Teach Soap

Okay, got my clays, and now I have more questions. (Surprise, surprise!)

Genny, I'll direct this one to you: I did get some Dead Sea Mud from FNWL. My question is, is it supposed to be so, um, liquidy? Would I need to deduct some of my lye-dissolving liquid to compensate?

I got some bentonite (as I plan to formulate some shaving soap, soon, hopefully!), and the red clay for the requested facial soap. I also got some Fuller's earth, which I hope to make mechanic's soap with.

What should I be looking at for amounts? An ounce per pound of oils? More? Less?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Thanks for the help.

Anita

I haven't worked with a lot of clays...just bentonite, white kaolin, and rose so far...and have been using them at 1 teaspoon per pound of oils.

Methree is correct. When using clays always start off with 1tsp per pound of oils or you can even start with less. If you use too much the soap can be very, very drying to the skin.

The clays absorb water so the soap batter sets up faster. Not having thought about it ahead of time, my first swirl with clay was interesting.

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

I am getting ready to make my first soaps and I picked dragons blood as I love love love the smell and it can be used for any kind of soap from what I have read but it discolors a little I think they said do to the vannila in it so I decided on some yellow clay , I figure if it discolors to a yellow orange or red the yellow clay will go with it and not clash. Has anyone used clay like this befor?

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

Oh ok I dont mind color I just figured if it was only a little discolord I could use the clay I will save the clay for facial bars or some such once I get a few basic stuff under the belt

You can use up to 1 Tablespoon of clay ppo. I vary my amount based upon the reason I am using it. To provide slip for a shaving soap, to color, as a fixative, or for its properties. But, no matter your reason, the general rule of thumb for clay is up to 1 Tbs. ppo. One tip though, I find it easier to remove some batter and blend the clay into that batter, then dump the mixed batter back into the pot or the portion that I want colored with the clay. This helps to keep clumping down and you can watch your trace better too.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

For clays, I prefer to hydrate them in a little water first before adding to a soap batch.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I hydrate clays in water as well..much easier to incorporate.

I actually use my mini mixer and mix them with a littl bit oil before I add them to soap. I don't know about anyone else but I've kind of noticed a little bit of a color difference in shade if I use oil as oppose to water.