So, one of my goals is to live more frugally this year. I am happy to say that I have done well in January. I cleaned out clutter, have not bothered buying anything and focused on doing some of the new things I wanted to learn. This week it was cold-processed soap. Making your own soap is less expensive than buying commercially made soap and you know exactly what is in it. I took a class, which I think is the best way to go because you get advice and learn basic techniques that you can expand on later as you get more into soap-making. I can see how this might become rather addictive. Homemade soap makes wonderful, personal gifts for any occasion.
Something I am becoming more aware of is the chemicals in cosmetics and products we use on our body. Some of these are cancer-causing. I have learned how to make my own cream and lotion and so it makes sense to learn how to make soap. My particular recipe has palm oil, olive oil, shea butter and one batch has goat's milk in it the other does not. I love the fact that I know every ingredient that is in there. In order to make soap, you need to use lye. Lye is what causes saponification to take place. All soap, homemade and commercial, has lye in it. Lye is not hard to work with at all - you just need to respect it. Wear gloves and safety eye wear and work in a well ventilated room. My soap is scented with lavender for the one batch and peppermint/rosemary for the other batch. I also added some calendula flowers to give the soap soothing properties.
Peeps, this was SO much fun!
6 comments:
It looks beautiful Raina -- how fun! I've always wanted to make soap -- just have never taken the time. Thanks for your rousing endorsement!
Oh, wow, Raina... your soaps look good enough to eat, they're so pretty! And being full of good things only, they probably are almost good enough to eat. I often think if something is good enough to eat, then it's good enough for the body/skin. I've not done a soap course before, but would love to try. A friend of mine used to make all-natural soaps, they were lovely. 10 years ago I had massive skin problems all which turned out to be related to the heavily perfumed and chemical-laden commercial products I was using at the time. It took many months to weed out the problem and find things which did work. Happily now, many years passed, I've never had problems again, and am conscious to buy all-natural and eco-friendly only. The skin and the planet thanks us. ;o) Can't wait to see more on your frugal living this year. I could use more tips on that! Happy Days, my friend ((HUGS))
Good enough to eat is exactly what I was thinking.
I'm truly impressed . . . and it looks beautiful!
I've never tried soap-making, but agree with everything you say. And your soap looks fabulous! x
I'm intrigued as I love goat's milk soaps but can't afford to buy it in my circumastances. Do you think in the long run the entire process of making your own is cost effective as well as good for you?
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