Kind of embarrassing coconut soap question...

[Soapsugoii]

Ok, so I've been giving out my soap to friends to try. It's 100% CO with a 20% SF. I've made plain, charcoal, cocoa butter and lavender. So far, with the plain and charcoal, I've had two complaints from female friends that the soap kind of um, stung their ladyparts a bit. I'm wondering why.

I haven't had any problems, as I'm not female, and I've only heard it twice of the 30 or 40+ bars I've given away. I use crockpot HP, and each bar was about a week old, so I'm wondering if maybe it's too harsh at the moment? The soap didn't zap even when I put it into the mold. I also don't notice any drying when I use it, and they say it's not drying their skin out it just stings apparently. But I also know that coconut can make a harsh bar of soap.

Any ideas?

 

[NancyRogers]

Did you use any fragrance oils? I have trouble with certain fos (seems to be mostly florals for me).

Also, even though most people say you can use HP right away, I find my fresh HP is still too drying. I'd let it cure at least 2 -3 weeks before sharing it with others.

 

[carebear]

Yea, soap can do that. It's the relatively high pH - some people are sensitive to it, and some aren't. Since it's a caustic issue - the longer the cure the less likely that soap will be to cause the problem. BUT since real soaps all have a relatively high pH, if one well cured soap causes it, it will probably happen with all hand made soaps whether there are fragrances or colorants in them. Commercial soaps have a lower pH and so are less likely to sting delicate areas.

My dr recommends not using soap there to begin with, but obviously it's a personal choice.

 

[dOttY]

I thought it was universal that soap is not recommended for a woman's genital area?

 

[trishwosere]

Probably TMI but I can't use any type of soap 'down there' all irritate me whether it's bought or home made- even simple soaps irritate me, so it's prolly nothing personal about your soap soapsugoii :wink:

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Give your coconut soap a good long cure and it might make a difference to these girls. If soap is used on your girlie bits, it should be rinsed off straight away. I'm using a coconut salt bar which is well aged and it's fine in that area. Can't say the same for all of my soaps though. :wink:

 

[MissMori]

I've had that problem with a few fo's. As other posters have suggested, fully cure your soap and watch out for fo's/eo's that are sensitizing.

 

[soapbuddy]

Probably TMI but I can't use any type of soap 'down there' all irritate me whether it's bought or home made- even simple soaps irritate me, so it's prolly nothing personal about your soap soapsugoii :wink:

Ditto. Plain water works just as well.

 

[Soapsugoii]

Thanks, everybody! I feel a lot better. I was scared that women were going to find my CO bars too harsh. I'll give them a good long cure and try again.

I don't use any FO's, but I did just get some holiday ones in the mail from Brambleberry today. SO excited! Pumpkin Pie Spice, Apple Cider, Applejack Peel, Woodland Elves, Christmas Spice. Going to make some soap as gifts for Xmas. I'll make sure they cure for a month before I send them out. Has anyone had problems with those FO's?

 

[Soaplady22]

I can speak about AppleJack and Peel -- use .7oz PPO. Lasts a long time -- and when it does begin to change it goes to more cinnamon, so it's still okay!!

Good luck!

 

[KylieO]

I thought it was universal that soap is not recommended for a woman's genital area?

same here :shock:

 

[busymakinsoap!]

yep, the change in PH causes yeast infections (sorry guys)
Dr recommends using aquous (spelling) cream or water

 

[Soapsugoii]

lol, good to know. Now, how to break the news to them without sounding like a weirdo. ><

 

[IOPSoaper]

I am glad to hear that this problem is not just with my soap. I have never had any burning before but noticed it with my first cured soaps. I only used handmade soap before I even stated making my own, without any problem.Maybe for me it is the fragrance oil. Thanks so much for bringing this topic up.

 

[FreeRabbit]

I am ok after a long cure (like said before) also as some said it is not recommended for other then "top" cleaning... for more intimate there are much gentler products