Of Handmade Soaps

Ladies, do you like handmade boutique soaps?

What are some of your favourite colours and fragrances?
Janesays, You're right I am looking into soapmaking.
Baba Yaga, Oh good idea, I haven't even thought of that! Thank you. I'll look into it.

A good Patchouli not to strong nice and earthy. Patchouli smells good with the right citrus top notes. Citrus is more volatile than patchouli so it's fragrance evaporates quicker. Vanilla might be a good middle note but I have a mix with Vetvier as the middle and it's pretty good.

If that confuses you start with peppermint or orange oil. I would use essential oil and not synthetic fragrances for your soap.

I made a few bars but I didn't like the way they turned out because they were made from melted glycerine. I didn't add any shea butter or anything. They didn't lather very well or hold the fragrance. Very cute though. I think it would be neat to put a cute little charm or something in the center of the soap.

Why You Should Use Handmade Soaps

 The very earliest soap recipe can be traced to the reign of Nabonidus in 556-539 BCE, where ashes, cypress oil and sesame oil were used. Ancient Egyptians were also regular bathers, and combined animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to create a soap-like material. Today handmade soaps are made with many of the same ingredients. They are a great alternative to traditional mass-produced soaps, and are free of chemicals.

Chemicals/Hazards of Conventional Soaps

More than 5,000 different chemical fragrances are put into soaps and cleaning products that are used on a daily basis. This is a far cry from the basic make-up of early soaps. Since fragrance formulas are regarded as trade secrets, manufacturers do not need to identify the chemical makeup of what is going into their soaps and body washes. Many groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council are fighting to have harmful substances banned from personal care products, and they claim that the Food and Drug Administration fails to regulate chemicals such as triclosan and triclocarban, which are suspected endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive and developmental harm in laboratory studies.

Some soap brands use inferior-quality chemicals that may actually worsen the condition of users skin. Chemicals like Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and parabens, or chemical preservatives, are commonly used in the mass production of bath soaps. Ninty-five percent of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum such as benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Human consumption is not the only issue; recently the Canadian government announced it would add two silicon-based chemicals found in soap and hundreds of other personal-care products to its list of toxic chemicals after tests showed they posed a danger to wildlife.

Benefits of Handmade Soaps

Handmade soaps also allow the maker to be creative and experiment with many different oils, essences, natural exfoliates. Since these soaps are hand-crafted, they are able to have a wider variety of looks and styles. Handmade soaps can make unique gifts or party favors that are specifically tailored. From baby and wedding showers to birthdays, handmade soaps are a great way to make a personal and customized gift. Compared to conventional bar soaps, handmade soaps are very mild since most are made from vegetable-based oils, like as olive, coconut, and palm. Glycerin is another key difference between commercial soaps and handmade soaps. Glycerin is a clear organic compound that absorbs water and keeps skin moist. Since glycerin is so useful, it only makes sense for soap manufacturers to remove it, right?

Glycerin is usually removed from soap during the manufacturing process to be used in skin creams and more expensive soap products. This is why most bar soaps often leave skin feeling dry. Handmade soaps leave that valuable glycerin in, and often add additional natural ingredients that improve skin's texture and health rather than worsen it. Soaps made with natural ingredients tend to irritate skin less and are not tested on animals. Handmade soap is fairly simple to make, and you can find a variety of formulas and instructional guides online for all types of soap-making: melt and pour, cold process hot process and rebatching.

If you would rather purchase handmade soaps from a soap artisan, there are many online venues that sell hand-crafted soaps, like ArtFire.com.

Lily Evans is an independent author and marketing consultant.

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Maui Tropical Soaps Clearly Hawaiian Glycerin Soap Coconut Mango, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: $20.97 Sale Price: $11.95 You save: $9.02 (43%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Clearly hawaii is no ka ‘oi (the best) because we make them completely from scratch using only people and earth friendly ingredients; the results speak for themselves. clearly hawaii soaps pamper your skin while they sooth your soul with their extra rich, creamy lather and luscious tropical fragrances. truly from scratch.... maui tropical soaps is one of only a handful of companies in the entire world that make glycerin soap completely from scratch. making from scratch gives us a level of quality and control that others just can't match, and it’s why our soaps look and feel better than any other glycerin soap in the world! Features They gently lift dirt from your skin leaving you refreshed, moisturized, and smelling great for hours. Nothing says Hawaii like Coconut Mango fragrance We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Provence Lavender / Jasmine Grandiflorum with Sea and Rose Clay Soap(Face and Body) Sale Price: $9.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Rich lather, bits of lavender flowers and the relaxing scent of lavender and jasmine in this beautiful lavender oil used in our soap is imported from the Haute Province of southern France, wild lavenders original home. Every skin type benefits from lavender oil, but it is particularly good for dry skin. With the addition of mango butter and avocado oil, it makes this soap extra creamy with lots of natural moisture. Jasmine grandiflorum flowers grown in India - also known as 'Royal' Jasmine. This is an exceptionally fine example of the classic Jasmine aroma. Jasmine is a component of most of the world's fine perfumes for a good reason. French rose-pink clay and sea clay are added to absorb dirt oil and toxins from the skin while it cleanses and tones for soft and radiant skin. Unlike other clays, French rose-pink clay and sea clay are mild enough to be use every day without drying out your skin. Features Our Natural soaps are crafted using natural herbs, spices & clays and are scented with 100% pure essential oils. These completely natural soaps contain no artificial colors or fragrances All of our soaps are made in small batches to ensure the quality of each batch. We hand stir, hand cut and hand wrap every bar. We even make our own wrapper. Every bar is given a long cure period so that when it reaches you it is mild and ready to use.. We hand-make many different varieties of soap. We use ingredients such as almond and hazel nut oils, brazil nut oil, tee tree oil, copaiba oil, avocado oil, and palm oil all from the Amazon Rain Forest .

Maui Tropical Soaps Traditional Hawaiin Soap 3 Bar Gift Set On Monkey Pod Tray, 20-Ounce List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $12.59 You save: $7.40 (37%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Maui tropical soaps' traditional line is the connoisseur choice, and is a product of evolution, not revolution. each bar is made with only the finest raw ingredients; loaded with essential fatty acids for healthy radiant skin and exotic oils to lift your spirit. some of our soaps even contain flowers that were grown on maui. absolutely everything is made with our own hands. these soaps are the richest, creamiest, most decadent soaps available, bar none. beautiful soaps need a beautiful presentation, and we've even given you two options: a stylish band-wrap, or an elegant presentation box. the look is reminiscent of old hawaiian woodblock prints and 40's vintage aloha clothing, but with a clean, modern twist that we call nuvo-hawaiiana. either way, you'll add a touch of hawaiian class to your bath. Features This set contains an assortment of 3 of our most popular fragrances, and they come dressed on a beautiful wooden tray. This is a great gift for someone you care about, and also makes a wonderful affordable luxury when you deserve a little treat. Enjoy! We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Maui Tropical Soaps Hawaiian Guest Soap Gardenia, 1.5-Ounce (Pack of 4) List Price: $11.96 Sale Price: $8.16 You save: $3.80 (32%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Maui tropical soaps' traditional line is the connoisseur choice, and is a product of evolution, not revolution. each bar is made with only the finest raw ingredients; loaded with essential fatty acids for healthy radiant skin and exotic oils to lift your spirit. some of our soaps even contain flowers that were grown on maui. absolutely everything is made with our own hands. these soaps are the richest, creamiest, most decadent soaps available, bar none. beautiful soaps need a beautiful presentation, and we've even given you two options: a stylish band-wrap, or an elegant presentation box. the look is reminiscent of old hawaiian woodblock prints and 40's vintage aloha clothing, but with a clean, modern twist that we call nuvo-hawaiiana. either way, you'll add a touch of hawaiian class to your bath. Features These soaps have tropical oils renowned for healing and moisturizing. No more razor burn, this soap is the best for shaving We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Handmade Florida Citrus Sunshine with Mango Butter Soap Sale Price: $9.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description This blend of Floridas grapefruit , Valencia oranges and lemon essential oils most noted for their delicious juices are the ultimate cure to ease the strains and stresses of the day. Our citrus essential oil smells like a fresh sliced lemon, orange and grapefruit. Lemon is thought to help with concentration and to reduce cellulite when used in body oils and scrubs. This highly astringent oil helps oily skin and hair. With the addition of mango butter ,avocado , palm and coconut oil you will feel like your bathing on the shores of South beach. Features Our old-fashioned handcrafted natural soaps are created in small batches using a variety of natural oils, butters & botanicals from the U.S to the Rain Forest of Brazil, the hills of Italy , the Provencal countryside of France to ancient Egypt These ingredients are carefully chosen for their many benefits. Moisturizing, cleansing, & soothing just to name a few. Our Natural soaps are crafted using natural herbs, spices & clays and are scented with 100% pure essential oils. These completely natural soaps contain no artificial colors or fragrances

Maui Tropical Soaps Clearly Hawaiian Glycerin Soap Rain Forest, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: $20.97 Sale Price: $11.03 You save: $9.94 (47%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Clearly hawaii is no ka ‘oi (the best) because we make them completely from scratch using only people and earth friendly ingredients; the results speak for themselves. clearly hawaii soaps pamper your skin while they sooth your soul with their extra rich, creamy lather and luscious tropical fragrances. truly from scratch.... maui tropical soaps is one of only a handful of companies in the entire world that make glycerin soap completely from scratch. making from scratch gives us a level of quality and control that others just can't match, and it’s why our soaps look and feel better than any other glycerin soap in the world! Features They gently lift dirt from your skin leaving you refreshed, moisturized, and smelling great for hours. Made completely by hand and from scratch We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Primal Elements White Cat 6.3 Oz. Handmade Glycerin Bar Soap Sale Price: $6.05   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description The colors and shapes of Primal Elements soaps coordinate with unique scents for a beautifully fragrant presentation; all soaps contain vegetable glycerin, which moisturizes the skin with a luxurious lather that rinses cleanly away. Primal Elements soaps are made by hand using pure essential oils or popular fragrance oils. Made in the USA. Features Our furry feline plays in a bar of fresh berries intertwined with soft flowers and a warm mossy finish. Take a relaxing vacation in your home with these great soaps. Primal Elements bath and body products are made with the highest quality ingredients. Primal Elements soaps are handmade in the USA. Primal Elements products are cruelty free.

Maui Tropical Soaps Traditional Hawaiian Soap Hana Ginger, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: $22.47 Sale Price: $13.74 You save: $8.73 (39%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Maui tropical soaps' traditional line is the connoisseur choice, and is a product of evolution, not revolution. each bar is made with only the finest raw ingredients; loaded with essential fatty acids for healthy radiant skin and exotic oils to lift your spirit. some of our soaps even contain flowers that were grown on maui. absolutely everything is made with our own hands. these soaps are the richest, creamiest, most decadent soaps available, bar none. beautiful soaps need a beautiful presentation, and we've even given you two options: a stylish band-wrap, or an elegant presentation box. the look is reminiscent of old hawaiian woodblock prints and 40's vintage aloha clothing, but with a clean, modern twist that we call nuvo-hawaiiana. either way, you'll add a touch of hawaiian class to your bath. Features These soaps have tropical oils renowned for healing and moisturizing. No more razor burn, this soap is the best for shaving We use earth friendly ingredients that speak for themselves

Egyptian Geranium with French Rose Clay- Cocoa Butter and Crushed Flowers Soap Sale Price: $9.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Our Geranium soap with French rose clay, cleans and balances the complexion by removing excess oils without drying your skin. French rose clay is good for those with either oily skin or dry congested skin.. The natural fragrance comes from the essential oil of Egyptian rose geranium, sweet, heavy aroma, sophisticated, fresh floral somewhat like rose with a minty overtone. Pelargonium graveolens, the rose-scented geranium, belongs to the same plant genus as the popular red-flowered window box geranium. Geraniums are native to arid areas of South Africa's Cape Province. The plant is highly drought resistant, thanks to its semi-succulent, water-conserving stems and leaves. Popular during the Victorian era, rose geranium was often kept potted in parlors were a fresh sprig was always available to revive the senses. The fresh leaves were also offered in finger bowls at formal dining tables. Today, geranium is an indispensable aromatherapy oil. It's one of the best skincare oils, offering relief from congested, oily and dry skin. On an emotional level, geranium promotes stability and balance. Our products never contain synthetic fragrance oils. Created with French rose clay to absorb dirt oil and toxins from the skin while it cleanses and tones for soft and radiant skin. Unlike other clays, French rose clay is mild enough to be use every day without drying out your skin . With a olive , palm, and coconut oil base and cocoa butter added for richness, it makes this soap a wonderful soap with amazing lather and scent. Finally we fold in crushed flowers to make the soap a real mild natural exfoliant. Features Our old-fashioned handcrafted natural soaps are created in small batches using a variety of natural oils, butters & botanicals Our Natural soaps are crafted using natural herbs, spices & clays and are scented with 100% pure essential oils. These completely natural soaps contain no artificial colors or fragrances All of our soaps are made in small batches to ensure the quality of each batch. We hand stir, hand cut and hand wrap every bar. We even make our own wrapper. Every bar is given a long cure period so that when it reaches you it is mild and ready to use.. We hand-make many different varieties of soap. We use ingredients such as almond and hazel nut oils, brazil nut oil, tee tree oil, copaiba oil, avocado oil, and palm oil all from the Amazon Rain Forest .

Primal Elements Candy Cane 6.3 Oz. Handmade Glycerin Bar Soap Sale Price: $6.05   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description The colors and shapes of Primal Elements soaps coordinate with unique scents for a beautifully fragrant presentation; all soaps contain vegetable glycerin, which moisturizes the skin with a luxurious lather that rinses cleanly away. Primal Elements soaps are made by hand using pure essential oils or popular fragrance oils. Made in the USA. Features Peppermint and spearmint accented with the fresh ozonic notes blended with orange, tangerine lily, jasmine and musk. Take a relaxing vacation in your home with these great soaps. Primal Elements bath and body products are made with the highest quality ingredients. Primal Elements soaps are handmade in the USA. Primal Elements products are cruelty free.