Off the shelf products

[Randall Kepley]

I hope I didnt post this in the wrong section again but here goes. I was wondering what products do you guys seem to be able to buy off the shelf at your local stores. I know you can get your LYE and basic oils IE castor, canola, olive etc.... But your cocoa butter, essential oils, steric acid,,,, things like that can they be bought over the counter at your everyday stores? Or is it strictly mail order? And if so who has the best prices. Thanks, Randall

 

[Stakie]

You can find essential oils at specialty stores. Usually places that sell incense and such. Or even a local organic store. They will not only have essential oils most of the time, but some oils you won't find in your local grocery store. To top that all off, maybe even some additive herbs. If you are lucky you'll find some nice clays that can be used as colours.

As for the lye, most hardware stores have lye. I can find some at my local ace.

 

[DeeAnna]

Some soaping fats are available at local Amish/Mennonite, "whole foods", or "people's co-op" grocery stores -- places where they sell bulk foods.

 

[paillo]

When I first started out I bought supplies mostly locally. EOs in small quantities, however, are HORRENDOUSLY expensive, so I quickly switched to buying online. I still buy BOGOS on oils when I see a good deal, but buy bulk oils primarily online. I bought lye at my local hardware store for years, but it was too often really static-ey, and I was always nervous about the 'flying lye' syndrome and having to mop the whole kitchen with every batch. I now buy it through Essential Depot and have had no problem with static.

When I was finally ready to sell, I looked at the profit margins of buying online vs. locally, and sadly concluded I couldn't come out ahead with local supplies. Even with shipping, it's much more cost-effective for me to buy online. My usual go-tos are Soapers Choice for oils and butters; Essential Depot for lye and some EOs; New Directions Aromatics for EOs, clays and a lot of other stuff, love them; Peak and Nature's Garden for FOs; Peak for SFIC glycerine base; and Brambleberry when I want treats I can't find elsewhere. I used to buy a lot of EOs from Camden Grey, but shipping's really high for me. I also look for deals on Ebay, there are some really good sellers there.