Turpentine soap

[Glenn]

Hello,
I'm new here, live in Northeast Nebraska, and know nothing yet about making soap.
I bought some bars of turpentine bar soap from eBay and so far, I like it. I want a pine-like soap, and this turpentine soap comes close. From this thread, https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/great-grandmas-turpentine-soap-stain-stick.4526 it would seem that some feel that it is not good to use turpentine soap on the body. I'm hoping to get some good recipes for this, and BTW, I have read here about a lye/soap calculator and wonder what that is about.
I don't mind the initial cost of the soap found on-line, but when you add in shipping, it makes it expensive, and when I learn how to do this, I think it will be interesting to tweak my creations.
Glenn

 

[DeeAnna]

Turpentine contains terpenes that can be a contact allergen, so turpentine is not recommended for use on skin. Inhalation can trigger respiratory discomfort and asthma. I know of two makers of rosin and turpentine bath soap, but I question whether these makers are doing a wise thing to sell this type of soap to consumers with no disclosure of the potential consequences. It's not something I'd do.

If the main reason you like this soap is for its scent, a safer bet might be to use a pine-scented fragrance oil that is safe for use on the body. I would choose one with a maximum dosage in soap of 5% or higher. Here is an example: https://www.naturesgardencandles.com/frosted-pinecones-fragrance-oil

Learn to make basic soap before you try making more esoteric soaps like this. Rosin and turpentine are not beginner friendly ingredients. There is a steep learning curve for even basic soap making, so don't make it harder by adding undue complexity.

I recommend getting started with Anne L. Watson's book Smart Soapmaking, http://www.annelwatson.com/books/Soapmaking.html And learn how to use a soap recipe calculator to check every recipe for accuracy. Soapee.com is a full featured calc that is easy to learn.

 

[cmzaha]

Just to add to what DeeAnna mentions above, Pine Tar Soap is also tricky. Keep it simple through the learning curve.

I did make turpentine with ammonia soap several years ago for stain sticks. I did not like them and it turned Dossy within the year. They were not skin-friendly and did not help stains as well as surfactant-based Dawn dishwashing liquid.

 

[Avbarron]

I use turpentine soap everyday. It's good for so many things. It actually helps lower my body temperature cause I get hot flashes. I've been using it for years and it's great for my skin as well.

 

[lenarenee]

I really don't think turpentine should be used in soap for human use. According to OSHA, it is absorbed into the body through breathing, and through contact with skin, and can lead to things like kidney and heart damage, as well as affect reproductive organs. How much exposure does it take? Who knows?

As for cleaning and washing clothes or other items with it - be sure to not dry them in a dryer as turpentine is combustible. Does a washing machine remove enough turpentine to make it safe? Who knows? But our local fire department has been called out to dryer fires due to people washing clothes with chemical spills on them - such as gas, paint thinner, etc. It happens. Even if clothes are line dried, I don't want to wear turpentine residue on my skin.

https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1962.pdf