Advice on First Batch Recipe

[Soapsense]

Hello, well I plan on making my first batch. I was hoping for advice on whether this sounds okay: I'm nervous.....

Coconut Oil, 76 30%
Lard 30%
Olive Oil 30%
Castor Oil 10%

Fragrance at .8

Superfat 7%

Numbers are:

Hardness 41
Cleansing 20
Conditioning 53
Bubbly 29
Creamy 30
Iodine 54
INS 160

 

[ThenCameJen]

I'm still wayyy too new at this to critique recipes, but I wanted to mention that I believe I've seen someone post a recipe almost exactly like that as one of their preferred recipes. What I CAN tell you is that I've been using a very similar recipe, and it's been good so far (as long as I put my impatience away!) Mine is 40% Lard, 28% CO, 27% Olive, 5% castor, with 5% superfat. I've made three batches with it now, and they have all allowed me plenty of time to slowly go through the process (including playing with swirls.)

I think I have read on here that 10% castor might make for a slightly softer soap, but others who have used it at that rate haven't had issues. Someone more experienced than I might be able to look at your recipe as a whole and take a guess!

Either way, good luck!

 

[AlchemyandAshes]

That's a nice recipe...I say go for it!
I don't use Lard (I would use Palm in this case) but I do use Castor anywhere from 5 to 10% and haven't had a problem with my bars being soft because I also use Coconut at 30% and Palm anywhere from 20-30%. That's a pretty good basic reliable recipe ;-)

 

[Soapsense]

Thanx for the replies, it was in a book I read as a good basic recipe. Kind of nervous about the first try.

 

[melstan775]

Good luck soapsense! I'm new too and want to brew my first batch soon, but I've discovered there isn't a place around for a hundred miles that carries lye. That means I have to order it. I hope you can get to yours faster then that because it's exciting! Post pics if you can, I for one would love to see how the first one goes.

 

[AlchemyandAshes]

Don't be nervous...just be prepared :wink:
You may already know this, and since you're wise enough to ask questions about your recipe before you jump in, I'm sure you do, but here's 3 important tips to help get you "prepared" and ready for your first batch:

1. Always use a lye calculator and digital scale. Use a superfat/lye discount of AT LEAST 3% if the soap will be for body use (not household/laundry).
2. Wear gloves, goggles, and mask in a well ventilated room
3. Add the lye to your water in a stainless steel/PP/HDPE container...NOT water in to lye and NOT in aluminum!
4. Add the lye solution to your oils, not the other way around!
5. Alternate between stick blending and whisking to keep trace from moving too quickly and to ensure true emulsion.

 

[AlchemyandAshes]

Good luck soapsense! I'm new too and want to brew my first batch soon, but I've discovered there isn't a place around for a hundred miles that carries lye. That means I have to order it. I hope you can get to yours faster then that because it's exciting! Post pics if you can, I for one would love to see how the first one goes.

Have you checked Lowes or Ace Hardware? Both carry it in the plumbing section as drain cleaner: Lowes is Roebic brand, Ace is Rooto brand. The Ace by my house keeps it behind the counter and you have to ask for it. Just make sure whatever you buy states clearly "100% Sodium Hydroxide".

 

[Marilyna]

I found Rooto lye in my local grocery store. Maybe yours has it, too.