Neem Oil Soap

[StormyK]

15% neem oil soap with a first go at a 'hidden feather'. I was aiming for the image of a plant... ... ... didnt really achieve that, but I'm pretty happy with it anyway. I dont even mind the smell! lol

I used a combination of geranium, tea tree, lavender, and cedarwood. I think they work with the neem scent rather well - it mostly just comes off as earthy and warm.

 

[cmzaha]

Well, I think they look like plants, and the colors fit neem soap well. I actually like the smell of neem soap after it cures, and your eo blend is a good choice. Better than any hidden feather I ever did.

May I recommend that you cover the rack you have your soaps sitting on with either light toweling, parchment paper, wax paper, etc. It is possible that even stainless steel, powder-coated and Teflon racks can lend to spots of DOS. Better safe than sorry.

 

[StormyK]

@cmzaha - thank you for the very kind words! I've also placed a sheet of parchment on my racks as I just recently read about metal racks possibly contributing to DOS, but the warning is very much appreciated none-the less!

 

[Dawni]

Actually I think it does look like plants

Nice color combo.. Scent too. Would not have thought geranium complements neem but the rest do.

 

[Mobjack Bay]

It turned out really well and the scent combo sounds great.

 

[shunt2011]

I think they turned out great. They look like seedlings coming out of the ground.

 

[Nona'sFarm]

That EO blend sounds perfect!

 

[StormyK]

Awww - thanks all!
Obviously I'm overly critical of myself.

 

[Sony Sasankan]

I've always wondered how neem oil is used. @StormyK , did you use the 15% neem oil as a superfat? Or in the oil blend with the lye?

 

[StormyK]

@Sony Sasankan My understanding is that you really cant choose what oils stay as free-floating after the soaponification process so, while I used a 6% superfat for the recipe, I just included the Neem oil as I would any other oil and let the soap do its thing.

 

[Sony Sasankan]

@Sony Sasankan My understanding is that you really cant choose what oils stay as free-floating after the soaponification process so, while I used a 6% superfat for the recipe, I just included the Neem oil as I would any other oil and let the soap do its thing.

Ah... I have yet to try it as a normal oil. Its got a very strong interesting smell. I was sure none of the health benefits will make it past the lye. So I used it as a 10% superfat... which I think was a little too strong for me. Plus I didnt use any other EO. Definitely going to do next batch with Neem, Lavender and lemongrass and see how it turns out

 

[Zing]

I'm convinced all these so-called newbies have years of soaping behind them. Your "first go" at hidden feather, right.

Just kidding. Great color! Great feather! Reminded me too of seedlings.

 

[DeeAnna]

Neem is kinda similar to lard and palm as far as its fatty acids go. It's a nice addition to soap if you don't mind the odor. The smell does mellow a lot as the soap cures, so I'm pretty okay with it.

Lovely soap, @StormyK -- attractive pattern and colorway -- well done!

 

[cmzaha]

I use it up to 20% in bar soap and actually like the smell once it cures and mellows out.

I do not know for sure what properties last but one of my daughters uses the facial soleseif bar with neem I make for her, and it really helps her. Granted it is probably a combo of the salt and neem, but my regular neem soap without brine also helps out her skin.

 

[StormyK]

I use it up to 20% in bar soap and actually like the smell once it cures and mellows out.

I can 100% see that. I'm still not sure if it smells "good" to me yet, but I dont at all mind the earthy-ness of it - and I'm nowhere near cured yet!

I do not know for sure what properties last but one of my daughters uses the facial soleseif bar with neem I make for her, and it really helps her. Granted it is probably a combo of the salt and neem, but my regular neem soap without brine also helps out her skin.

Hey, there's something to be said for anecdotal evidence!