Goat Milk Soap question

[mmonette100]

Hi All,

I was wondering if most soapers soap with GM at 33% lye solution or would you tend to add more liquid than 66%?

Thanks in advance,

Mike M

 

[Soapmaker Man]

Hi Mike. I only make goat milk soaps and lotions. Until recently, I usually soaped at @ a 30% solution. In the past month, I have increased my solution strength in the pot to anywhere between 36 to 40% with fantastic results. I have been adding more powdered GM to my fresh GM to make up for the difference. I also use a 50% strength pre-made solution using aloe vera juice. I have been experimenting going on 4 years now and finally have a killer recipe and unique method of working with GM. :wink: One is always learning....year after year, after year. That is what makes this craft so enjoyable to me!

Paul :wink:

 

[carebear]

depends on so many things...

I use a low lye concentration with new recipes and new FOs, fancy swirls, fast moving recipes & FOs, or if I'm soaping hot.

I go higher with SLOW recipes (loaded with lard for example) or simple stuff, and with castile.

But typically I'm around the 33-35% range. Even with milk soaps.

 

[mmonette100]

Thanks all!

 

[catherinemary]

goats milk soap

Thanks for all the responses, I'm still trying to figure out the forum! I am learning quit a bit as I read. The ammonia smell has dissipated somewhat. Is it safe to use? :?

 

[catherinemary]

goats milk soap

I have a serious math phobia...so the simpler the recipes the better for me....I usually will skip right over one that has percentages. I use 1lb lard, 2 oz lye and 3/4 cup of goatsmilk (slushy). Simple, and normally the soap turns out great, beautiful lather and the essential oils I use are pure so I get great long lasting smells. I think this time I must have poured in the lye too quickly and burned it. I will try it in a week or so myself to make sure it is ok before I give them out!

 

[carebear]

wow.

that recipe is at an 11% superfat not counting the fat in the milk (don't know how much milk you actually used cause I work by weight).

====

the ammonia smell has nothing to do with safe. it has to do with milk! if it's not zappy it's safe (tho at least 2 weeks to cure will make it a bit milder).

 

[catherinemary]

goatsmilk soap

Carebear,

Is 11% good or bad?? The soap seems to turn out well. Is there something else I should to to make it better?? Thanks

 

[beachgurl]

An 11% lye discount is pretty high, especially if using GM on top of it .. I generally go with a 5-6% lye discount with my milk soaps .. anything above 9 is more prone to rancidity