Aspiring soap maker here!

[SilentSoapMaster]

Hello fellow soap connoisseurs! although my name may suggest otherwise...I am just starting out with soap making and my first batch turned out well, it was relatively basic and was not very moisturizing. I'm using a cold process, and I was wondering if there is anything you guys would recommend to make my soaps better. I'm only looking to make cold processed soaps, and i would eventually like to have some scents! (I'm thinking something like honey lavender!!) I'm really impressed by what I have read on this forum so far, and I would really appreciate your support. Thank you!

 

[LidiaG]

Welcome to the forum @SilentSoapMaster!

I'm gladGlad your first soap turned out well!

Why don't you share a little more about the soap you made, your recipe, or how you made it. we love pictures, by the way
It would also be nice to know what your goals with soapmaking are or the reason you started making soap

 

[squidstings]

Hello fellow soap connoisseurs! although my name may suggest otherwise...I am just starting out with soap making and my first batch turned out well, it was relatively basic and was not very moisturizing. I'm using a cold process, and I was wondering if there is anything you guys would recommend to make my soaps better. I'm only looking to make cold processed soaps, and i would eventually like to have some scents! (I'm thinking something like honey lavender!!) I'm really impressed by what I have read on this forum so far, and I would really appreciate your support. Thank you!

I started with lip balm oils. On a chance that some of the same characteristics would survive saponification, especially with some superfat. I Like my successes so far. I like Borage and Sweet almond oil.
On that same idea, While you're considering scents, I suggest you keep your eyes and ears out for how certain essential oils benefit the skin. Other than perfumed detergent (detergent is not soap!!!) I've personally never found a scent left behind
But there's a lot of subjectivity with soap making. A LOT of variables to how a recipe will be perceived by an individual.

All the best

 

[akseattle]

@SilentSoapMaster , definitely post your actual recipe as suggested by @LidiaG
otherwise, its hard to know what to tweak. Good for you that you are starting out without fragrance or essential oils. This way, you'll know what your oils are doing without that variable.

 

[lsg]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[bookworm42]

Welcome! Lots of help and advice to be found on here!

 

[ScentimentallyYours]

Hello fellow soap connoisseurs! although my name may suggest otherwise...I am just starting out with soap making and my first batch turned out well, it was relatively basic and was not very moisturizing. I'm using a cold process, and I was wondering if there is anything you guys would recommend to make my soaps better. I'm only looking to make cold processed soaps, and i would eventually like to have some scents! (I'm thinking something like honey lavender!!) I'm really impressed by what I have read on this forum so far, and I would really appreciate your support. Thank you!

The best consolidated advice I can give to a beginner who’s a serious-type researcher, as you appear to be, is to start by reading everything on @DeeAnna ’s Soapy Stuff section on her Classic Bells website. You will pick that information up here at SMF in pieces, but it’s difficult to put them all together for the big picture of cold process soapmaking. https://classicbells.com/soap/soapyStuff.asp

Welcome to the rabbit hole, @SilentSoapMaster!

 

[janesathome]

The best consolidated advice I can give to a beginner who’s a serious-type researcher, as you appear to be, is to start by reading everything on @DeeAnna ’s Soapy Stuff section on her Classic Bells website. You will pick that information up here at SMF in pieces, but it’s difficult to put them all together for the big picture of cold process soapmaking. https://classicbells.com/soap/soapyStuff.asp

Welcome to the rabbit hole, @SilentSoapMaster!

Great advice! I did a ton of research before I made my first soaps - and learned so much more when I discovered @DeeAnna ’s Soapy Stuff site. My soap improved a LOT when I applied what she taught me.
@SilentSoapMaster - note that soap will not moisturize skin. It cleans skin, which mean it is going to take oils away. That is the opposite effect of adding oil to moisturize. What you CAN do is make a very gentle soap with a low cleansing score (I aim for 5 to 7, you can go down to zero).
Many soapers increase the superfat score to make a less drying soap. I personally prefer a low superfat of 2 or 3%. You can read all about superfat on Soapy Stuff, then try out different SF percentages to find what works for you.

Enjoy your soapmaking journey! The learning curve is all part of the adventure and the satisfaction.