Here is some good info on Triethanolamine:
http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=622
Thanks for posting this link....again, I actually only understood about 40% of it. I'm not a chemist. Sure would help to be one about now, huh?
The thing about clear soap is that clear isn't natural. It doesn't matter who made it, any really clear soap has 75-77% natural ingredients tops.
There are some fine natural transparent bases out there as well if you value content over clarity.
I once worked for a place that used a crystal clear M&P, claimed it was all natural and didn't print ingredients. Put a couple drops of oil in per pound and now you can say it was infused with such and such. That kind of business practice makes my stomach churn, and I take pains to make sure my customers understand what they are buying.
I, too, worked for a place that did the same. (where I 'caught' the soapmaking BUG, lol!). I heard her claim the glycerin soaps were "natural" to customers. Since I just assumed she was telling the truth, I went ahead and ordered from the same company she got her base from......
I should have also realized too, at the time, my fingers would get all sore, rashed, dry, cracked, etc. back then. But I was taking 'diet pills' then too, so I just attributed it to the medicine.
Over the years I have used crappy natural bases and awesome 'syndet' bases and vice-versa. I think it really is a matter of personal preference.
Well put. This base is a delight to work with...the clear is clear enough, the white is bright...there's no yellowing, it cools off and melts at workable rates, etc. I tried WSP's natural base and didn't like to work with it at all.....took FOREVER to set up, lol! :roll: Not patient enough for that. So I'm hoping SFIC's base is a nice inbetween/medium. I won't know unitl about March next year though, 'cause I have to wait for my income tax return to purchase base to last the whole year! Guess I should try their sample lot.