Teach Soap

Hiyya all you crafty soapers!

Okay, so the title was SUPPOSED to read 'How MUCH product to make for testing?' Oops!

I'm new to the world of soaping and I'm okay admitting that it's not an easy task to start everything up.

I have several recipes for different kinds of product that I want to test for research and development of product lines, see what I and potential buyers like best for textures, scents, that kind of thing. How much soap do you make when you are trying something new just to try it? How about bath bombs or massage bars? How big do you make your samples to get feedback from outside your family and closest friends??

I am chemically talented, but also aware that soap making can be a little finicky at times and am prepared to give myself leeway for chemical failures on the part of the soap maker (me).

Thank you in advance for any and all of your input!

I make 2 lb. batches of soap for testers, which is small for me. For anything smaller, I would convert ozs. to grams for better accuracy. I don't give out bamb bombs as samples. As far as massage bars, you could pour them into a thin layer, cut them up, wrap them and give out as testers.

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

I've been making approx 500g (oils) tester batches to test the 1oz sample fragrances I've been getting in. By the time I add the liquids, works out to about 700 - 800g batches.

I've given out samples of my bath bombs in the hockey puck size or even just squishing it into an ice-cube tray. Soap samples are the same - icecube tray or I cut one normal bar into 6 or 8 squares. I have a small group of testers that have agreed to help me however, I don't hand out to just anyone, especially with CP soap as 'just anyone' might decide that the rash or reaction they had is worth suing over! My testers are hand selected and are fully aware of what's happening and sign a document attesting to that.

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

I had a few specific people in mind for a focus group, but that waiver document is a super-smart way to go. Thank you for that!!

I had a diversified group of testers: different ages, skin-types, etc. to give me a better idea of how my soaps worked. I am doing the same thing now for lotions with women ranging from 20 years to 80 years old.

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

Thank you, that is an excellent consideration!

I can't tell you all how pleased I am to have heard back from you and gotten those 'I should have thought of that!' insights.

It is only now that I have realized that the thread title is missing a word. >.> The computer gremlins ate it, I swear!

LOL darn those gremlins!!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist