Recent content by kirsten.

I would have suggested the same thing, good call. But, I never use artificial fragrance in my soaps, lotions or cleansers - only essential oils. In soap I usually I go fragrance free. I'm also careful to use only skin safe EOs, not anything sensitizing. I'm hoping this is a "flare up" situation...

I am allergic to latex, but not shea butter. I use that with no issues.

Haha - I knew you guys would have some thoughts. The dermatologist said it's *probably * due to lye based soap, but suggested that I could try a coconut free soap because she had heard of some people able to tolerate that. She said that it's more of a reaction than an actual allergy, so...

Hello my lovely soapy friends ❤️ I have a question/sad story to relate. I've been told that I'm allergic to soap! Can you imagine the tragedy? I've never had eczema in my life, but I developed severe eczema, mostly on my hands, but also my ears (!!!) last fall. I've tried all the creams...

Sorry, I've been offline :) I have a Vivosun TDs/temperature/pH combination meter. I got from Amazon a couple of years ago. I calibrate it from time to time and it's going strong.

I love my little kitchen ph meter! I use it for lotions, conditioners, shampoos.... and canning! :)

If you pour in hot water and then let it sit until the water cools the solid oils and wax should float to the top and solidify. Then you can just scoop it out and ditch the water (without worrying as much about the drains) It doesn't get rid of 100% of the wax, but nearly so.

I was wondering if you had a good source for pyrithione zinc. I've seen it on Amazon, but it's quite spendy...

I guess it depends whether you like the smell of calamine lotion, which I do!! The dominant scents in the calamine lotion of my youth is camphor and menthol. I would absolutely stick with the original. White chocolate mint? Eucalyptus, peppermint and black spruce would be lovely. If you don't...

Never tried salicylic acid, but I've been using urea (got it from lotion crafter) as an additive in my shampoo and conditioner formulas and it's been a game changer!!! I got the idea from an cream for eczema that worked wonders for me.

Thank you so much! Honestly, I'm fine with the actual maths, but understanding what the weights and sizes MEAN often escapes my comprehension. I only make for myself, so six shampoo bars would be a big commitment of ingredients 😁

How many bars did the lush recipe make?

What excellent repurposing! I do the same things with "scented bottles"

I really like rosehip oil. It's up there with meadowfoam for me in terms of being non-replaceable. It is great for inflammation (acne, rosacea...), fine lines and dark patches. I believe some people are sensitive to it, but I love it. I use it in serums and cleansing oil, and lip balm.

Well done, it looks lovely! How long has your soap cured so far? I absolutely concur with adding castor oil for bubbles. Also, I always find my lather improves with time. Your recipe will improve over time, but so will the soap you've already made. Cheers!