Why oh WHY???

[Misschief]

I just wanted to point out (in case no one noticed) that in the dermatological study results DeeAnna posted above, the soap with the highest pH - Johnson's Baby Oat soap with a pH of 12.4- rated the lowest on the irritability index scale.

That just goes to show how tenuous it is to rely on pH as an indicator of soap safety. Dr. Kevin Dunn said pretty much the same thing in his book, 'Scientific Soapmaking' on page 371.

By the way- Dr. Dunn also devotes a few pages of his book in Chapter 4 to the Tongue Test (zap test). He considers it a valid test and gives instructions on how to do it properly.


IrishLass

I did notice that and it made me do a double take!

 

[Susie]

notapantsday-How much actual soap making experience do you have? I am not trying to be ugly here, but this discussion is beginning to remind me of the "purely theoretical" conversations of students. I need to know that you have actual experience making soap so that I know how to proceed from here.

 

[JayJay]

DeeAnna, thanks for looking out for us who still consider ourselves newbies. I, for one, appreciate your efforts and I know I am not alone.

Ditto for all the others who so selflessly and generously share your knowledge which you have learned through experimenting and experience. I wish I could name you all, but there are so many and I would hate to forget someone who regularly contributes and patiently answers questions, all simply for the love of soaping. You know who you are, and you are valued. All of you.

I second this as well!

And DeeAnna, I am not sure if this helps you to feel better but please know that although this particular person may not appear to get what you are saying, the rest of us are reading and digesting the information. Tonight, I realized that I was able to follow most of what was said! That is HUGE for me. I have gained so much from you and also learned from several other people on this forum (most have appeared on this thread). I feel so lucky to be here.

So, you may feel frustrated because the other party didn't seem to come around, but if it had not been for this conversation, those of us who are following wouldn't have had the benefit of reading all of your responses and information.

Thanks you all for being willing to explain until you are blue in the face!

 

[notapantsday]

Didn't see the latest response before posting, editing my post right now.

 

[DeeAnna]

I reconsidered my last post ... and I deleted it. It was respectful and factual, but I think it will simply keep the pot boiling and I would prefer to let this thread simmer down. Thanks to all who have made positive comments and shared encouraging words. I appreciate it!!!

 

[doriettefarm]

DeeAnna - you have infinitely more patience than I do . . . I was tempted to say something not-so-nice back on page 6 of the thread! Thanks as always for the chemistry lesson and reality check

 

[notapantsday]

I want to thank you as well. Regardless of the outcome of this thread, I have learned a lot from your posts and I will continue to do so.

 

[DeeAnna]

To everyone, including NAPD -- thanks again for your kindness! I'm sure there will be more chances for healthy debate, and I look forward to them ... after a breather. For now, I think I'm going to head over to the "What soapy thing have you done today?" thread and see what kinds of soapy fun happened this weekend!

 

[Dharlee]

I know this thread got crazy hijacked and probably needs to go to thread heaven (or somewhere) but I just want to say to DeeAnna that I have learned volumes from you. I have from very many here, but most especially from you. And I am very appreciative of it. I think many times people don't remember to be nice and say thank you. I just wanted to.

 

[Dana89]

Screw You

Tsk Tsk- Oprah would not approve of that.

But hey what do we know, we are just a bunch of morons who will never be capable of doing anything more than Farmers markets because we don't want to use a test that has no validity on whether or not our soap is lye heavy.:roll:

 

[hlee]

I also want to thank you DeeAnna for explaining the chemistry side of soap making and for having the patience to explain it over and over in different ways until even I can understand it. It is appreciated so very much!
Thanks to everyone else also for all the information shared here.
It is such a great group of soap makers we have here and feels like a good time to thank you for all the help you have given me and let you know how much it is appreciated . Soap on!

 

[TwystedPryncess]

Dern I missed the whole thing! Now why do people like that got to act like they are Queen Elizabeth just because they've made some soap? Ugh. My hillbilly is coming out. Thank you Deanna for all of your posts and info, and your grace. Now I have masses to catch up on, so much for the new vampire book.

 

[DeeAnna]

Vampire book? <perked ears> Do tell, Pryncess!

 

[hmlove1218]

Not positive, but I'm guessing the new Twilight book that just came out. If so, Pryncess, you'll have to let me know if it's any good!

 

[LittleCrazyWolf]

I haven't been on very much lately but just finished catching up on this thread. Whoa. Since it looks like the actual soapy talk is finished I will just weigh in on the new vampire book...

I saw it at the store yesterday and was really tempted to buy it but money is tight right now (pocket money is non-existent). I am all about seeing a story from different viewpoints...I play my RPG video games multiple times just to experience all the different possible storylines, endings, and slight changes in the dialogue. This book is like a siren's call to me!

All that to say that if someone does read the book, please take pity and let me know if it is worth buying. If so, I'm pretty sure my hubby will buy it for my birthday. He's so awesome about catering to my compulsions and geekiness.

 

[BrewerGeorge]

It was REALLY panned on goodreads.

 

[Susie]

Which book?

 

[SoapyGoats]

Wow, what a heavy read! Thanks DeeAnna for all your insight

And yeah, which book?
LittleCrazyWolf...try a kindle...you can get all kinds of free (it's great!) books for kindles on Amazon! Although the kindle itself isn't cheap...

 

[Margo]

Why

I don't understand what's to love about your recipes if the soap doesn't come out right.

You must use a calculator to calculate the lye usage in your soap recipe
If you weigh the ingredients precisely then there is no problem.

The temperature of the oils and lye solution must be the same (about 110 degrees). Usage of a stick blender and bringing the soap to trace is very important. Pouring it too soon will result in a separation of ingredients.

I have made goat milk soap over and over again and each time it comes out the same. BTW my soap is hot-processed which leaves very little room for error.

Happy soaper
Margo

 

[shunt2011]

I don't understand what's to love about your recipes if the soap doesn't come out right.

You must use a calculator to calculate the lye usage in your soap recipe
If you weigh the ingredients precisely then there is no problem.

The temperature of the oils and lye solution must be the same (about 110 degrees). Usage of a stick blender and bringing the soap to trace is very important. Pouring it too soon will result in a separation of ingredients.

I have made goat milk soap over and over again and each time it comes out the same. BTW my soap is hot-processed which leaves very little room for error.

Happy soaper
Margo

I need disagree with you on the oils/lye needing to be the same temperature. That's just not true.

Many use room temp oils and add hot lye and then many (me) soap at room temp.

I haven't measured temperature since I first started.

Precise measuring is most important. As well as using a calculator for your lye.