New to soap making...many questions!!!

20 years ago

Hello! I am just starting out with MP, and have a TON of questions. Please excuse my ignorance, any input is greatly appreciated!!

1. Can you use metal bowls/ molds for MP? I read that fresh soap shouldn't contact metal, but suspect this is for making soap from scratch due to the lye.

2. How can you be sure that so-called natural bases do not contain added chemicals? (I was planning on buying 'Life of the Party' avocado cucumber base from Michael's, but no ingredients are listed).

3.How many times can you remelt the base (I have a feeling I might mess up a few before I get it right LOL)

4.What is the difference between glycerin and regular soap, and is there a 'natural' transparent soap?

5. What is the difference between soap and detergent- is one petroleum based?

Thanks a bunch :)

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Comments (4)

Terri_PacNW
20 years ago
This might have some answers for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: M&P FAQ's
greenfaerie
20 years ago
most mp is not natural. i dare someone to find some that is 100% natural. i doubt there would be many if any at all. if it doesn't have the ingredients listed i would steer clear of that brand. you may need to visit their website to see the list though. there are some really nice bases out there though and i want to say bramble berry had a natural base (or at least a %age), but i could be wrong.
jmcjs
19 years ago
I'm pretty new to soapmaking myself. I've done M&P and rebatching, but no CP. As far as a natural M&P base, I just found this site http://www.wisterialane.com/index.asp?PageAction=COMPANY and she says her M&P soap bases are all natural, except the clear. I'm going to give her a try!

Here is a link that might be useful: wisteria lane
gw:cosmeticgrade_com
19 years ago
2. How can you be sure that so-called natural bases do not contain added chemicals? (I was planning on buying 'Life of the Party' avocado cucumber base from Michael's, but no ingredients are listed).

You cant really be sure unless you buy all natural lotion base that has the ingredients listed. You can usually get this in sizes from half a gallon and up in most online soap and cosmetic stores.

3. How many times can you remelt the base (I have a feeling I might mess up a few before I get it right LOL)

You can re-melt the base a whole lot, the ingredients you have in the soap will begin to break down with the heat so you may have to add more (fragrances / essential oil)

4. What is the difference between glycerin and regular soap, and is there a 'natural' transparent soap?
The difference between Glycerin and Synthetic "regular" soap is just that, the Glycerin. Glycerin serves as a emollient (soften and smooth skin) and humectants (absorbs water from the air and moistens skin).

Here is a link that might be useful: Wholesale Soap Supplies