Hello there, I’ve been experimenting with HP Castile with 5% castor oil, 8% superfat, and I find it very drying! I thought Castile was meant to be very gentle. I like Castile because of the simplicity of using just one oil (plus the little castor oil), but how could I make it less drying? I’ve been reading about cetyl alcohol, sorbitol, and I’m confused, I appreciate your help!
How can I make hot process Castile soap that doesn’t dry my hands!
- Thread starter Dorita
- Start date
Help Support Soapmaking Forum:
Dorita, not everyone finds Castile soap gentle to their skin. You could be one of those folks whose skin does not react well to Castile. Some folks really like Castile and the soap does feel gentle to their skin. There is just no way to know without trying, though,
Have you used store-bought Castile soap in the past? Did you have the same result?
How long did you let the Castile soap cure? HP soap really should cure to become better soap. And Castile soap requires an even longer cure than most soaps to become the best it can be. I suggest letting this soap cure and test it periodically on your skin, keeping notes on how it performs each time you test it, say monthly.
Have you used store-bought Castile soap in the past? Did you have the same result?
How long did you let the Castile soap cure? HP soap really should cure to become better soap. And Castile soap requires an even longer cure than most soaps to become the best it can be. I suggest letting this soap cure and test it periodically on your skin, keeping notes on how it performs each time you test it, say monthly.
cetyl alcohol, sorbitol and other similar additives aren't used in lye based soap. Generally they are for melt and pour and have nothing to do with how drying a soap is.
I find castile very drying, no matter the length of cure or superfat. You might need a more balanced type of soap.
I find castile very drying, no matter the length of cure or superfat. You might need a more balanced type of soap.
Thank you earlene for the response, I think it might just be my skin that tends to dry easily or the extremely hard water of where I live, I’ll continue to experiment...thank you!
Thank you Obsidian, I feel better knowing that I’m not the only one who experiences dryness with Castile, i guess I’ll keep experimenting because I just love soap! thank you
There are many members who can't use castile or higher amounts of OO. I have to keep the olive at 25% or less, I use lard for the main bulk of my soap.
I’m another one who dislikes castille type soap. Dries my skin and feels tight. Even with a year plus cure I don’t like it.
I'm another who can't stand OO. I've gone to lard and RBO as my main ingredients with a little shea or cocoa butters. I usually let them cure between 2-4 months and they are just fine for my skin. No one else in the family has an aversion to OO, just me and my old skin. LOL
^^^same as commenters above. Love OO for making nice swirls, but honestly, I prefer my finished soap without any at all.
Similar threads
