I was curious to see how potassium cocoate compares to a synthetic surfactant such as ALS or SLS. (Potassium cocoate is liquid soap made using KOH, but unlike the multi-oil liquid soaps produced by members here, it is made using only coconut oil). I bought the PC a while ago intending to use it 'straight', but of course it was far too drying, although it cleaned wonderfully and had great foam. Recently I have been messing about with it to make a hand soap, but milder. I found that by adding cocoamidopropyl betaine and one or another of the amphoteric surfactants, then neutralising to pH 6 using citric acid, I can make a really thick soap that seems mild enough, still has great foam and cleaning power. Then I just add some glycerine, preservative, aloe vera, fragrance and colour to complete it. I'll post the proportions of the formula when I get it exactly to my satisfaction.
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