Recipe Review

[rootbeer]

Hey there! I’m new here - not sure if I’m posting in the right place, so if not I apologize in advance!! (moved) I’ve noticed a lot of knowledge on this site and would love if you guys could take a look at my recipe? I’m worried the ‘cleansing’ value will make my bars too drying? I have the SF currently at 3.5 - would that help alleviate any issue?

 

[Arimara]

That recipe would probably trace fast if you use a stick blender. I would try to hand mix that band see how it goes. If you are concerned about the cleansing level (I don't blame you a lick, that cleansing level is much for my own skin). try using 10% less coconut oil and allocate that to your olive oil to give you a bit more time. You could also bump up your superfat to 5-7% to see if that helps.

 

[AliOop]

I agree with Arimara that this would be a fast-moving, very cleansing recipe. Her suggestion to switch some of the oils and raise the SF a bit are sound.

I would also make a smaller batch - maybe half that size - to see if you like the recipe.

 

[cmzaha]

I agree that it will be too cleansing and would certainly lower the CO, but I do not agree that it will necessarily be a fast tracing recipe. If you are not opposed to lard I would add in 10-15% lard taking away the difference from the CO or add in some Avocado oil or some SAO or Safflower Oil instead of upping the OO. You could up the Palm but that would cause the batter to trace faster, much over 20% palm will make for a quick-moving batter.

 

[rootbeer]

Thank you! - I plan on doing a 1lb batch to test out, I just entered the amount for the ‘bigger’ mold I have haha. I’ve never made a batch with lard, might have to try that out. Is it safe to assume I can use vegetable shortening? Or is that entirely different. I’ve only ever used other publicly available recipes and wanted to formulate my own... a little more difficult than anticipate haha. Thank you again!!!

 

[TheGecko]

Hey there! I’m new here - not sure if I’m posting in the right place, so if not I apologize in advance!! (moved) I’ve noticed a lot of knowledge on this site and would love if you guys could take a look at my recipe? I’m worried the ‘cleansing’ value will make my bars too drying? I have the SF currently at 3.5 - would that help alleviate any issue?

Coconut is a little high for me...I'd drop it at least 5% and add Castor Oil (available at local supermarkets in the 'health' aisle).

Is it safe to assume I can use vegetable shortening?

Yes, you will find that WalMart's Great Value Shortening is listed in SoapCalcu near the bottom of the list. A 48 oz can is about $6.00. And since you'll be there, grab a 16 oz tub of Armour Lard for less that $2.00 and give it a try too.

 

[Arimara]

Coconut is a little high for me...I'd drop it at least 5% and add Castor Oil (available at local supermarkets in the 'health' aisle).



Yes, you will find that WalMart's Great Value Shortening is listed in SoapCalcu near the bottom of the list. A 48 oz can is about $6.00. And since you'll be there, grab a 16 oz tub of Armour Lard for less that $2.00 and give it a try too.

The GV Shortening is a blend of palm and beef tallow. If beef tallow is a problem, at least you know one ingredient in there. Also, I suggest you price out the best options for castor oil. I personally order it online with other soap ingredients because it is expensive in the stores near me (and you're buying an ounce of it too).

 

[TheGecko]

Also, I suggest you price out the best options for castor oil. I personally order it online with other soap ingredients because it is expensive in the stores near me (and you're buying an ounce of it too).

True, but if you're just starting out and ready to make soap and folks suggest some alternative ingredients...it's nice that you can pick up locally to try them out. I remember running out of Castor Oil and despite my age, forgot that I could pick it up at the grocery store. Instead, I went over a week without being to make soap...a considerable amount of time when you are really wanting to make soap. LOL

 

[Arimara]

True, but if you're just starting out and ready to make soap and folks suggest some alternative ingredients...it's nice that you can pick up locally to try them out. I remember running out of Castor Oil and despite my age, forgot that I could pick it up at the grocery store. Instead, I went over a week without being to make soap...a considerable amount of time when you are really wanting to make soap. LOL

I have literally just reformulated recipes when I didn't have castor oil. I hate NYC/Long Island prices and ultimately, it's a good idea to make soaps without castor oil (or another oil) to get a better feel for if you like it or not in soap.

 

[TheGecko]

I have literally just reformulated recipes when I didn't have castor oil. I hate NYC/Long Island prices and ultimately, it's a good idea to make soaps without castor oil (or another oil) to get a better feel for if you like it or not in soap.

Yeah, it's rough when normal, every day crap is expensive.

 

[Arimara]

Yeah, it's rough when normal, every day crap is expensive.

At least milk is cheap. I won't complain at that.