Teach Soap

I have made a batch of Beer Shampoo Bars, and they have turned out just as I had hoped. What I would like to try out is Apple Cider in a batch, (as the neighbour works for a brewery), has anyone tried this out yet. I haven't worked out what essential oil to add to cider yet, but I should imagine it will smell very appleish anyway. Any ideas anyone?

I haven't tried it, but I hear that apple cider could negate some of your lye.

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

Hi BarbaraMay.

This is what I've done and they sell very well. I use Woodchuck Cider and mix 1/2 cider and 1/2 liquid aloe for my shampoo bars. I label them as "Ale & Aloe". I use 1oz PPO of Almond FO. The almond FO combined with the apple cider gives a very pleasant and unique fragrance. Beer (ale, cider, etc.) is good for hair because of the nutrients and aloe is good for your scalp.

I've heard soapbuddy's argument that lye will negate any benefit from the beer or aloe, etc. I disagree and pose this retort: if lye negates any benefits, then making soap from anything except water is pointless. If you can tell the difference from using water versus goat's milk, aloe or anything else, then that theory is nullified.

If you decide to copy the Ale & Aloe labels please don't sell them in NC.

Way to go Jets.

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

SuperSoaper do you live in NC? I live in Charlotte, relocated from NY!! Yay Jets!!

Hi Supersoaper, many thanks for those ideas. I will be making cider soap with Sandalwood essential oil probably, but I'm glad that I can use either apple cider or pear cider for shampoo bars, as the beer shampoo is amazing.
I love the fact that everyone has so many different ideas and recipes, it gives you hope that you aren't going to waste good ingredients on major mistakes, especially when you don't need to.
This is a journey that I am truly loving, and the results are so special, that no bought bar of soap could ever compare to the bliss of using your own, and seeing the difference in your skin, and everyone elses.
I feel proud that I can make a difference in what I put on my body, and those of my friends and family, that are sharing my soaps. Many thanks again, I'm a happy kiwi from New Zealand.

Barbara May,
I LOVE NZ I was there 5 years ago and it still ranks as my most different and amazing vacations! Can't wait to get back there with hubby. I have it on my list to try making shampoo bars (a very long list indeed). I am really excited at the idea of adding beer and other beneficial liquids to them

I think today I may try whipped CP soap instead.....wish me luck!

Erin

Hi Citymouse, pleased to me you. Another lover of NZ awesome. We welcome you with open arms.
Have you tried to make the cider shampoo bars yet?
I'm starting my first cider batch in the morning, it's flat enough now to chill, then away we go.
I made a batch of Woof Bars a couple of months ago for our old Doberman, she was getting a bit smelly, (age does that) and wow what a shampoo bar that was. Her coat is wonderfully soft and shiny. Have sent up most of the batch to my friend who is a Doberman breader, she's going to try it out on her dogs for the dog shows coming up. I put Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary and Pine Oils into the mix, and it's devine.
2 weeks later, and her coat is still lovely.
Happy soaping from a happy kiwi.

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

Be careful using regular handmade soap on dogs. The pH of their skin is different than humans and it could irritate.

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

Thanks for mentioning that soapbuddy. Horses skin is also much more sensitive than humans. Also with dogs, please be cautious with the amount of essential or fragrance oils you use for scenting as it could be an irritant to them. Learned the hard way unfortunately but thankfully didn't do any damage.

BarbaraMay: could you PM me when you get a chance. Want to see if you've heard of a NZ soap company called PeeJay.

Thanks for mentioning about the pH difference. I knew t hat, but all of the dog shampoos I've tried just don't work very well. I've also used plain dishwashing soap with the same result.

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

Want to see if you've heard of a NZ soap company called PeeJay.[/quote]

Supersoaper, never heard of this company but have heard of one with a "kind of" similar name...do you know what area they are from?

Hi Teresa Green. I don't know where they're located. We visited Christchurch area several months ago and I always try to pick up a bar of soap from each place. I purchased a bar of "Volcanic Sulphur Soap" in a small shop manufactured from PeeJay company. No other information on the label except that it cures "athletes foot, psoriasis, etc., etc." The soap is awesome so I tried to duplicate it by mixing some sulphur 100% USP powder in my standard recipe. I ended up creating something so vile that it defies definition. Their label only has an email address & phone number but no website, city, or any other information.

I hope you managed to avoid the earthquake in Christchurch a few months ago

I tried to google them, but nothing. They may be a very small company. If their phone no. begins with area code "03" then they are somewhere in the South Island...I will ask on a local forum.