Beeswax

[rubberducky]

How much beeswax can you use without messing up a batch of soap



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[The Efficacious Gentleman]

Some people would say 0%! I think 5% is generally the maximum, but 3% is often used. Personally, I haven't done it myself.

What is that you are looking for the beeswax to do?

 

[Seawolfe]

You dont want to use more than 8% or your lather will be adversely affected and your bar will be too waxy. Its my opinion only, but I think its one of the ingredients that adds to a sort of sticky feeling that I call "hard water drag". But it can help you make a nice hard bar in small amounts.

I used 2% beeswax along with 10% cocoa butter for a lavender soap that turned out well - it is quite hard and shiny. I just washed my hands and face with it to remind myself what its like. Its very nice, although it does have a teeny bit of that "hard water drag" even after curing for 6 months and having clay in the recipe. It lathers well, cleans very well without being drying (for my skin anyway), and has been very popular - I need to make more of it.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

If you're after hardness, maybe a wee bit of salt is a better option?

 

[Earthen_Step]

If you're after hardness, maybe a wee bit of salt is a better option?

Does a small amount of salt make a big difference on hardness? Could you give some specifics? One of my experimental bars is way too soft. I was thinking of going the wax route, but salt is more appealing.

*I've read of people using very little, around 1tps per lb of oil. But I figured that did not make a huge difference.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

A think one or two per pound is the target amount. I haven't used it myself, I use sodium lactate usually

 

[hmlove1218]

I use 1 tsp ppo and it does actually make quite a difference. In my experience, though. Any more than that and you'd better treat it like a salt bar because it'll be ready to cut in less than 8 hours.