Why do I make soap?
For many years, I have struggled with sensitive skin. Many products cause my skin to react. So many products that we use on our skin contain unnecessary ingredients and copious amounts of fragrance. I want to use soap that contains natural, organic ingredients, with a light pleasing scent which lingers briefly on your skin. Eventually I came to the conclusion that I could best do this by creating my own soap. Making soap naturally lead to other skin care products, which I approach with the same philosophy.
Organic or not?
Whenever possible and practical, I will use organic ingredients. However, if the price of an organic ingredient would substantially increase the cost of the final product, then I will select high quality, locally available alternatives. My goal is to produce a high quality product that everyone can afford.
Preservatives and Emulsifiers
Preservatives are generally viewed as bad ingredients. But not all preservatives are bad and some products require preservatives for safety reasons. I have selected Geogard ECT. It is compliant with ECOCERT and COSMOS, and is accepted by the NPA.
Emulsifiers have also gained a poor reputation. They too, have their place in some products, being necessary to achieve a pleasing consistancy. I have selected Olivem 1000. This product is derived from the olive plant and is compliant with COSMOS.
What about Lye?
All soap, by definition, is made with Lye or Sodium Hydroxide (or Potassium Hydroxide). It is not possible to make soap without it. During the soap making process, the lye combines with the oils and fats, and becomes soap. This is called saponification. The lye is completely absorbed and no longer exists in its original form.