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If you are using the same amount of palm each time you make soap, the easiest method might be to melt and stir once, then divide it into individual recipe-sized-portions. This way you have the hassle once, not every time you make soap. *** idea courtesy of Scientific Soap Making book

As a newbie, it is too early for me to have a 'go-to' recipe. However, my starter recipe (which got favorable comments from 100% independent sources --- friends and family) is: Coconut - 180 grams Avocado - 150 grams Palm - 135 grams Shea - 135 grams Sunflower - 100 grams Castor - 50 grams...

I am currently using silicone individual moulds but have recently purchased log moulds. I purchased two identical moulds, for side-by-side testing. That way I can make two identical batches at the same time and just vary one ingredient (e.g. higher super-fat, different EO, etc.) and then do...

DeeAnna, I have read of the shelf life of the various oils, but this is the first time I have had it explained in terms of the fatty acids. Is this the main determinant of shelf life or are there other important factors? Could you please tell me where I would find information on the shelf...

JADE-15, Thank you for the link!!!!!! Agreed that the blog is mainly from the lotions perspective. However, tons of useful base information, some of which I can use and some of which is just fun to know. I also like very much the way she presents pros and cons in a balanced and honest way...

I have looked at various sites which posted on the benefits of oils. However, I disagree with much of what is written. In fact, I consider much of it to be misleading marketing hype. In particular, I disagree with descriptions which talk about the benefits of vitamins. Sure, many oils contain...

Thank you Meganmischke and Crombie, Thank you for clarifying this. Amazing that such a small amount can make such a difference. When I get time, I will try doing some side-by-side blind tests with different amounts.

Could you give the amount of silk by weight (e.g. grams) for a given amount of soap? I am guessing that the amount of silk one uses varies depending on oil types or something else. What should one take into account when deciding on the amount of silk? How much does the type of silk...

Opportunity to be better LunaSkye, For me, it is not so much a problem as an opportunity. I can make good soap, using the basic information. However, I think there is an opportunity to make better soap if there was more information along the lines of my original post. As a side note, I...

I am trying to get a deeper understanding of oils and their properties. Most of the internet explains oil properties as follows: - There are 8 different fatty acids (Lauric, Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic, Ricinoleic, Oleic, Linoleic, Linolenic). - Each of these fatty acids has certain...

I have come across many books on CP soap making, but have not yet been able to find a good reference for soap recipe design. I know that SOAPCALC (.com) will calculate the basics (water, lye, hardness, cleansing, conditioning, bubbly, creamy) but there is a lot of other potential issues which...

Many people say that using milk gives a nicer soap than using water. However, aside from speculation, I haven't seen any explanation. I sometimes wonder if it is largely due to a higher fat content in the soap. For example, suppose one has a water-based recipe with 5% super-fating, then modifies...