hot process soap and in this post, The Soap Queen talks about how to use the oven or the slow cooker.  You can also learn how to use the hot process method to save separated soap.

White Chocolate & Lavender Cold Process Soap Recipe

I have to admit, I never thought of combining chocolate and lavender as a fragrance in a soap.  In this cold process soap recipe called White Chocolate & Lavender from Wholesale Supplies Plus combines cocoa butter, shea butter, brown sugar fragrance oil,  and lavender essential oil to make this soap unique aromatic soap.

Carrot Powder Face Wash

Looking for a different face wash?  I found a recipe from Wholesale Supplies Plus called Carrot Powder Face Wash.  This is recipe very gentle scrub that contains honeyquat which is thought to be an excellent cleansing agent.  Carrott powder contains minerals and nutrient for your skin while the apricot seeds just add the right amount of exfoliant to gently wash away dead skin cells.

Jagua Blue Extract Bath Bomb DIY

I saw this recipe for Jagua Blue Extract Bath Bombs from The Soap Queen and I found the blue color quite interesting.  The bath bombs are colored with a jagua blue extract.  According to The Soap Queen, the extract is a powder produced from Genipa American Trees. The plant-derived extract gives the recipe a beautiful light blue color.

Bed of Roses Loaf MP Soap Recipe

Do you love roses or did your grandma have roses in her garden?  Here is a melt and pour recipe from Wholesale Supplies Plus called Bed of Roses Loaf Soap Recipe.  This a moderate level project that takes an hour to make. When sliced, you should get eight bars of soap.

Are Your Color Additives Legal?

According to Marie Gale, certain color additives are subject to certification by the FDA before they can be used.  Using one of those colors that is NOT certified causes your product to become "adulterated" (and therefore illegal to sell). So you are wondering if your color additive is legal?  I would highly recommend reading Marie Gale's post titled Are Your Color Additives Legal?  It is very informative.

Whipped Pearl Body Butter DIY

Love using body butters? Here is a beginner level recipe from the Soap Queen called Whipped Pearl Body Butter which is smooth, creamy and inspired by the ocean.  Since this an oil based recipe that does not contain water, a preservative does not need to add a preservative.

All About Exfoliants

When you have a recipe and you want to step it up by adding an exfoliant but you do not what to do?  A recent posting from The Soap Queen titled All About Exfoliants.    According to the Soap Queen, exfloliation is key to maintaining smooth skin. It removes oil and dead skin, which allows moisturizers to absorb more easily.  The exfoliant you choose will depend on your recipe.  For more information, read the posting to learn more about it.

Seascape Melt & Pour Soap Tutorial

If you are a melt and pour soap maker, you may want to check out this project from The Soap Queen called Seascape Melt and Pour Soap.
According to The Soap Queen, the key to this project is a good understanding of how melt and pour soap behaves at different temperatures. The hotter it is, the thinner it is. As it cools, it becomes thicker and more viscous. When swirling soap around 135 degrees F, the colors are more likely to completely blend and the swirl becomes more muddled. If the soap is too cool, you end up with large clumps and layers of soap.