Neutralizing Liquid Soap

[SudsyKat]

Well, the saga continues. I'm going to try my 3rd attempt at liquid soap. The first was a disaster (miscalculated the lye). The 2nd was okay, but not great - it separated. So, here I go again.

As I'm going over my instructions again, I'm a bit confused. Looking at Failor's book (page 30), when I read the part about how to use borax as a neutralizer, it says that if you plan to use borax as a thickener/emulsifier (which I'd like to do), then go to page "such and such". Does that mean I can't use it as both a neutralizer and a thickener? But I would like to use borax as a neutralizer as well (though I know it's actually a buffer - good enough for me). So if I use it as a neutralizer, before diluting my soap, then will it automatically make my finished, diluted soap thicker as well? Incidentally, I didn't have much luck trying to use xantham gum as a thickener, so I was hoping the borax would be just the thing. Saline solution helped some as well, but I'm really counting on the borax to thicken as well as neutralize. I'm just confused all of a sudden on how I'm going to neutralize this baby! Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[gunner]

I think she means that if you plan on using borax as a thickener then skip the step where you use it as a buffer, not use something else as a buffer, because it will act as a buffer and a thickener. I do remember, however, that it will only thicken soap made with a high % of soft oils, not high in coconut. The higher the coconut, the less thickening you will see. I found her book somewhat confusing, too. I had to read it several times and very carefully to really get what she was saying.

 

[carolyntn]

Hello!
When I make liquid soap I use borax as a neutralizer (really a buffer) and a thickener. It's a 2 for 1 deal!! I add it to the diluted soap base after it has sequestered. I have a batch sequestering right now. So in a week I'll add the borax solution and essential oils and bottle for use.

Carolyn

 

[SudsyKat]

Thank you all for your input - it really helps! I'll post results

 

[carolyntn]

SudsyKat,
I'm sure you know about David Fisher's Liquid Soap instructions from About.com. I follow his recipe and it works everytime. Plus his instructions are clear and understandable. I read Failor's book numerous times, but prefer the crockpot method instead of her double boiler method.
Carolyn
Happy Soaping!

 

[SudsyKat]

Thanks, Carolyn. I'll have to check that out! I did use a crockpot, because the double boiler thing seemed way too hard. I think it worked this time - I'm very excited.