Standards:
I use all vegetable ingredients, of a high quality, whose
country of origin and method of refinement are guaranteed by reputable
local distributors. I am committed to finding and using the highest
quality ingredients. That means:
- No artificial colorants,
only plant based pigments and FDA approved minerals in small quantities.
- No artificial scents,
like flavor oils and fragrance oils. Only 100% pure minimally processed
natural essential oils.
- No artificial preservatives
or enhancers.
- No animal products, or
cheap filler oils like soybean, cottonseed, safflower, etc. I have
had bad experiences with these.
General
Soap Ingredients:
Palm
oil: I use it because it's inexpensive, and it blends
well.
Coconut oil:
This produces the best lather of any oil, bar-none. To much
can over-dry.
Palm Kernel oil:
One of the hardest and most saturated vegetable oils. Like
Coconut it is high in Lauric Acid.
Olive oil:
I use only pure Olive, not the cheaper Pomace variety. It
contributes mildness and humectant properties.
Castor oil:
A powerful emollient and humectant, because it contains Ricinoleic
Acid.
Avocado oil: Very
high in Vitamins and unsaponifiable nutrients that remain unchanged
by the soapmaking process.
Sweet Almond oil:
Similar to Avocado in conditioning properties.
Shea Butter:
Called Karite in Africa, where it has long been used for skin
care . I've tried about a dozen butters, and found this best for soap.
Cocoa Butter:
Heavily scented and very hard and waxy.
Grapefruit Seed
Extract: One of the best and most expensive all natural
preservatives available. It contains high levels of anti-oxidants
that extend the life of the soap.
Soap
Varieties:
Marshmallow:
Marshmallow Root (Althea Officianalis), Marigold Flowers (Calendula
Officianalis), Sweet Orange EO, Vanilla Extract, Balsam of Peru, and
Annatto (color)
Marshmallow root has been used for centuries to cure a wide range
of ailments. In fact marshmallows were originally sweetened medicinal
prescriptions made by pharmacists. Calendula has also been used
to treat sensitive skin for a long time it is said to soften skin
tone and reduce rashes. Balsam Peru is a sweet sticky resin said
to heal damaged skin.
Lemon Sage:
Sage, Lemon EO, Sage EO, Turmeric (color), Chlorophyll (color)
Lemon and Sage are both astringents, good for oily skin, and invigorating
scents used by aroma therapists to treat boredom, depression etc.
Oatmeal Peppermint:
Peppermint, Oat Bran, Peppermint EO, Wintergreen EO, Chlorophyll (color)
Peppermint is also invigorating and slightly stimulating
on contact, which may irritate some. Oat bran is exfoliating and contains
the substance Avenine which counteracts allergic reactions.
Frankincense
and Myrhh: Myrhh gum, Frankincense EO, Clary Sage
EO, Patchouli EO, Madder Root (color)
Aside from having a lovely exotic scent, Myrhh is a natural anti-bacterial
agent, and Frankincense has long been used as an anti-inflammatory.
Grapefruit Citrus:
Pink Grapefruit EO, Lemon EO, Lime EO, Sweet Orange EO, Madder
Root (color), Turmeric (color), Paprika (color)
Refreshing, clean, and slightly astringent. Lots of anti-oxidants.
Wild Rose: Rose
Buds, Bois de Rose EO, Palma Rosa EO, Patchouli EO, Madder Root (color),
Rose Hips (color)
A gentle flowery scent.
Evergreen Forest:
Sweet Birch EO, Black Spruce EO, Scotch Pine EO, Canadian
Fir EO, Oakmoss Absolute, Chlorophyll (color), Blue Ultramarine (pigment)
Scandanavians have used birch branches in their saunas for centuries.
The oils transfered from the needles to the skin leave a warm clean
feeling, improving circulation. The Spruce, Pine and Fir create a
pleasant blend that hikers will instantly recognize.
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