Liquid Soap Supplies

[Donna M]

Hi, people. I'm a newbie at soap-making. I've made several batches of different bar soaps, CP and HP, and I've made laundry detergent. I've made liquid hand soap, but only the SODIUM hydroxide way, which makes a sort of "un-uniform" gloppy liquid. I'd like to try my hand at real liquid soap, but can't find the potassium hydroxide locally. What kinds of stores sell it? The local hardware store that sells 100% lye crystals doesn't sell it. Do most people order it? It seems the shipping prices on it are so high, it makes the price of making it prohibitive, at least for just gift-giving and family use.

I'm also wondering about an emulsifier and a preservative. A local health food store sells Xanthan gum; I know it's a thickener, but will it work as an emulsifier?

Thanks!
Donna

 

[Bigmoose]

The potassium hydroxide is a chemical used in making bio-diesel fuel. If there is a bio-diesel fuel place near you they may be able to supply you.

Bruce

 

[Donna M]

The potassium hydroxide is a chemical used in making bio-diesel fuel. If there is a bio-diesel fuel place near you they may be able to supply you.

Bruce

Thanks for the reply, Bruce. Today I got on eBay to order some and, lo and behold, it's location was in my town. What's more, my husband, who's a VW Vanagon and Westie camper nut and makes the fuel, had been trying to find them. Their company is called Dudadiesel and they sell both the sodium and potassium type hydroxides as well as citric acid. So now it's time for me to make some liquid soap!

Donna

 

[Bigmoose]

That is funny. Dudadiesel was my lye supplier when I first got started.

Bruce