Recent content by mandolyn

I use E-Wax as the emulsifier & Stearic Acid to thicken my lotions. I, also, add .5% Tocopherol T-50 to each batch of lotion as an antioxidant which keeps oils & butters from going rancid. I can't tell you how many lotions & creams I've received in swaps that went rancid in a month or so. As...

I've used High Oleic Sunflower oil. It's processed for a long shelf-life so doesn't develop DOS like regular. It's properties are very similar to OO. It does color yellow, though.

It looks like DOS in it's beginning stages to me. DOS isn't always accompanied by rancidity, so it may not smell off.

I'd use jojoba & beeswax.

Hempseed oils is green, so maybe try formulating with oils that are green & yellow? Haven't tried it, but thinking.

Ditto what soapbuddy said. Most of us got into soapmaking for the same reasons, & quickly wondered how to make this necessary hobby pay for itself. :lol:

I use hydrated chromium green from bramble berry.

You're welcome! :D

I purchase already powdered, because it's finer than I can grind myself.

I tried 100% coconut oil which has a very long shelf life, but my clothes started smelling like rancid oils. Maybe I was using too much & it wasn't getting rinsed out. I've recently purchased from Trader Joes a liquid laundry soap that's made from plant-based surfactants & coconut oil. So...

Well, that's my point. My business was supposed to be week-end craft fairs & etsy only. Try convincing your customers you only do this part time. They don't care, they just want their soap when they run out, & they call when it's convenient for them - even during my regular work hours, on...

Ditto all of that except the breakdown. The last straw was a demanding customer who wouldn't take no for an answer when she could plainly see that there were NO listings in my etsy shop, but demanded soap anyways. I got tired of people wanting to pick up soap from my home, even after I said no...

I couldn't do it. My soap business is side-lined, it was too demanding with a regular job.

I didn't watch the video, so maybe this was noted. Be sure to add an antioxidant like Tocopherol T-50 or ROE to keep your whipped butter from going rancid. I love my whipped shea butter for my feet!

I don't use bentonite clay-too harsh for me. I mix my clays with various powders. I have different recipes, but here's a list of powders I might add to my mix of clays: rose petal powder (my fave) powdered milk (goat's milk or coconut milk) powdered yoghurt hibiscus petal powder lavender...