Teach Soap

I made a batch of Pine Tar soap this past weekend after a friend asked me about any soap that might help with poison ivy. I used the Soaping101 tutorial and recipe that was in the link I posted above, although unlike that tutorial, I actually melted the pine tar in my hot oils (vs microwaving the pine tar separately) then let everything cool to room temp before mixing in the lye water. I used a whisk and was able to mix the batch thoroughly before it got to brownie-batter-glop stage. Where I had trouble was getting the loaf out of my silicone mold. The batch sat for a good three days but was still too soft, so I popped it in the freezer and finally got the loaf out of the mold, but even frozen it wasn't easy. I let the loaf sit another day then cut the bars, which look wonderful.

I opted to use no scent since this was sort of a test batch for me and my friend. The stink during mixing was something else, but it has all dissipated now. Can't wait till I get feedback from my friend this summer when she uses it. I may also give a couple bars to the ex who has psoriasis to see if it helps him any.