Question for Sellers/Long Time Hobbiests

[kmarvel]

Dixiedragon, how do you list your ingredients on your bars of soap when using lard??

 

[Dorymae]

I use about 7 bases recipes all the time and change with additives. The actual number of recipes I have though is at least in the hundreds. (Notebook with lots of notes and scribbles down the edges. Its my mad scientist book!) Every so often I will switch out soap recipes if I find one I like better but the number of bases stays between 6-10.

 

[cmzaha]

Like IrishLass I have my all veggie, non-veggie, and slow trace. Within those I will tweak my cleansing number depending on fo, whether it is mainly a soap that appeals to men or women. Although I stick to mostly the same oils per recipe I am known to tweak them. So I guess I still have to say I have many. I also have my neem soaps, shea soaps etc. If I was outsourcing my soap labels I would have to stick to a few main recipes. I love to play and I cook the same way, so I will probably never change. LOL, if you ask me for a food recipe that has been tasted at my house be aware what I tell you may not match!! My sister in law used to get mad at me because she would make someting and it would not taste like mine. :shifty: Sorry that was a bit off subject...

 

[cmzaha]

Dixiedragon, how do you list your ingredients on your bars of soap when using lard??

I list Lard because it is lard. When I explain to the few customers that question it they are suprised to find lard is considered non-comedogenic. I lose very few sales due to lard

 

[IrishLass]

I list Lard because it is lard.

Same here.

I'm so proud of my tallow/lard soap (I use both in the same formula), that not only is lard listed in my ingredients on the back, it's also proudly displayed on the front of my label so that my family and friends will know right from the start that that particular bar was made using my 'Sumptuous Tallow/Lard' formula.

And for good measure, I wrote a little spiel on the back of my label describing the some of the virtues of tallow and lard in case my soap ever falls into the hands of someone squeamish. So far, it hasn't, but you never know.

I also make sure 'lard' is clearly displayed so that people who avoid lard for religious reasons can make the informed decision to steer clear of that particular formula, which actually happened to me once (just last year).

I don't sell, but I label as if I do because my soap has a habit of getting around via enthusiastic family members and friends (it's like having my own personal gaggle of soap groupies). lol

IrishLass

 

[Bex1982]

I have 7 that are "keepers" and then I make random ones depending on season or leftover supplies. No real reason except that I like them myself, if other people like them it's just a bonus. I basically make soap for what I need, like I'll feel like using a salt bar and I need a good leg shave bar etc.

 

[kmarvel]

Irishlass, I would like to start making lard soap. I hear it is wonderful!!

Would you share your recipe with me?? Please??

 

[coffeetime]

Kmarvel, the people on here who sell have worked a long time on their recipes and use them for their livelihood. If you play with your ingredients in SoapCalc and do a couple test batches, I'm sure you can come up with something you'll love.

 

[Ruthie]

I agree. When friends want me to show them how I make soap, I'll invite them over for the process, but already have my oils measured. I'm not giving that part away. Kmarvel, why don't you come up with a recipe using soapcalc, then post it and we'll make suggestions. We are happy to help, but just don't want to give away years of work.

 

[SparksnFlash]

Shalisk

Been selling for several years, fairs and some "distributors" (that is friends who love the soap and love craft fairs) around the U.S. You will probably want to adjust based on where and how you plan to sell.

I use 3 basic recipes, and also do lotion bars and lip balm. Depending on season the colors and scents change, and I will add maybe 1 specialty soap and 1 fancy attention getter. The 3 basics may change from time to time when I develop a recipe I fall in love with - I'm fickle. I've found 1 recipe that people always come back for, and will probably always offer that. (of course it's the most finicky recipe I have) I don't want to disappoint them by not having it. We have each developed our own recipes and niche - you will too, and decide what works best for you.

My guinea-friends and family, of course, get new things that I just had to try all the time. Like so many on this thread suggested, keep working on recipes that you develop and love.

 

[Shalisk]

I been tweeking a couple of them and I found in the shower I really like a Lard one I made (SO MUCH LATHER!) but I have had some feedback from others, the metaphysical shop is 100% anti-lard so none for them.

At any any rate, this has been a awsome thread and I hope there are others that can get somthing from it as well. I been pawning off soap on everyone so far lol. ^.^

Thank you all for your insights.