When I made my pine tar soap (a long, long time ago) I researched the usage rate. 10% was the maximum amount allowed by law. Wish I knew where I saw that at, but I don't remember anymore. All I can remember is it was one of those govt pages that list what can and can't be used in soap.
For a while I collected old lye pamphlets. They did recommend adding small amounts of lye in dishwater and in the wash water for clothes among other things. At first I was taken aback but then I realized how little was actually used. Basically it was watered down quite a bit. Although I did try...
I poke a couple Tums (antacid from pharmacy section) around each plant for calcium. Then sprinkle Epsom Salt around each plant. The magnesium in Epsom Salt helps the plant utilize the calcium. As an added bonus the Epsom Salt helps increase blossoms. More blossoms means more fruit. Because of...
Have her call the local food bank and see if they have needed items. She can organize a fund raiser or shelf stocking ( nonperishable food items and toiletries online via facebook and front yard sign. Once the items are collected either you or someone from the foodbank can pick them up and...
Try using a different jar. With canning food if a jar spoils you aren't supposed to use the jar again. Boil the water for at least 10 minutes to kill any germs. And also consider doing it in a different room. There may be some rogue mold spores in that area. Obviously you wouldn't see a spore...
I've made several batches of sulfur soap for dandruff. It works pretty good for that. A lot of feed stores carry it for sores and skin afflictions on animals. Somehow I got the impression that 10% is the maximum amount allowed by law. It's been so long since I researched it, that I can't...
It was my understanding that shaving soap needs about 60% stearic to be successful. It's the stearic that helps with the fluffy lather lasting longer. Is there some reason you are looking palmitic?
Also since you mentioned being low on stearic. Some hard butters are high in stearic. You could...
Here are a couple links to shaving soap recipes that should turn out fairly decent shaving soaps:
http://www.lovinsoap.com/2016/10/shave-soap-recipe-make-dual-lye-tallow-shave-soap/
https://www.modernsoapmaking.com/tutorial-shaving-soap-recipe/...
That is an awful of of castor oil. Castor can feel kind of sticky when used in higher amounts. Usually it is used at about 5% or less. Did you add stearic to it to make a shaving soap?