I’ve let go of liquid soaps in the last few years and opted to used classic solid soaps for my hygiene but between trendy scents or seasonal supply I haven’t been able to find a soap I can stay with.
This led me to consider making my own soap but is it worth it?
Artisanal soaps are expensive and hard to find in my country and mostly pass the notion they are targetting luxury customers and not making something for everyone to use and enjoy and trying to make an effort to create change.
I am aware initial costs have to be considered and that there is a learning to it.
Ive been making my own liquid body for about 6 months and it doesn’t include castil soap or putting bar soap in water. All the ingredients are available online and the end result comes out to a fraction of the price of store bought. It’s also a great option for allergen control as all 7 of the ingredients are low reactives.
I’m currently pushing into shampoo and conditioner, both are a little more work than the body wash as they need to be heated and ph balanced. If my research is correct, all three can be made as concentrates for long term storage and all you have to do is add it to the water and xanthum gum before use.
If you’re interested in getting into it, hit me up and I’ll give you the deets. I have incredibly specific preferences in texture, smell, and experience so it’s not perfect by my standards, but it’s fucking amazing compared to buying it at the store and I’ve wanted root beer scented body wash since I was a child. Plus, you don’t need anything special for the body wash, I mix it in a 4 cup measuring cup and put it in aldi Condament bottles.
That seems extremely interesting. Should I DM you?
Measurements in % by volume, I find ml to be the best option
Water mixture: In a container mix 1,4 vigorously to incorporate xanthum gum. (Milk frother, mixer, drill with whisk, it takes a lot because dry xg is hydrophobic) set aside for ~20min, stir periodically to disperse chunks.
Soap mixture: In a a second container, fold together 2,3,5,6,7 gently with spatula to avoid bubbles.
When water mixture is sufficiently gloopy, mix vigorously until masses have broken up and mixture is thick but smooth. (Not nessesary but fun and makes for better texture.)
In the bottle you plan to use (soap bottle, ketchup bottle with squeeze top, really anything with a set volume and lid.) Add soap mix to 39% of final volume. Add water mix to fill remaining 61% volume.
Close bottle tightly and shake vigorously until contents combined.
Notes:
I’m not a scientist or professional so look up each chemical and make sure you’re not allergic, these are supposed to be the least likely to be allergic to, but I’m not your doctor and I don’t know you.
I never got past making liquid hands soap, is the process any different?
My partner has a coconut allergy, so I had to learn how to make soap, I just find the process a bit existing right now. Hoping to make some bar soap in the near future once spoons are available
I posted the recipe and directions as a reply to OP’s reply if you wanna check it out. Cocamidopropyl betaine is processes from coconuts but is supposedly to be hypoallergenic. I’d test it on her carefully before investing in it. Personally I find it so much less taxing than bar soap.