Guest guest Posted April 2, 2004 Report Share Posted April 2, 2004 I'm sure these questions have been asked 100's of times before, but being new to the group and to the hobby of soapmaking, I was hoping I could ask for advice. Although I've never made a single batch of soap, I've spent the past few weeks researching the topic, and I'm gearing up to make some soap. While reading through multiple books and a number of wonderful websites, a few questions have come up. The first question is about fats and oils. I've noticed that everyone uses their own mixture of oils/fats to make soap, but is there someplace where I can obtain information about the pluses and minuses of each type of oil/fat? For instance, I've read that coconut oil is harsh on the skin, is this true? I'm also curious about the lather-producing qualities of each oil/fat, and the hardness of the final product. My second question is about fragrances. Are essential oils better than fragrance oils, and if so, why? Do some soapmakers frown upon using fragrance oils? My third question is about superfatting. Is it better to add this oil at the beginning with the other oils, or when the reaction reaches trace (if added at the beginning, there is no control over which oil remains un-saponified). This begs the next question, are there some oils which are better to use for superfatting (actually, this is probably the very first question all over again!). My last question is about antioxidants or anti-rancidity agents. Is it common to use them, what do people use, and does it really improve the longevity of the product? Again, thank you so much for all your input, and I've already learned a lot from the list! Thank you!! Blaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2004 Report Share Posted April 2, 2004 Hi Blaine, and welcome to the group! Here's a link to one of my favorite soapmaking sites. When I started making soap (about 6 years ago now) I printed tons of information from here. http://www.millersoap.com/ Hope this helps! Katy (Naples, NY) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2004 Report Share Posted April 3, 2004 If you go to Kathy 's site (www.millersoap.com) she has all the information about oil properties there. SHe posts all her recipes there too for people to use and try. She also notes which are her favorite. It doesn't matter if you superfat at the beginning or adding oils at the end. In the end, it's all (minus your superfatting %) going to saponify and the lye doesn't care what goes first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 Adoniel <adoniel@...> wrote: I am an aspiring perfumer. I have been reading and documenting my self as much as I can during the last few weeks. I have also began stocking up on oils and other supplies. While I don't frequent this group as often as I would like for lack of time I do enjoy reading posts, and learning from other members. I have some questions and was wondering if some of the members can help. 1. Can absolutes and essential oils be mixed in a perfume blend? > Absolutely no pun intented LOL 2. Can an alcohol based tincture such as Ambergris or Civet be added to an oil based perfume? >what happens is that it tends to separate in to molecules of oil and alcohol.... you would be better macerating some ambergris or civet..or precipitate alot before using. If it is just for you then you could do that .... if for someone else I would consider it carefully. 3. Why do some oils don't mix or blend and stay at the bottom of the container as a floating deposit? ..> if you are using a lower % of alcohol...... we usually recommend 96% and that problem is alleviated. Sometimes with some oleo resins one has to heat gently to pour into the alcohol and even then to stand it in a cup of hot water to gently disperse the resins evenly into the alcohol. 4. Is there any benefit or advantage between making oil based perfumes and an alcohol ones? Is one better than the other? > this is all to personal preference... Remember if using an oil based perfume to double up on your top notes as the oil tends to absorb them quicker as their evaporation point is faster. 5. Besides Mandy Aftel's book " Essence and Alchemy " are there any other books in a similar style and as easy to read, and understand available that other members can recommend? > Chrissie Wildwoods make your own perfume, Mindy Green and Kathy Keville have an informative section about perfume in their book 'Aromatherapy a complete guide to the healing Art' and Ivan Days 'Perfumery with Herbs.... all very enjoyable reads and understand. There is also Piesses book which Is called the Art of perfumery...... Thank you in advance for your time and kindness in addressing my questions. I really appreciate it. A pleasure and welcome..... if you have any other questions there will be always someone to help and guide you and enjoy the files and links much there for you to get into with every good wish Janit haan Natural Perfumer Janita Haan Perfume http://www.janitahaan.com coming http://hayspace.co.uk Janita's Attar http://wwwjanitasattars.blogspot.com --------------------------------- Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Tryit now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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