Baby soap

[AshleyR]

I want to make a nice, mild baby soap, but all of the recipes I'm coming across are for castile. I've made one batch of castile so far and really don't like it.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to what kind of oils I can use to make a nice baby soap, that doesn't have a LOT of olive oil in it? I'd also like to keep it pretty white. Would a 90% coconut oil soap with some castor oil be ok?

Thanks!

 

[cdwinsby]

A soap high in coconut oil would be pretty harsh for a babies skin. The reason an olive oil soap is recommended is because it is so gentle.

Try adding a small amount of coconut (10%), castor oil (5 - 10%), a little palm oil for hardness (10 - 20%) and the rest olive. This will still be really gentle but will take away some of the 'slimy' feel.

 

[mandolyn]

What about rice bran oil, palm kernel oil & castor oil?

 

[cdwinsby]

Mandolyn,

That sounds lovely...going to have to try that one!

 

[carebear]

OK

1. palm kernel is akin to coconut oil and at higher levels it can be drying.
2. castile is considered the most gentle soap but honestly NO soap is gentle to a baby's eyes, and even castile can be irritating due to it's high pH. *I* would not use a true soap on a baby unless you have issues with commercial detergent products designed for babies by a reputable mfg.
3. olive oil castile soaps are slimy. they are better after a good 4 month cure but must be allowed to dry completely between uses. and they don't lather well. adding other oils can help but if it's at least 80% olive you are going to need that long cure IN MY OPINION.
4. different oils contribute differently to the finished product. you can learn more about them at soapcalc.com and millersoap.com. if combined properly you can make a nice mild soap using a variety and don't necessarily need to make a castile.
5. I'm sure you know this, but please don't give anyone a soap recommending it for their baby (or god knows sell it) until you really know why you chose the oils & what your result is. and as olive oil soaps are prone to DOS keep an eye on that as well.