Lowering pH in soap

[christellita]

Hey All,
I am making a dog soap and would like the pH to be around 6-8. To lower pH, d I just superfat it more? Or do I need to add something, like vinegar?
Thanks!

 

[IrishLass]

Unfortunately, one cannot lower the pH in CP soap. Lab tests show that it's impossible, even with doing high superfats. It's just the nature of CP soap to be alkaline (9.5 to 10.5 or so on the pH scale). If you try to add acids to lower the pH to 6 or 8, you will basically get mush (this is what chemists have told me). Hopefully Carebear will chime in as she is very knowledgeable in this area.

IrishLass

 

[Jeremy]

Just wondering, why do you need lower PH soap for the doggies??? If it is good enough for our skin is it not good enough for theirs or is their chemistry different.

 

[christellita]

well, i've read that human shampoo isn't good to use on dogs because of the pH level. Dog's pH ranges from 6.2 - 8.6 (humans are 5.2- 6.2) and i've read that their shampoo should be around their pH level.
But, if humans can handle higher pHs, can dogs? People can handle pHs of a bit past 10, but I don't know what the doggie threshold is.
Anyone?

 

[ChrissyB]

I believe that this very issue is the reason that a lot of soapers have not been able to get their "dog shampoo's" certified. At least I know this is true in Australia.

 

[ycartf]

Dog's pH ranges from 6.2 - 8.6 (humans are 5.2- 6.2)

Just a little FYI for anyone reading this, but a human's ph is "usually" within the range of 7.35-7.45 (slightly alkalotic). I don't really know why I remember that from paramedic school 16 years ago, but it's the truth.

Tracy
(New and addicted soapmaker)

 

[donniej]

I have never tried this.... and up until now have never thought about it either :wink: But if I were to experiment with it, I'd start by adding fatty acids like stearic acid. I'm not sure if you'd need to add before or after trace to achieve the desired result.

BTW, I use used cooking oil, which is always slightly acidic. The process of heating and cooling in the fryer causes some of the fatty acids to separate from the glycerin. This results in oil which often contains 5% or higher free fatty acids. I'm not sure if it helps you but it's 'food' for thought (pun intended)

 

[Val]

Dog's pH ranges from 6.2 - 8.6 (humans are 5.2- 6.2)

Just a little FYI for anyone reading this, but a human's ph is "usually" within the range of 7.35-7.45 (slightly alkalotic). I don't really know why I remember that from paramedic school 16 years ago, but it's the truth.

Tracy
(New and addicted soapmaker)

True .... humans should fall in the range of 7.35 - 7.45 blood/body ph but there are factors that can change that.

One being the diet of red meats, fried foods, soda pop, sugars etc. People on this type of diet could become Acidic which contributes to health problems like arthritis, heart disease and cancers.

People who eat mainly veggies, white meats, fresh fruits and do not drink carbonated beverages or sugary drinks can get a higher Ph known to be Alkaline. An alkaline body will not provide cancers, arthritis and other disease a place to live.

Val

 

[Dixie]

christellita, I have seen many dog recipes and what I've noticed is that they basically make a castille soap. One used OO and and lots of castor....to make a really mild soap.
Good luck and let us know how your doggy soap turns out.