In My Soap Pot

Everything about water in soap making

Water is one of the main ingredients in soap making, but how important is it really? What kind of water should you be using? And how much? What are the effects of water in soap making? […]

SAP values – why they are important in soap making and what makes a mild soap

If you want to make good soap, it helps if you know your chemistry, but it doesn’t need to be explained in a complicated way with lots of chemical formulas. […]

9 soap making tips to help you succeed!

Soap making isn’t hard and should definitely not be stressful. Here are some handy hints to turn your soap making journey into a fun and successful one! […]

Where to get a hanger swirl tool in New Zealand?

If you don’t live in the US, the great soap making nation, it can be difficult to get hold of soap making tools and equipment. Here’s how I found the perfect hanger swirl tool in New Zealand! […]

Testing Fragrances Part 2

Fragrances can be made up of hundreds different components and it isn’t just vanillin that causes discolouration. Any of the essential oils, resins, natural and synthetic aroma chemicals can have an effect on the final colour of the soap. […]

Testing Fragrances Part 1

Fragrances are one of the most difficult ingredient to predict how they will affect the soap and the soap making process. This is the first part in a three-part series, and will be looking at the component vanillin, which gives vanilla essence it’s unique scent and flavour. Unfortunately in soap making, it it is one of the main culprits that causes the soap to turn brown. […]

How to add fresh ingredients to soap

Using fresh ingredients in soap making has become very popular in the last years, largely due to the demand for more natural products. However, fresh ingredients will add extra water, sugar and/or fat to your soap, which alters the formulation and affects the outcome of your soap. In this post, I will explain what is needed and how to avoid common pitfalls. […]

How to use clays in soap

There are many benefits of adding clays to soaps, and not only as natural colourants. In this post I explain what clays are, how they work and the properties and uses in soaps. […]