Whats the difference.

[desert_gold_hound]

Just wondering I did a search and didn't find any info but here goes.

What is the difference in the following soaps

1. Baby vs. Adult
2. Dog vs. 2 legged dog
3. Dog vs. Baby
4. Shampoo vs. Soap

I have found recipes but no info on what the differences are. I am a groomer by trade and know you don't wont to remove too much oil's but what is it we as soap makers need to due to customize our products so that we can offer soap for all these purposes.

Even a link to past discution would be a fine answere.

 

[Jola]

I'm far from an expert on the subject but this is what I have gathered from all of my soaping research. From the recipes I have seen it seems that:
baby bars are usually more "pure" - not a whole lot of added colors, scents or exfoliant materials.

dog bars seem to have added essential oils to help with "dog smell" and fleas etc (I'm a bit apprehensive personally, shying away from these recipes because I'm worried the EO's & FO's might be too harsh or in other ways aggravate fido)

Many recipes I've seen say they make a good body or shampoo bar so I haven't seen a whole lot of differentiation in those.

again, this is just what I've gathered from info I've read.

 

[topcat]

Yes, Jola, you are on the right track IMO. I do know that certain EOs are good for dogs and are used at a much lower % than those used for humans or they can irritate. Also shampoo bars for people have hair conditioning oils as part of their formulation, like castor, meadowfoam seed, etc.

Tanya

 

[dagmar88]

hey
Baby soap normally has an high olive oil level, dog soap often seems to have animal fat in it :roll: Should be good for their coats...

 

[brian0523]

I don't think I would ever make a dog soap. Dog's sense of smell is much more acute than ours, and god only knows how FO/EO affect them. But then again, dogs seem to love people food - so maybe a cheeseburger scented soap would make them happy?

 

[carebear]

In theory

1. Baby vs. Adult: babys soaps tend to be castile, lots of olive oil so mild. adults like castile too though. and since real soap stings the eye a lot I recommend commercial "detergent" baby wash for babies. or no soap at all
2. Dog vs. 2 legged dog : people skin has a low pH, don't know about dogs, most people don't lick their skin so maybe less of an issue with toxicity, dogs may be sensitive to some EOs
3. Dog vs. Baby: uh...
4. Shampoo vs. Soap: in reality, for most folks soap is a lousy idea on hair. the high pH of hand made soap (detergent is lower) roughens the cuticle - leaving it dry and rough. plus if you have hard water you will have more soap scum left on the hair shafts, so add sticky to the mix. some follow with a vinegar or citric acid rinse. There are a select few who don't have issues with it - they are the minority though. And you can try all sorts of different oils and combos - the story doesn't really change IME.

 

[Tabitha]

Most EOs can kill a cat, some can kill a dog. Be very careful if you choose to use them. Consult a vet or 2.

 

[barefootbody]

I guess in my house we are the minority. We use the soap as shampoo & really like it. I have the super corse hair & my cuticle is not any worse for the soap. In fact, my hair has fantastic shine. Other than that, I really don't find much difference between it & commercial shampoo.

We do have soft water. I never thought about it, never realized the PH might be so much higher than detergent.

 

[carebear]

much. the pH of soap is typically around 9.5-10.5, detergent products can be formulated to be neutral.

 

[barefootbody]

Hmmm. Now I don't know what to do! Keep using it or switch to store bought?

 

[carebear]

Hmmm. Now I don't know what to do! Keep using it or switch to store bought?

there is absolutely nothing wrong with using it if your hair and scalp are happy.