soap making

Article by Sidney Lynn

Herbal soaps created from a soap base or entirely from scratch using the cold or hot process method of soap making, will save you money and are an excellent alternative to commercial cosmetic soaps that contain harmful preservatives and can easily damage the skin. Free of irritants that commonly cause breaks outs and rashes or clog pores and dry your skin, herbal soaps offer a refreshing environmentally friendly alternative to commercially made soaps.

Herbs are known for their medicinal, aromatic and skin soothing properties and a basic soap recipe that includes herbs offers time proven cosmetic benefits. The key to creating successful and beneficial herbal soap recipes is a high quality basic soap formula that contains soothing and non-irritating ingredients Also necessary is a basic knowledge of herbs to determine which herbal soap recipe to use for which type of skin.

Taking a look at ingredients will help you to decide which type of herbal soap recipe to choose to meet the specific requirements on your soap making list. The first requirement for a cosmetic grade herbal soap is a gentle creamy and soothing base. The second is to know which herbs contain the properties necessary for the required results. Never choose poor quality ingredients. Remember that your herbal soap recipes are only as good as the ingredients they contain.

Basic Recipe Ingredients For Cold Process Herbal Soaps

When looking through the thousands of recipes available be certain that the following ingredients are included in the basic recipe. An excellent, gentle and beneficial facial soap prepared using the cold process method would include the following ingredients:

* 5 % Castor oil

* 10% canola oil

* 10% sunflower oil

* 25% olive oil

* 25% palm oil

* 25% coconut oil

Basic Recipe Ingredients For Melt And Pour Herbal Soap Bases

* All vegetable oil. Never use any animal oil. Animal oils leave a film and soapy residue.

* No drying alcohol

* Glycerin, this is a natural moisturizer that draws moisture from the air and is extremely beneficial for dry skin

* Distilled and deodorized clear coconut oil which creates creaminess and lather.

* Shea butter bases and goats milk bases are also excellent choices for dry or sensitive skin

Herbs -Add To Basic Soap Recipe

* Basil: This is a lovely fresh and aromatic smelling herb excellent for gentle cleansing.

* Lavender: Adds a charmingly old fashioned fragrance and has superior healing properties. Reduces blemishes and redness.

* Rosemary: This sweetly pungent herb is well known for its astringent properties and is an exceptional addition for treatment of oily skin.

* Aloe vera. While not generally considered an herb, this plant is widely used in cosmetic formulations due to its amazingly soothing and healing properties. It soothes, moisturizes, decreases redness and is excellent for all skin types.

* Peppermint- This refreshingly scented herb is often used in cosmetics to soothe and relax muscles as well as to impart an exhilarating and refreshing scent.

Choose the base, add herbs, and create endless possibilities!

soap making