I measure my the NaOH & KOH together then add them together....
My first shaving soap is a success!
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Peppermint shave soap
So I made it... 52% stearic / 48% coconut with some glycerin. For my little twist I made it with peppermint tea and peppermint essential oil. It had a hit of a cooling effect and shaved really well. After the shave my face felt dry. I'm going to try the second jar that I made because I'm not sure all of the glycerin got evenly distributed. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it for a first try.
InNae
So I made it... 52% stearic / 48% coconut with some glycerin. For my little twist I made it with peppermint tea and peppermint essential oil. It had a hit of a cooling effect and shaved really well. After the shave my face felt dry. I'm going to try the second jar that I made because I'm not sure all of the glycerin got evenly distributed. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it for a first try.
InNae
grayceworks
Well-Known Member
How much glycerin did you use ppo? I used 3tbs ppo in mine, and reduced the stearic to 48% and reduced the coconut to about 35% coconut added shea butter. I still find it a tad drying, but i have dry skin anyhow -- but hubby loves it and it's not drying at all for him. It gets better and milder and even more lather if possible after a few weeks cure time. 
Also, i just dumped the glycerin right in with everything else, so i know it got distributed well.
Also, i just dumped the glycerin right in with everything else, so i know it got distributed well.
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How much glycerin did you use ppo? I used 3tbs ppo in mine, and reduced the stearic to 48% and reduced the coconut to about 35% coconut added shea butter. I still find it a tad drying, but i have dry skin anyhow -- but hubby loves it and it's not drying at all for him. It gets better and milder and even more lather if possible after a few weeks cure time.
Also, i just dumped the glycerin right in with everything else, so i know it got distributed well.
I used the ratio that was used before... I scaled my batch down and I'm a chemist so I do everything in grams, but the ratio was the same as was originally posted. Next time I will add the glycerine with the other oils.
Did you add the shea butter with the other oils or did you add it after the lye? I'm going to add Shea Butter. I usually put lotion on after shaving with any shaving soap, but it was more a comfort thing than my skin drying out. With this it is a necessity.
I really like the peppermint EO with it though and may add some menthol. The cooling I get from the peppermint feels really good, but I would like more and don't really want to much more peppermint.
InNae
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My first batch of this firmed up well enough to successfully have bars. They are soft, like firm putty, but can most definitely hold a bar shape. They are only about 8 days old so they should firm up a little more, if anything. I made it again today with a 10% sf instead of the 15%sf I ended up with the first time (I didn't check the box for 90% KOH so SF was higher) and it is without question "bar-able". Not hard bars but they will hold their shape well. I used only KOH. This is today's batch.
Made this yesterday using Songwind's recipe. The sandalwood EO turned out to be mostly jobo oil os not much scent. DH used it today. He says it is the best he has ever used. He likes his cheap wood bowl. I offered to throw out his old soap and scoop in the new. He said H yes. Thanks, this is a clear win.
I've been using my shaving soap based on Songwinds recipe of and on for a couple of weeks now. The shave is getting better. The first couple of times, it was really drying, but it's getting much better. When I make it again, I will probably add some shea butter or something for a bit of a moisturizing effect. I used peppermint tea in place of water and peppermint EO. It has a nice cooling effect which I really like. Thanks again Songwind.
InNae
InNae
Inspiring pics, Newbie. I have KOH, so I am sorely tempted. I have a bowl full of bought soap, but I might just take it out of the bowl and store it somewhere
I tried this on Saturday. Everything immediately became the consistency of lumpy mashed potatoes. Seemed to turn out okay in the end, though.
I love songwinds recipe. I have tweaked it and added some Shea and Castor and it's fantastic. I have gotten nothing but raves. I love the lather too. I just make it in a ball and use it on my legs.
Small test batch
I want to try the small test batch Songwind made at the beginning of this thread, but I'm new to soap making and had a question. I see the percentages of oil and the total 8oz batch size in the first comment, but how much lye do you add? Sorry if this is obvious. I am just slightly lost.
I want to try the small test batch Songwind made at the beginning of this thread, but I'm new to soap making and had a question. I see the percentages of oil and the total 8oz batch size in the first comment, but how much lye do you add? Sorry if this is obvious. I am just slightly lost.
I didn't put in the amount of lye in so you have to run it through a soap calculator. I would hate to be responsible for someone getting a lye burn because I made a typo.
I didn't view the recipe and see the amount. Sorry!
BTW, I'm hoping to order some of your soaps soon Songwind. I've heard amazing things about it.
I agree, just run it through a soap calc to get the accurate measurements for whatever size batch you are making. I add the Glycerine after the cook before I add fragrance.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy them. I just added some inventory in Lavender Lizard and Dapper Dragon scents today.
Menthol Crystals? Some people use about 6 grams to 16 oz of product, so not large amounts.
ETA - when I make mine, I wish I could make it smell like the Arko stick. Anyone know of a dupe of that or how to get that scent? Not grating a urinal cake in to it, before that suggestion comes.......................
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Seems to be the only scent oil. I'll use mine again tomorrow and see what my nose thinks
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