What Bath & Body Thing Have You Done Today?

[Servant4Christ]

haha I totally get it! What I did was look in at all my cavity molds, and think about what shape I wanted to hold in my hand. I've experimented with a few different ones, and have learned a few things along the way:

1. Cubic or round shapes work best because they wear more evenly, something like this or like this or like this. I've also used soap molds shaped like dahlias and sunflowers which worked pretty well; they were just REALLY large so you will be using the same bar FOR-EVAH.

2. Rectangular shapes, or those with a thinner plane and a thicker plane (e.g., your standard bar soap shape) tend to wear unevenly and eventually break into pieces. That's not a big deal if you don't mind remelting them back together, or using them in a thin mesh bag, but I prefer to avoid the extra work myself.

To figure out size in terms of how much product, if you watch Marie's video for the recipe she made (the one I customized above), it fit into one cavity of what appeared to be a standard sized silicone muffin mold (another great option for a mold, btw).


I don't think that's a good sub, honestly. Gums are used for thickening, which is not what you are after. Glycerin or an oil that's nice for hair will be your best bet here, especially if you want to use what you have on hand, or you want to buy something that can also be used in a lot of other products.

Thanks. I must've watched one too many videos over at wholeelise. She mostly makes liquids, not solids, but it's fascinating to watch!
I use silicone muffin pans for my CP dish soap and I have a couple ergonomic shaped silicone 6 cavity molds that I use for standard CP soap because my husband prefers the more commercial type design over the brick shape of traditional handcrafted soap. I can't blame him as they ARE easier to twirl in my hands and I just attach the old bar to the new one when replacing it in the shower so no waste. I'm thinking a bit smaller molds for shampoo and conditioner, though. I haven't decided if shampoo and conditioner should be different shapes or if I should add a touch of color to just the shampoo to make them easier to identify/distinguish from each other in the shower sans glasses.

 

[AliOop]

@Servant4Christ I'd go with the silicone muffin mold for making a single-bar batch of the conditioner bar recipe. Even if you don't fill it all the way up, it will be the right size and shape.

I tend to color my shampoo bars just a bit, but honestly, the color and final texture of shampoo bars does differ enough from the conditioner bars that it probably isn't needed.

But if you want a "natural" colorant, you could use a tiny bit of cocoa powder, turmeric powder, rhassoul clay, or french green clay in the shampoo bars. I'd avoid bentonite clay or AC since they are both strong active ingredients that can really affect the bar's performance in ways that you may not want.

 

[AliOop]

My Camden-Grey order arrived today, including the wonderfully-chocolatey-smelling cocoa butter re-stock that was the original reason for the purchase.... plus all the other oils that were added to reach "free" shipping (pic 1). They also included a small sampler pack of items (pic 2). I'm particularly excited about the frankincense tears. Well, and the broccoli oil, which I've wanted to try for the longest time in my hair conditioner bars.

 

[JasmineTea]

My Camden-Grey order arrived today, including the wonderfully-chocolatey-smelling cocoa butter re-stock that was the original reason for the purchase.... plus all the other oils that were added to reach "free" shipping (pic 1). They also included a small sampler pack of items (pic 2). I'm particularly excited about the frankincense tears. Well, and the broccoli oil, which I've wanted to try for the longest time in my hair conditioner bars.

View attachment 69014View attachment 69015

The thrill of getting a package of oils/butters/surfactants/etc. really never does go away .

 

[kirsten.]

I'm curious, what is the soapy use for potassium sorbate? I use it to arrest fermentation when sweetening homemade wine, but I thought it wasn't recommended for skin care. Hmmmm...

I've been doing lots of bath and body stuff lately, but I haven't taken many pictures so I haven't posted about it. I did give myself a treat though. I swapped out all the regular caps on my oils and liquid additives with spout pouring caps! It cost me probably $2 and saves me so much P.I.T.A. drips down the sides of my bottles! Living in luxury over here!

 

[AliOop]

@JasmineTea you are correct... it's like Christmas and birthdays even though I know what's in the package. Or maybe because I DO know and am so excited to receive it!

@kirsten. I didn't know either and had to check the Camden Grey website; here is their description:

Potassium sorbate, the potassium salt of sorbic acid, is a naturally-occurring organic acid. Potassium sorbate is the most widely used food grade preservative and is not a broad spectrum preservative for cosmetic use. It is used as a mold, bacterial and yeast inhibitor and as a fungistatic agent in foods. It is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tobacco and flavoring products.

Our food grade potassium sorbate is made up of white to off-white tiny flakes, dissolves instantly in water and has a melting point of 270C. The FDA regards this product as GRAS (generally regarded as safe). Usage level: 0.5% to 1.0%. For making toiletries: Dissolve potassium sorbate in the water phase at the beginning of your process until well dissolved. INCI: Potassium sorbate.

 

[Servant4Christ]

I purchased my conditioner recipe from DIY Bath & Body on Etsy and I love it. No changes at all.

I have so many questions about this because the recipe gives options!

1. Would kokum be a good sub for the cocoa butter?
2. Do you use the dimethicone, lux glide, or broc seed oil?
3. Will honeyquat make mine stink if I don't use a FO/EO?
4. Which hydrolyzed protein? I cannot seem to find hydrolyzed silk, but instead keep finding liquid silk aminos.

And don't get me started on the shampoo (pourable) recipe, because I'm probably overthinking that one too. I can't seem to decide between the baobab or sunflower recipe.
Hmmm, maybe I should just make the baobab shampoo recipe and continue the theme by using the baobab protein in the conditioner bar

 

[Misschief]

I have so many questions about this because the recipe gives options!

1. Would kokum be a good sub for the cocoa butter?
2. Do you use the dimethicone, lux glide, or broc seed oil?
3. Will honeyquat make mine stink if I don't use a FO/EO?
5. Which hydrolyzed protein? I cannot seem to find hydrolyzed silk, but instead keep finding liquid silk aminos.

And don't get me started on the shampoo recipe, because I'm probably overthinking that one too. I can't seem to decide between the baobab or sunflower recipe.
Hmmm, maybe I should just make the baobab shampoo recipe and continue the theme by using the baobab protein in the conditioner bar

1. Sure
2. I use dimethicone because I already had it on hand
3. I don't use it without a FO/EO so I can't speak to that
4. I use several. I'm not at home right now so can't access my Soapmaking program (where I have my b & b recipes as well).

As for the shampoo bars, I make several varieties, including the Pourable Shampoo. I love them all but that one is my favourite. Again, I'm happy to share additives but I'm not at home right now. And, yes, your baobab idea sounds like a good one!

 

[AliOop]

@Servant4Christ here are my thoughts about your questions:

1. Yes on Kokum or another hard butter instead of cocoa.

2. I use glycerine instead of dimethicone due to some sensitivities. Turns out great!

3. I also use glycerin instead of honey quat, also due to sensitivities. Still turns out great.

4. I've used liquid silk aminos and hydrolized silk protein. They act the same in the mix, and feel identical in the final product. Honestly, I think it is the same product by two different names. Anything hydrolized is a liquid, and aminos are building blocks of protein, right? I could be wrong, but it's close enough for me, and both make wonderful conditioner bars.

 

[Servant4Christ]

@Servant4Christ here are my thoughts about your questions:

1. Yes on Kokum or another hard butter instead of cocoa.

2. I use glycerine instead of dimethicone due to some sensitivities. Turns out great!

3. I also use glycerin instead of honey quat, also due to sensitivities. Still turns out great.

4. I've used liquid silk aminos and hydrolized silk protein. They act the same in the mix, and feel identical in the final product. Honestly, I think it is the same product by two different names. Anything hydrolized is a liquid, and aminos are building blocks of protein, right? I could be wrong, but it's close enough for me, and both make wonderful conditioner bars.

Thank you. I wasn't sure if replacing more than one ingredient with glycerine in addition to glycerine already being an ingredient on the list would be too much.

 

[AliOop]

That's a very legitimate question. I think because the overall percentage of those two ingredients is so small, it doesn't make much difference - assuming the concern is using too much glycerin, which can cause sweating and stickiness. But that doesn't happen in the recipe, at least, not for me.

I do miss the ability to use dimethicone because of its unique feel that it brings to the bar, which glycerin does not provide. But I did just receive broccoli seed oil and am hoping that it will add that magic, as it is reported to do.

All that to say, if you have dimethicone and honey quat, and you don't have any sensitivity to them, then by all means, go for it. If not, the glycerin sub won't cause any problems. It just doesn't create the same feel.

 

[Misschief]

Ok, shampoo bars... here are a few ideas for subs

1. Foaming apple, foaming silk, or foaming oat can be subbed for the Cocomidopropyl Betaine.
2. Any hydrolyzed protein can be used. I've used Oat Protein (Cromoist) quite often, as well as Quinoa Protein. Silk Amino Acids
3. I've also added all kinds of botanical extracts. For instance, in my Fresh bars, I use Bamboo and Sunflower extracts; in my Scalp Loving bars I add: Burdock Root, Colloidal Oatmeal, Nettle extract, White Willow extract, and I infuse the oil with Mallow Root.

 

[Servant4Christ]

That's a very legitimate question. I think because the overall percentage of those two ingredients is so small, it doesn't make much difference - assuming the concern is using too much glycerin, which can cause sweating and stickiness. But that doesn't happen in the recipe, at least, not for me.

I do miss the ability to use dimethicone because of its unique feel that it brings to the bar, which glycerin does not provide. But I did just receive broccoli seed oil and am hoping that it will add that magic, as it is reported to do.

All that to say, if you have dimethicone and honey quat, and you don't have any sensitivity to them, then by all means, go for it. If not, the glycerin sub won't cause any problems. It just doesn't create the same feel.

I saw that in your pic and post above and I can't wait to hear how the broccoli seed works out for you!
I don't have honeyquat or dimethicone in my arsenal, which is why I was considering LuxGlide as a natural alternative without the pungent broc smell, but it turns out that it's not that easy to find. Guess I'll either try the dimethicone or up the glycerine.

Ok, shampoo bars... here are a few ideas for subs

1. Foaming apple, foaming silk, or foaming oat can be subbed for the Cocomidopropyl Betaine.
2. Any hydrolyzed protein can be used. I've used Oat Protein (Cromoist) quite often, as well as Quinoa Protein. Silk Amino Acids
3. I've also added all kinds of botanical extracts. For instance, in my Fresh bars, I use Bamboo and Sunflower extracts; in my Scalp Loving bars I add: Burdock Root, Colloidal Oatmeal, Nettle extract, White Willow extract, and I infuse the oil with Mallow Root.

I hadn't thought about subbing the CAPB but it's good to know I can if need be, later on! I do wonder if subbing sweet almond oil for the sunflower in the normal to dry recipe would work because I have an overabundance of sweet almond that's nearing the end of it's recommended shelf life. Thankyou for clearing up my confusion on the hydrolyzed silk. I'm happy to hear I can use either one!

 

[Misschief]

I do wonder if subbing sweet almond oil for the sunflower in the normal to dry recipe would work because I have an overabundance of sweet almond that's nearing the end of it's recommended shelf life.

When it comes to the oils, use your preferred oil. Do your research as to what it brings to the table but if you like it, use it.

 

[Christa10]

I'm curious, what is the soapy use for potassium sorbate? I use it to arrest fermentation when sweetening homemade wine, but I thought it wasn't recommended for skin care. Hmmmm...

I've been doing lots of bath and body stuff lately, but I haven't taken many pictures so I haven't posted about it. I did give myself a treat though. I swapped out all the regular caps on my oils and liquid additives with spout pouring caps! It cost me probably $2 and saves me so much P.I.T.A. drips down the sides of my bottles! Living in luxury over here!

Where did you get the spout pouring caps? It's so annoying to have all those drips when pouring oils.

 

[AliOop]

While researching the answer to another post (asking whether it was possible to make hydrolized silk at home), I came across this interesting info on Humblebee & Me about the difference between hydrolized silk proteins, peptides, and amino acids:

It is often possible to purchase hydrolyzed silk in a variety of particle sizes—powder, peptides, and amino acids. The powder is usually the largest particle size, followed by peptides and then amino acids. The finer the powder the more readily it can penetrate the skin and hair, but there will be less of a visual sheen/finish. I use peptides to get the best of both worlds.

 

[kirsten.]

Where did you get the spout pouring caps? It's so annoying to have all those drips when pouring oils.

Windy point
https://www.windypointsoap.com/products/black-turret-cap-24-410?variant=34249075884091I like the plastic pipettes for small amounts of oil, like sea buckthorn, or liquid germall...

 

[AliOop]

Using the lotion concentrate base from the DIY B&B recipe, I made some lotions today.

The jar is a 100g batch of a skin lotion with chamomile powder in it. I'm not crazy about the brown speckles of powder, nor the slightly gritty feel. You can see how some of the chamomile powder is sitting on the inside of the lid (thanks to me slopping a bunch of it all over the inside of the lid). Hopefully by tomorrow the specks will have absorbed more of the water and oil, and will be less noticeable. It is very lightly scented with lavender EO - just enough to cover the rather meh smell of the ingredients.

The three pump bottles were another 100g batch of a very light facial lotion, made with jasmine water, argan oil, raspberry seed oil, rosehip oil, and hydrolized oats. This one is had just a few drops of sandalwood vanilla FO in it. I don't like scented things on my face, but it needed just a titch of something since again, the ingredients didn't have a pleasant smell, despite the jasmine water which had smelled quite nice on its own, but disappeared in the mix. The faintest whiff of sandalwood FO is much better. And I'm already loving how much lighter it feels due to the higher wateril ratio than I typically use for regular hand/body lotions.

 

[Misschief]

The jar is a 100g batch of a skin lotion with chamomile powder in it. I'm not crazy about the brown speckles of powder, nor the slightly gritty feel. You can see how some of the chamomile powder is sitting on the inside of the lid (thanks to me slopping a bunch of it all over the inside of the lid). Hopefully by tomorrow the specks will have absorbed more of the water and oil, and will be less noticeable.

For next time, you could dissolve the extracts in a bit of the liquid ingredients (water) and add it in the cool down phase, rather than adding the straight powder.

 

[Christa10]

Windy point
https://www.windypointsoap.com/products/black-turret-cap-24-410?variant=34249075884091I like the plastic pipettes for small amounts of oil, like sea buckthorn, or liquid germall...

Thanks for showing me what they look like. I think I will get some!