Pure Soapmaking

Synopsis

The pure luxury of soaps made with coconut butter, almond oil, aloe vera, oatmeal, and green tea is one of life's little pleasures. And with the help of Anne-Marie Faiola, author of Soap Crafting and Milk Soaps, it's easy to make luscious, all-natural soaps right in your own kitchen. This collection of 32 recipes ranges from simple castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. Begin with a combination of skin-nourishing oils and then add blueberry puree, dandelion-infused water, almond milk, coffee grounds, mango and avocado butters, black tea, or other delicious ingredients - and then scent your soap with pure essential oils. Step-by-step photography guides you through every stage of cold-process soapmaking.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Basics of Soapmaking

* Covers the scientific process of soapmaking and the ingredients involved (fats, lye, and water).
* Example: A simple recipe for a basic bar of soap using olive oil, lye, and distilled water.

Chapter 2: Choosing Your Ingredients

* Discusses different types of fats and oils for soapmaking, as well as their properties and benefits.
* Example: Comparing the characteristics of olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil in soapmaking.

Chapter 3: Calculating Lye

* Provides detailed instructions on how to calculate the correct amount of lye needed for a specific recipe.
* Example: Calculating the lye amount for a soap recipe using the saponification value of olive oil.

Chapter 4: Mixing and Blending

* Guides through the process of mixing lye and water safely, then adding the oils and blending until the soap reaches trace.
* Example: Step-by-step instructions for mixing and blending a batch of soap using a hand mixer.

Chapter 5: Molding and Cutting

* Explains different types of soap molds and how to prepare them for pouring the soap.
* Example: Using a loaf mold to create a large bar of soap, then cutting it into individual bars.

Chapter 6: Curing and Unmolding

* Discusses the importance of curing soap and provides instructions on how to unmold it properly.
* Example: Curing a batch of soap in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks before unmolding and using it.

Chapter 7: Superfatting and Rebatching

* Covers the concept of superfatting (adding extra oil to soap), rebatching (remelting and re-blending soap), and the benefits of both techniques.
* Example: Adding 10% superfat to a soap recipe for added moisturizing properties.

Chapter 8: Adding Colorants and Scents

* Provides information on different types of colorants and scents that can be used in soapmaking.
* Example: Using natural herbs like rosemary as a colorant and essential oils like lavender for fragrance.

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting

* Offers solutions to common soapmaking problems, such as soft bars, separation, and rancidity.
* Example: Troubleshooting a soap batch that has become too soft by adding more lye or rebatching it with additional hard oils.