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I use tap water to make bar soap. We also have soft water. I've used both tap and distilled to make this recipe and haven't noticed much of a difference. Provided there aren't crazy amounts of minerals in the tap water, I think the greater difference would be the quality of the water when...

I add at the end of cook. It makes the soap a bit more fluid that way and if you don't mix red wine in totally, you can get a neat marbled look. :) It trips me out how (the variety of wine I've used anyway) hits the soap and turns bluish but as it cools in the mold returns to a pinkish.

My family and community are Greek and really into 100% Olive oil soaps. When I make Zany's no slime recipe, they don't believe it's Castile Point being, for some people who just really enjoy and seek it out, that's what they expect and want. Personally, I love Zany's and even do my dishes with it.

Hello, fellow NCian!

I just got the funniest mental image of putting finely chopped fingernails into soap.

I do, but it's specifically my dad's brand made in Greece. I've also tried with his EVOO as well as store bought cheapy stuff. I find that all trace fairly quickly but I like the finished product with dad's pomace better.

How odd. I find I have to be very careful not to stick blend much at all or it's too thick to pour. It's even worse using lavender EO. I knew there was a reason I hate lavender EO.

Yes, I strain it and the soap ends up just fine.

The different results for different people is so interesting. What kind of salt specifically is everyone using? I think even labeled "sea salt" can vary widely. Maybe it's a trace mineral hindering it setting up?

I finally made a batch of mastic soap. It smells so good! I can't wait for it to cure. Hope it still smells as good then. I used Zany's no slime Castile recipe, but powdered and melted the mastic in the oil beforehand. Most of it melted, but I did strain to prevent scratchies. In the future...

Just reporting that I've tried this recipe both got and cold process. I like them both, but prefer cold process. Seriously, zero slime! Very mild. I got a tiny bit of slime with hot process. YMMV with your cooking procedure. Still very enjoyable.

If the vinegar thing was referring to me, sorry for not being clear. I thought the earlier post saying everyone assumed everyone added vinegar meant in the rinse.

In the link, yes, there are two soaps. But if we look only at the liquid soap, the "paste" is shown to be a solid, transparent bar.

You poor dear! I'm the same. Even detergents "free of perfumes and dyes" break me out in hives. We are lucky enough to have soft water, so I don't have to worry too much about soap scum in the clothes. Maybe check out your municipal water department website and see if your water is hard or...

@Dahila , does the enzyme have or leave a particular smell?

Thank you :) Mastic is used as a food spice and as chewing gum. There are a lot of mastic soaps in Greece made with actual mastic (not essential oil or fragrance oil, though I'm sure that's a thing too). I personally am certain of its safety, but how would I go about checking if I'm "allowed"...

Sorry, I should have been more clear. Just interested in the scent. I normally do hot process. I might actually be able to get the tears or powder cheaper than an essential oil, and I can't find an actual fragrance oil. Thank you so much for your replies, @BattleGnome and @Lin19687 !

Hi, everyone! I searched and found a few threads on which people mentioned trying to make mastic soap. As far as I saw, no one updated with results. Anyone here try it? Would mastic tears or powdered mastic be best? Would you infuse it in oil or include the powder in the soap? Would the soap...

I tested (and liked) a batch of hot process bar soap that I intended for dish washing. Mostly coconut oil, no super fat, with orange oil. I added a little bit of vinegar after the cook, which I know may have turned to sodium acetate. I will make another test batch without the vinegar and...

As far as non-luffa plants: our peas, carrots, and edamame were productive but done a while back. Blueberries were good too. Zucchini were great but got taken out by vine borers. Tomatoes and cukes are in full swing. Grapes just got harvested. Fig trees are loaded this year! Plenty to eat for...