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Comment by Kimeli Wade on August 16, 2013 at 10:17am

Check out this video on making a luffa soap.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AosUKU0wxRo.  This is one of the soapmaking Youtube channels I subscribe to and have learned a lot from.  Should you have a bumper crop of gourds in the future, let me know.  I'd like to purchase some from you to use in my soap.  I have a friend who uses witch hazel as deodorant.  She keeps a small atomizer in her purse in case she needs to re-apply during the day.  I tried it one weekend and it works well. A few drops of essential oils can add a light fragrance as well as antibacterial properties to it. Tea tree, eucalyptus and citrus oils would do well.  Should you want to give it a try, Mountain Rose Herbs (http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkmisc/bulkmisc.html) has a Witch Hazel extract with a lower percentage of alcohol than the store bought variety, which I think would work even better.  Do you use the toothpaste you learned to make?  I'm interested in making some for my family. 

Comment by Adisa on August 15, 2013 at 8:31pm

I learned to make soap, toothpaste and deodorant last year.  The deodorant I used irritated my skin, but I still wish to find a natural product to use.  I enjoyed making the soap, so much that I planted Luffa Gourds this season.  The method I used has only produced one maybe two luffa gourds so far.  The plant itself is well over 15 feet long and has climbed up a tree in my back yard, which is also where the plant decided to produce the luffa.  As it matures I will figure a way to reach it and use it in the next soap making experiment.  Thank you for this information!

Comment by Kimeli Wade on August 14, 2013 at 12:48pm

What's in your soap?  MICA

Mica (derived from the Latin word meaning 'crumb') is a mineral that has a shiny, flaky, sheet-like composition.  You may be surprised at how often you come into contact with it.

Common uses for Mica:
1. Toothpaste - Ever wonder what makes kids' toothpaste sparkle?
2. Paint - Adds sheen, helps resist weathering, used in joint compound.
3. Electronics - Lighting, radar detectors, televisions and many industrial electrical uses.
4. Cosmetics - Blush, eyeshadow, mineral make up, lip gloss, lip stick and SOAP.

Mica is found in several natural colors including black, brown, purple, pink, white and ivory.  In cosmetics, dyes are used to color the shiny surface of the mineral, which, for example, gives eyeshadow its sparkle.  In soap, mica provides a vast array of color choices.  Because of it's ability to reflect light, it adds a pearlescent effect to clear based soaps (also known as melt and pour or glycerin soap).  When used in cold process soaps (traditional bar soaps) micas create beautiful matte colors.

Comment by Kimeli Wade on August 13, 2013 at 1:35pm

What's In Your Soap? GLYCERIN

When you think about glycerin soap, do you visualize fun, colorful transparent soaps? Actually, all soaps are glycerin soaps. Glycerin is a byproduct of the soap making process, which became a very profitable business in the mid 1800s when someone came up with a way to separate glycerin from soap. This was important because glycerin is used to make nitroglycerin, which is used to make dynamite.

Glycerin is a hygroscopic substance, which means it attracts and retains moisture from the air. If you leave a clear soap (which has had more glycerin added) sitting out (especially in humid environments), you will eventually see beads of moisture form on the surface. Don't worry, it's not gone bad. This is exactly what the soap does to your skin, and the reason your skin feels soft and supple after using it.

Comment by Kimeli Wade on August 13, 2013 at 12:16pm

Rehab REMIX
The same awesomeness of the original Rehab, now with more activated charcoal to draw excess oils and toxins from your skin, resulting in fewer blackheads, less acne and an overall healthy glow. Activated charcoal is also known to speed wound healing.

Comment by Kimeli Wade on August 13, 2013 at 12:15pm

Almond Butter Swirl
Almonds contain vitamins E, A and B which are known to moisturize and protect the skin from sun damage and signs of aging. Almond oil provides relief from the itching and inflammation of eczema, psoriasis and other aggravating skin conditions. Clean, exfoliate, moisturize and heal with this beautiful bar.

Comment by Kimeli Wade on August 8, 2013 at 3:04pm

REHAB
Contains activated charcoal, which is known to draw toxins from the skin, soothe acne prone skin and increase wound healing time. Coconut, castor, olive and soy oils replenish moisture leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated.

Comment by Kimeli Wade on July 29, 2013 at 2:30pm

LYE: Friend or foe?

Also known by it's chemical name, sodium hydroxide, lye has a myriad of uses, many of which you may not be aware of.

1. Used to cure olives, canned mandarin oranges, hominy and other foods.

2. It is the active ingredient in oven cleaners and drain openers.

3. Used in hair care products such as relaxers.

4. Combine it with lard, olive oil or other animal or plant fatty acid and you get SOAP!!! Can't get clean without it.

So, to answer the question, lye is definitely our friend!

Comment by Clifford Black on July 25, 2013 at 6:04pm

I see that Daniel is learning how to do this. Marvelous.

B.

Comment by Kimeli Wade on July 24, 2013 at 10:45pm

SCRUB-A-DUB
The layers of this beautiful exfoliating bar contain botanicals that will remove dead skin, nourish and give your skin a brighter healthy glow.

Top layer - Almond Butter - Delivers vitamins E, A and B to your skin which provide protection from sun damage and signs of aging.

Layer #2 - Calendula - Used for centuries to treat many conditions such as conjunctivitis, eczema and menstrual cramps. Relieves inflammation and speeds healing of wounds and burns.

Layer #3 - Poppy Seeds - In addition to its many health benefits, poppy seed is an excellent exfoliating agent and provides relief of itchy skin.

Layer #4 - Oatmeal - Does the body good inside and out. Helps skin retain moisture, soothes irritated skin and improves tone.

As with any exfoliant, be sure to moisturize afterward. Coconut oil would be a great choice, as it is light, and absorbs in to the skin slowly, eliminating the need to reapply.

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