A big Hi to all the soap makers out there (so clever!), I'm new to this forum and to soap making. I've purchased a couple of lovely books, read a lot of (some quite poor) websites, thank Heavens I've found this one.
I've made up a few small sample batches using Melt and Pour glycerin soap base (pre-made), adding a small amount of additives such as Coconut Oil (because I like it) to soften the skin, Olive Oil (again I like it), Castor Oil (to produce a harder longer-lasting bar) and a tiny amount of grated beeswax. I've had ok-ish fragrance results using essential oils (tea tree is horrible!), but when using a pre-made Fragrance Oil (chocolate and vanilla ones in particular) the soap smelt absolutely disgusting.
I would also really, really like a Melt and Pour recipe for a citrus essential oil scented nourishing (for damaged hair) solid shampoo bar.
Am I almost on the right track, or barking up the wrong soapnut tree completely?
Please bear in mind that I am in Cornwall, South-West England, and I will need to source any additional ingredients from the UK.
I would really appreciate advice regarding my choice of additives, and especially the correct way to use Fragrance Oils, as I am hoping to get together enough nice stuff to use as Christmas Presents this year, but at the rate I've been going it will be Christmas 2009.
Many many thanks in advance and thanks for reading.
Best wishes to all. Happy Soap-Making!
