Pure Cocunut Soap

[Evangeline]

I've never made soap but really really want to when I move (living with grandparents and don't have anywhere for it to cure).

Now I'm writing a list of recipes I like and thought to myself last night is it possible to make a soap from just coconut (apart from lye). Obviously there's coconut oil, milk and butter, has anyone tried it or isn't it possible?

I was going to aim my soaps around dogs, but looking at recipes for human and dog soap there isn't really any difference so was wondering if its better to sell it for both human and dogs such as coconut soap suitable for use on your pets too but wasn't sure.

Thanks in advance

 

[lsg]

I would not use pure coconut soap on dogs, the pH of their skin is different than human skin.

http://www.petshed.com/petcyclopedia/how-to-wash-dog-properly.html

 

[Evangeline]

I know pets have a different pH to us that's why I was saying the ingredients are the same alot of the time. I was watching a video the other day and the womans soap was averaging at about 8pH which I thought was a bit too high.

Is it possible to alter the pH in soaps at all? The video was a CPOP so not sure if the oven process part raises the pH I don't really understand it

 

[jcandleattic]

I know pets have a different pH to us that's why I was saying the ingredients are the same alot of the time. I was watching a video the other day and the womans soap was averaging at about 8pH which I thought was a bit too high.

Is it possible to alter the pH in soaps at all? The video was a CPOP so not sure if the oven process part raises the pH I don't really understand it

Actually for a handmade soap, that pH is a bit low. Most handmade soaps average a pH level of 9-10, and really there isn't much you can do to lower it. It's the nature of the product.
I suppose there are probably chemicals you can add to lower it, but IMO that defeats the purpose of making soap yourself.

 

[ewenique]

All coconut oil soaps need a high superfat - 20% or they can be very drying. Great bubbles, but drying. And some people find it irritating to their skin.

 

[nebetmiw]

I am a pro pet groomer. I can tell you a secret. The whole PH stuff for dogs is BS. It was made up just so companies could sell pet shampoo. Regular soap is just fine for them but do not use EO's or FO's in the soap. Now if a dog has skin issues the tar shampoos are best for them. But if they animal has no skin issues like that then regular soap you make that is scent free is OK to use. Just like when using any soap or shampoo make sure to rinse good and all will be OK.

 

[Lindy]

First off you are a very long way from being knowledgeable enough to sell soap, sorry. I make and sell dog shampoo to not only individuals but also to groomers. Do not use coconut oil in any dog shampoo as it is too drying for their coat. I won't allow commercial shampoos anywhere near my pets because I have 1 with super sensitive skin. Slow down, learn how to make soap, learn what oils do what in soap and then start moving towards shampoo.

Nevermiw I am quite shocked by your statement. I agree that the pH has nothing to do with anything but I would never use just any old soap to shampoo my dogs, seriously. There are definite ingredients that help with the coat and skin condition that I would want to see in there.

 

[melstan775]

First off you are a very long way from being knowledgeable enough to sell soap, sorry. I make and sell dog shampoo to not only individuals but also to groomers. Do not use coconut oil in any dog shampoo as it is too drying for their coat. I won't allow commercial shampoos anywhere near my pets because I have 1 with super sensitive skin. Slow down, learn how to make soap, learn what oils do what in soap and then start moving towards shampoo.

Nevermiw I am quite shocked by your statement. I agree that the pH has nothing to do with anything but I would never use just any old soap to shampoo my dogs, seriously. There are definite ingredients that help with the coat and skin condition that I would want to see in there.

You can make shampoos and dog products too? I believe you've been holding out, Lindy!

 

[Lindy]

Uhmmm - well no - I thought everyone knew that I make shampoo bars. I make a few dog products. Dog Shampoo, conditioner, detangler, paw protector and for my own pups - booties! I make a couple of different types of shampoo for people, my regular formulae, beer shampoo and Pine Tar Shampoo. At this time Save-On Foods locally is carrying my shampoo and conditioner.

ETA - In the interest of full disclosure I make Tooth Soap too. :lolno:

 

[Genny]

ETA - In the interest of full disclosure I make Tooth Soap too. :lolno:

I love tooth soap. Mine's chocolate peppermint

 

[Lindy]

I do one called Mint'a'Tude (Spearmint/Peppermint EO's), Spearmint and I'm going to add a Cinnamon..... I so love this product!

 

[Badger]

Oh, that sounds wonderful, Lindy! I love mints and Cinnamon!

 

[SueSoap]

Tooth soap? That's one I not heard of before.

 

[Lindy]

Yup it's soap you use for cleaning your teeth. The secret is to not use oils that taste 'soapy' like coconut and palm....

 

[Mockingbird Ramble]

I have a dog with a specific coat and would not use a home made product on him, there are way to many variables involved with a first time soap maker. Heck, I don't want to give away my soap, after 4 batches I don't want to irritate someones skin before i have soaped for a while yet.

 

[Lindy]

Mockingbird Ramble - Smart lady...

 

[Ruthie]

Just to help clarify, it is possible to use essential oils to treat dogs or other pets. I would NOT use an EO in a dog shampoo just to scent it or to boost sales. But if you know what you are doing, you can treat dogs with EOs. As for fleas, lemongrass or citronella are recommended, but at a very low ratio. One drop is enough for an entire bath, unless you are washing a Great Dane.