Handmade organic soap can be made by almost anybody. The equipment you will require for this exercise is readily available in most kitchens. Commercial production of large quantities, of course, requires larger, more specialised equipment. The following will be needed: a boiling pot, moulding trays, mixing trays, cooking gloves, wax paper, a thermometer, lye, distilled water and a wooden spoon.
There are several methods that can be used for preparation of this product. One of these methods is called the melt and pour technique. In this option, you will require raw soap base. This base is readily available from stores. It is typically made of glycerine, castile or goat milk. This base has to be melted into a liquid before addition of the other ingredients that may include vitamins, essential oils and minerals.
Another method that is quite popular is the rebatch method. In this method, one buys premade bars of soap that they prefer. They grind them into fine powder before mixing with milk, minerals and other ingredients. The mixture is blended together. Cold processing requires that one creates their own base using water, oils and lye. In hot processing, all the chosen ingredients are heated in the same pot.
There is a long list of ingredients that one may choose from. There are really no hard and fast rules. Just like it is with cooking, one can get as creative as they wish. The internet has some of the most interesting recipes that you may want to check out. The most important thing to remember is that fresh ingredients yield the best results.
There are many different kinds of ingredients being used by different people. One of the commonest ingredients is the essential oils. It is believed that these oils have scents as well as healing properties. Apricot kernel oil is a common choice. This oil has several minerals and vitamins that make it soothing to inflamed, sensitive skins. Castor oil helps draw impurities from the skin and purify it. It produces rich, fluffy lather. Others include macadamia oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, virgin coconut oil and rice bran oil.
Other natural ingredients are often added for their various properties. Peach, green tea, vanilla, apple, willow and cinnamon all have a unique fragrance and may be incorporated. Oatmeal has great exfoliant properties and is frequently added. Cocoa butter and aloe may be included due to their moisturising effect. There are a number of ingredients that are added merely for their colour.
After the mixture has been prepared and has had all the additives included, it is poured into the mould trays. Mould trays of different sizes and shapes can be obtained easily form local stores. They are made of either silicon or plastic. The main advantage of the former over the latter is that it allows for creation of very fine details on the final product. The mixture is cooled in a refrigerator for at least twelve hours and can then be used.
There have been concerns raised over the use of the term organic to refer to some types of soap. People opposed to this idea say that the term is misleading. According to them all soap including the so called handmade organic soap is made through a reaction that involves sodium bicarbonate. The products of this reaction are a salt, an alcohol and water. These they say may be harmful to the body in the long run.
There are several methods that can be used for preparation of this product. One of these methods is called the melt and pour technique. In this option, you will require raw soap base. This base is readily available from stores. It is typically made of glycerine, castile or goat milk. This base has to be melted into a liquid before addition of the other ingredients that may include vitamins, essential oils and minerals.
Another method that is quite popular is the rebatch method. In this method, one buys premade bars of soap that they prefer. They grind them into fine powder before mixing with milk, minerals and other ingredients. The mixture is blended together. Cold processing requires that one creates their own base using water, oils and lye. In hot processing, all the chosen ingredients are heated in the same pot.
There is a long list of ingredients that one may choose from. There are really no hard and fast rules. Just like it is with cooking, one can get as creative as they wish. The internet has some of the most interesting recipes that you may want to check out. The most important thing to remember is that fresh ingredients yield the best results.
There are many different kinds of ingredients being used by different people. One of the commonest ingredients is the essential oils. It is believed that these oils have scents as well as healing properties. Apricot kernel oil is a common choice. This oil has several minerals and vitamins that make it soothing to inflamed, sensitive skins. Castor oil helps draw impurities from the skin and purify it. It produces rich, fluffy lather. Others include macadamia oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, virgin coconut oil and rice bran oil.
Other natural ingredients are often added for their various properties. Peach, green tea, vanilla, apple, willow and cinnamon all have a unique fragrance and may be incorporated. Oatmeal has great exfoliant properties and is frequently added. Cocoa butter and aloe may be included due to their moisturising effect. There are a number of ingredients that are added merely for their colour.
After the mixture has been prepared and has had all the additives included, it is poured into the mould trays. Mould trays of different sizes and shapes can be obtained easily form local stores. They are made of either silicon or plastic. The main advantage of the former over the latter is that it allows for creation of very fine details on the final product. The mixture is cooled in a refrigerator for at least twelve hours and can then be used.
There have been concerns raised over the use of the term organic to refer to some types of soap. People opposed to this idea say that the term is misleading. According to them all soap including the so called handmade organic soap is made through a reaction that involves sodium bicarbonate. The products of this reaction are a salt, an alcohol and water. These they say may be harmful to the body in the long run.