Over the years, my journey into soap making has been one of constant evolution and experimentation. Initially, I relied on a simple blend of palm, coconut, and olive oil. However, as I became more mindful of both ethical and personal health considerations, I felt compelled to remind my formula. The guiding principle behind d my crafting is straightforward: I will not sell a product that I wouldn't feel comfortable using on myself, and my soaps are. direct reflection of that commitment. In my early days I learned this lesson the hard way; I had incorporated an excessive amount of coconut oil, oblivious to the impact it was having on my skin. While my husband and children experienced no adverse effects, my own skin rebelled, leaving it uncharacteristically parched after showers. Through research, I discovered that many people share this sensitivity, particularly when coconut oil exceeds 20% in a soap recipe. This realization prompted me to adjust my formulations accordingly, ultimately leading to more balanced and skin friendly products.
As I delved deeper into the craft, I found myself tinkering with different oils, meticulously considering their individual properties and how they would influence the final bar of soap. Questions about lather, quality, moisture retention, and bar hardness became central to my experimentation. Each adjustment revealed new facets of what might make the perfect soap, meticulously balancing functionality with the soap characteristics that could benefit various skin types. It was a rewarding yet challenging process but one that deepened my understanding of the materials I was using.
Another significant shift in my recipe arose form the growing awareness of the environmental implications tied to palm oil production. Disillusioned by the industry's "sustainable palm oil" claims, I made the decision to eliminate palm oil from my base recipe entirely. This presented a new conundrum: how to maintain that ideal blend of texture, lather, and durability without it. The journey was punctuated by the numerous trails and errors as I south the perfect formulation that delivered on both performance and ethical standards. yet, after endless experiments and a commitment to finding a balance that would suit a variety of skin types, I ultimately discovered a recipe that achieved all of my desires. This meticulously honed blend is one I'm proud to use and share, standing as a testament to the careful journey I've undertaken in my soap making endeavors.
My current recipe consists of the following butters and oils:
Almond Oil is said to soothe dry skin and improve skin tone. It's highly emollient which means it can prevent moisture and water loss. It's full of vitamin A and vitamin E which may help heal sun damage and reduce signs of aging, scars and wrinkles.
Babassu Oil is said to be packed full of antioxidants which can help moisturize skin and reduce cellular damage.
Coconut Oil is said to be a hydrating oil so it can prevent moisture loss and be very nourishing to dry skin. It also contains antibacterial properties and is helpful at removing dirt and makeup buildup.
Olive Oil or Rice Bran Oil OO is known for moisturizing the skin and helpful at improving skin tone and texture due to its antioxidant and polyphenol properties. It is also known for easily penetrating the skin to cleanse it by removing dead skin cells. RB is said to be deeply hydrating and helpful at protecting the skin from sun damage. It shares many of the same properties as OO.
Shea Butter is known for being very moisturizing. It easily penetrates the skin and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used after sun exposure or to help reduce acne or calm rashes. It is contains a high amount of Vitamin A & E.
Mango Butter is known for being anti-inflammatory and soothing. It contains vitamin A which is known to reduce signs of aging, wrinkles, and scars. This oil can be helpful at cleaning the skin and unclogging pores.
Cocoa Butter is said to be moisturizing, protective and prevent moisture loss. It is known for being high in antioxidants, protecting against sun damage and good for sensitive skin.
Avocado Oil can be helpful at neutralizing free radical damage and protecting skin cells. It contains a lot of Vitamin C which may prevent wrinkles. This oil is helpful for dry and sunburned skin. This oil moisturizing and helps soften skin.
Now the big question is, will your skin love my soap?
To truly answer the question, there's only one way to find out: give it a try! The transformational power of a good soap lies in its ability to cleanse without stripping away the skin's natural oils. With a luscious lather and a captivating aroma, each use becomes a pampering ritual rather than a mundane chore. As you embark on this journey of discovery, you'll have the opportunity to see how your skin responds - whether it becomes softer, clearer, or simply radiates a newfound glow.
So, why not take the leap of faith? Embrace the trial and let your skin tell the story. After all, the relationship between you and your skin is personal, and it deserves only the best. Find out if your skin will love the soap that I so passionately create. 😃
